Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens

This incredible city lung is one of our greatest assets and I thank my lucky stars that the people who set it aside had the foresight to do so. With its proliferation of local flora (a whopping 7,000 species) showcasing the diversity of the Cape floral kingdom, rolling lawns that go on forever, pockets of tree-shaded privacy for picnics, streams for paddling and must-visits such as Lady Anne Barnard’s bath (throw a coin and make a wish), you’ll love the sense of tranquillity that permeates the garden. I love coming here on a Sunday, papers and croissants close at hand – it’s ideal for families but it’s big enough to sneak off for some peace and quiet and maybe a snooze too. A popular walking spot, you can walk for hours and still not explore the entire area.