One of the best things about a vacation in Cape Town is the abundance of special events that take place in stunning locations - things that you wouldn’t normally get the opportunity to do when you are at home.
Because of the wonderful weather, life in Cape Town is lived at a slower pace with many social activities taking place outdoors. With the advantage of stunning countryside locations and the warm, dry climate, you are guaranteed to have that extra special experience.
Protea at Kirstenbosch
One of my favourite things to do in the summer time is to take in one (or more!) of the Summer Sunset Concerts held on the slopes of Table Mountain at Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens.
The gardens are a pleasure to visit at any time, especially on a hot afternoon to stroll along the cooling avenues of Camphor trees and Moreton Bay Figs, many of which date back to the time of Cecil Rhodes who purchased Kirstenbosch in 1895, bequeathing the land to the government on his death in 1902.
What we see around the gardens today is a testament to the dedication of staff and organizations over the years in developing such gardens as the Cycad Amphitheatre, or the rock work along the Bath stream and stone work in the Dell. Proteas, being the national flower of South Africa, feature in the aptly named Protea Garden create a colourful backdrop to the emerald green lawns and stone walkways linking the different areas.
Light and shade, colour and diversity – all can be found beneath the soaring rock face and slopes of Table Mountain making it the perfect setting for holding the Old Mutual Summer Sunset concerts.
Amazingly, the concerts are now in their 20th year, beginning on the 19th November and running through to 1st April 2012. Where the diversity in the gardens themselves can be beheld in the flowers and botanical specimens, the music for the concerts matches.
Showcasing new and exciting acts has become a tradition whilst still meshing together old favourites to attract capacity crowds of all ages.
Acts such as The Parletones, Jonny Clegg, Prime Circle, Freshlyground, Goldfish are set to continue their love affair this summer with Kirstenbosch, whilst local hot hits Locnville kick off the season on the 20th November along with Jax Pannik.
Summer Sunset Concert
Having been voted one of the world’s top picnic spots, don’t pass up the opportunity to spread your blanket on the lush green lawns, dip into your picnic basket and sip on a chilled glass of South Africa’s finest wine in the magical setting of the summer gardens.
One of the best things about the concerts is the fact that there is something for everyone, young or old. Some of my best memories are of my small boys clutching candles, listening in the gathering dusk to the Carols By Candlelight.
And of those same small boys dancing madly on the paths at the same time as conducting the Cape Philharmonic Orchestra with their imaginary batons.
For memories that will never fade, you simply cannot miss a visit to Kirstenbosch Gardens, and if you are around on a summer Sunday evening, get there early to claim your patch!
For more great ideas on what to do and see in Cape Town, ComeToCapeTown.com will be delighted to assist you in making the most of your vacation and holiday time. Luxury accommodation, top tours and sights to see, we are your one-shop information stop for the best rates around. Be our guests, Contact Us Now and start planning your own memories!
