Birdlife
As Kirstenbosch comprises of both fynbos and forest biomes, it is home to a wide variety of birdlife. There are around 125 bird species that have been recorded in the gardens.
Common birds found among the fynbos plants are sugarbirds, with a distinctive long tail, and colourful sunbirds that enjoy nectar from ericas. Egyptian geese are often seen on the lawns of the gardens, as well as Cape francolin, Guinea fowls and hadeda ibis (their loud call can be heard far and wide).
The Afromontane forest in Kirstenbosch is home to the spotted eagle owl, a majestic bird found close to the Dell, as well as the Steppe buzzard, which swoops down low to catch insects.
Small Creatures
Animals active at dusk in the Kirstenbosch Gardens are Cape foxes, caracal, grysbok and the rare porcupine. The water mongoose and Cape clawless otters live in and around the streams in the gardens, but are rarely spotted. Grey squirrels are a common sight, running around the lawns and scurrying up the trees.
There is also a rich insect life in the gardens, which is most commonly seen during the summer months. The most spectacular butterfly is the Table Mountain Beauty, which pollinates red flowers like the red disa. You’ll also find dragonflies around the streams. Various frog species have also made the streams their home, such as the chirping frog, Cape river frog and the critically endangered Table Mountain ghost frog.
Angulate tortoises live on the lower slopes of Table Mountain and in the garden, as well as the Cape crag lizard. Snake species in the area are the Cape cobra, boomslang, puff adder and mole snake.
If you have only a day or two in Cape Town on your South African holiday, this self-drive route around the Cape to Cape Point covers the gre...