What would you discover if you explored Kirstenbosch with a botanist in your pocket, courtesy VoiceMap?
Jeanette Clarke, a self-confessed “nature hedonist” has visited the garden almost every week for 17 years and is as passionate about its history, art and culture as she is about its plants.
Her voice-guided walk leads you on a sensual journey through the lower slopes of Kirstenbosch, past the rare plant garden and up into the treetops to the Boomslang with its spectacular mountain views. You’ll also discover the remnants of Van Riebeeck’s hedge, the Garden’s stone sculptures, and a few of the Garden’s hidden gems.
We’ll settle under a tree for a late afternoon picnic at the end of our hour-long walk, so bring some drinks, snacks and a blanket to sit on. (You can leave your cooler box with one of us at the starting point to avoid hauling it along the walk if you like.) If you still haven’t had your fill of the Garden afterwards, stay on for its popular candlelit Christmas carols concert!
WHERE & WHEN: Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens, Rhodes Dr, Newlands, Cape Town 7735. Meet inside Gate Two, just beyond the ticket booths. Entry to the Garden is R55, unless you have a Kirstenbosch card. Time 14:30 on Sunday 20 December, 2015
VoiceMap uses your smartphone’s GPS device to play audio at specific locations. After downloading the audio walk for R27.99 using the instructions below, you can put your phone in your pocket and start walking. Headphones make for a more immersive experience.
1) Install VoiceMap by going to bit.ly/voicemap (iPhone) or bit.ly/getvoicemap (Android)
2) Sign in or create an account
3) Select Cape Town from the list of cities
4) Then select “Kirstenbosch Walking Tour”
5) Tap on the red download button. The audio walk costs R27.99. You can pay using your iTunes and Google Wallet accounts. Allow ALL the files to finish downloading before you close the app.
6) When the download is finished, the download button will change from red to green, and instead of seeing the price, you’ll see the word “Start”. You’re ready to go!
NB: We’re in the process of making a few updates and improvements to the walk’s audio, so please wait until further notice to download it.
