01/17/25 AM: Kirstenbosch

For our last day in Cape Town, the group went to the Kirstenbosch National Gardens. Founded in 1913, the national garden is specifically dedicated to protecting plants from the Cape Floral Kingdom. The region is ecologically unique and boasts a number of endemic plants and wildlife!

There are 6 major floristic regions – known as kingdoms – across the world, of which the Cape Floral is the smallest. The national parks and reserves in South Africa that contain the Cape Floristic ecosystem are jointly protected as a UNESCO world heritage site. Despite this ecosystem making up only 0.5% of the land in Africa and 0.04% of the land in the world, over 9,000 different species of plants reside in the region. Of these species, 70% are found nowhere else on Earth.

The park itself was exceptional, with rolling streams, a concert venue, canopy-covered walkways, fields of flowers, and winding trails. It featured a walkway that rose to the canopy of the forest, where we could see excellent views from the slopes of Table Mountain. Some students took the Skeleton Gorge trail part-ways up the mountain as well, affording them an even better view of Cape Town’s eastern suburbs.

The park was grouped into different exhibits and plant groups, which explained the histories, uses, and names of the plants featured. It explained that specific plants were used for many ritualistic and medicinal purposes. One of the most prominent plant groups featured were fynbos plants, low shrubs that grow atop Table Mountain and is occasionally used as an ingredient in food and drink. Different species of Fynbos plants make up 80% of the plants in the Cape Floral Kingdom.

Our favorite use for these plants, however, was being able to relax with friends in the open spaces of the park. A group of us rested in the shade of a great Sneezewood tree, where we had a chance to decompress before the hectic packing and return flights began. We rested on the ground and watched the sunlight filter through the trees and discussed some of our favorite moments of the trip, as well as what we look forward to most upon our return.

Aside from the plants, there was also plenty of wildlife to see, including the blue, green, and yellow agama lizard shown below. Other animals spotted include African ducks and sunbirds. As we laid on the ground, we even had a confusion of guinea fowl approach us – yes that’s actually what a group of them is called! They came not only in search of food, but also to take dust baths.

Even though we only had two hours at the Kirstenbosch Gardens, everyone made the most of it and had a great time learning, relaxing, and taking in the scenic views. It was a wonderful time to relax and enjoy each other’s company for one of the last times in South Africa. Our next and final stop would be the Moyo restaurant – also at the Kirstenbosch Gardens – for our farewell lunch.

Blog by Dominick Tadewald