Nearing the completion of the Treetop Walkway at Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden, horticulturists from near and far are anxiously awaiting the opportunity to see Cape Town’s ecological gem from a new perspective - above.

The 130-meter walkway snakes through the Kirstenbosch’s Arboretum, also known as the Enchanted Forest, providing an immersive experience in which one can see and hear life among the trees. Constructed from galvanized steel and timber, the walkway meanders 11 meters above ground, putting guests at eye-level with a plethora of forest-dwelling inhabitants. Due to its winding and twisting structure and its position above the trees, the walkway has been given the nickname ‘Boomslang’, which is a large, green snake native to South Africa.

In addition to wildlife spottings, the walkway will provide breathtaking views from the treetops of Table Mountain and the Cape Flats. “The walkway bursts through and above the canopy, giving you an impression of what it is like to be above the forest. At this point, the walkway provides spectacular 360 degree vistas comprising Cape Town and the surrounding majestic mountain slopes,” says Kirstenbosch botanical horticulturist Adam Harrower.

To build even more excitement, Adam Harrower has kindly shared his remarkable "in-progress" photographs of the walkway...

The walkway is scheduled to open to the public on march first and will be of no extra cost for visitors of the park.

Kirstenbosch Gardens: 100-Years Beautiful

A flourishing sanctuary just beyond the city, Kirstenbosch Gardens has been stunning its guests for the last century. Now christened the Most Beautiful Garden in Africa, Kirstenbosch Gardens commemorates its 100^th Anniversary with a yearlong celebration and a look back at the birth and evolution of South Africa’s first Botanical Garden.

A Diamond in the Weeds

It was 1911 when South African botanist Henry Harold Welch Pearson stumbled upon a craggy nook of unkempt farmland nestled into Table Mountain’s eastern slope.  Although the land was overrun with rampant weeds and wild boar, Pearson did not allow its current state to cloud his vision. He embraced the lands potential when he declared, “This is the place!”

Two years later, in 1913, Pearson’s labor of love was officially founded, heralding the name Kirstenbosch Gardens. Namesake established, much work still needed to be done. In the early days, as well as the first 50 or so years, most of the work was done manually, using trolleys, mules, carts and crawlers.

Among all the hardships the garden has faced, without a doubt the greatest challenge was coping with the death of Pearson in 1916. Pearson was buried in the garden and is still regarded as the father of Kirstenbosch. Luckily, Robert Harold Compton came along to fulfill Pearson’s vision and under Compton, along with curator J.W. Mathews, the garden garnered an enormous amount of progress and success.

The Jewel of South Africa

Today, the 36-hectare garden is home to exotic forest, brilliantly unique fynbos, and a vibrant variety of animals and birds. More than 6,000 indigenous plants are cultivated at the gardens, and in 2004, the gardens were included within a UNESCO World Heritage Site – the first botanic garden in the world to be included within this prestigious accolade.

Commemorating its 100-year anniversary on 01 June 2013, the gardens will celebrate with yearlong centennial walks and discussions, a VIP event, the launch of a collector’s edition of garden-inspired postage stamps, and an outdoor poster exhibit highlighting the garden’s year-by-year history.

Generational Adoration

Without a doubt, many of these centennial walks will be led by ROAR AFRICA’s friend and Kirstenbosch botanical expert, Andrew Jacobs. Raised across the road for Kirstenbosch in Protea Village, Andrew’s relationship with the garden blossomed early on when in 1963 his father became a plantsman. As a child, Andrew would run barefoot across the canal to deliver his father’s lunchbox. Little did young Andrew realize how closely connected he and the garden would become. Today, the third generation of Jacobs has joined the Kirstenbosch ranks, Andrew’s daughter, Andrea, who has recently begun working in the gift shop.

And after all the years, the honeymoon stage of Andrew’s love for the garden has yet to dispel. “This place is everything to me,” says Andrew. “If the air were any fresher we’d be in heaven.”

Join the celebration by visiting the garden and our friend Andrew this year. A must-see for anyone visiting Cape Town, and a favorite daytrip among many ROAR AFRICA guests, Kirstenbosch is the perfect place to reconnect with the environment, inhale deeply, and bask in the unremarkable beauty of nature

The Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens nestled against the eastern slopes of Table Mountain are world renowned for the breathtaking views, diverse Cape flora and bird life. Toward the end of October an eager anticipation lurks in the air as the line-up of featured musicians to play at the Summer Sunset Concerts is released.

This coming season launching on Sunday November 25, 2012 through until April 7, 2013 brings with it music that transcends all ages and genres. The line-up of local and international musical talent is phenomenal this year. Bring your picnic, your family and friends and enjoy the open-air amphitheatre's atmosphere and music on the slopes of Table Mountain.

The season will open with UK-based star Daniel Bedingfield's pop wizardry and continue on Sundays with artists from classical to blues-rock, jazz, R&B, and folk.  Cape Philharmonic Orchestra, Mango Groove, Prime Circle, Yoav and Tailor, Arno Carstens, The Parlotones, Jimmy Dludlu, Freshly Ground, Sipho “Hotstix” Mabuse, Johnny Clegg, the list goes on and on....

The Old Mutual Summer Sunset Concerts take place at Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden on Sundays from 17h30 – 19h00.  Gates open at 16h00.

Go to http://dogreatthings.co.za/music/kirstenbosch/ or ask ROAR AFRICA for more information.