Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens in Cape Town is one of the major
'tourist traps' in the Western Cape. Annual more than 500,000
visitors. The gardens indeed have something to offer but not to every
visitor. Three out of every four visitors don't go any further than
the first 100 metres or so from the entrance with the conservatory,
coffee corners, restaurants and shops ("Made in China"). That's how
money is made and these 'attractions' have to take care that the main
attraction can survive; botanical research can be done, salaries of
(botanical) staff can be paid, etc. We love to go to Kirstenbosch
ourselves every now and than for a nice walk in the (English style
landscaped) gardens; no doubt about that. But if a botanical garden as
Kirstenbosch only can survive by all the banter around the core
activity; donations and subsidies we start to wonder.

Something simular is happening at the Karoo Botanical Garden in
Worcester. This 'subsidary' of the National Botanical Institute
recently got a subsidy of 3.2-million Rand. What did they do with it?
At the entrance a new parking area was created with next to it a
restaurant. Visitors don't have to visit the gardens anymore. Peoples
stomaches have become the core business of this botanical garden. It's
a nice building though......

South Africans should be proud of their own Soekershof Walkabout (the
ones who've been there ARE). Not subsidised but offering the real
thing. Not a mainstream destination but a real experience. Not for the
'hungry lot' but for the 'happy few' who still can enjoy the wonders
of (plant-)Life. Walk, Wonder and be Inspired. The real thing!!!

Great personal experience!!!

(www.soekershof.com)