First published: 22/01/17.

Bernard Joseph Esposo Guerrero 4.0

Cape Floral Region

Cape Floral Region (Inscribed)

Cape Floral Region by Bernard Joseph Esposo Guerrero

A large part of the satisfaction I got in ticking this site off stems from the fact that not only did I see the three nature reserves that form the Table Mountain National Park, but, more importantly, I was able to pay proper visits to seven out of the eight protected areas that make up the inscribed serial property (I missed out Groot Winterhoek).

The Cape floral region is a truly unique ecosystem of the fynbos. Kirstenbosch provides a bird's eyeview of the different fynbos that thrive across different habitats, and it would be best to start one's travel here (I, however, started with the Baviaanskloof moving towards Table Mountain then going up to the Cederberg, making the botalnical garden my last stop).

Here are some of the highlights: (a) the beautiful mountain scenery provided by the Swartberg Pass and the Merringspoort Pass. Both connect the Little Karoo and the Great Karoo, and are great feats of mountain engineering; (b) the rock formations of the Cederberg and its good collection of ancient Bushmen paintings (we took the Sevilla rock art trail); (c) the coastal white sand dunes and game drive of De Hoop; (d) views of Strand, Stellenbosch, Franchshoek and the rest fo the Boland area/wine region on top of the Holland-Hottentots mountains; (d) scenic coastal drives by the Cape of Good Hope and Kogelberg biosphere reserve -- very enjoyable!; and (e) imposing beauty of Table Mountain as seen in and around Cape Town - a true world-class landmark! Also memorable was the walk along the penguin colony in Simon's Town, which is part of the inscribed property as well.

Overall, the outstanding universal values of this serial property is not hard to understand and appreciate. Each protected area is different from one another, and is definitely worth visiting.

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