Van Riebeeck Hedge - Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens, Cape Town
The Van Riebeeck Hedge of wild almond trees, designed as a defensive barrier, to keep the cattle where they should be and deter cattle theft. © Van Riebeeck Hedge - Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens, Cape Town
The Van Riebeeck Hedge is a living historical monument situated within the Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens in Cape Town. It dates back to the mid-1660s when Dutch settlers, led by Jan van Riebeeck, planted a protective barrier of indigenous wild almond trees (Brabejum stellatifolium). This hedge, extending across parts of what was then the Cape Colony, served as a defensive measure to mark the boundaries of the settlement and deter livestock theft, creating a physical separation from the indigenous Khoikhoi people. To many this historical hedge of intertwined indigenous wild almond trees represents the beginning of a racial conflict in South Africa, Apartheid.
An interesting point about Wild Almonds is that they contain cyanide and are poisonous unless specially treated by soaking and roasting, a technique discovered by the Khoisan people who used to eat them.
While much of the original hedge has disappeared over the centuries, sections were preserved at Kirstenbosch and continue to thrive today. The Van Riebeeck Hedge is recognized as a National Monument and stands as a reminder of South Africa’s complex colonial history. Visitors to the gardens can view this fascinating piece of living history, which underscores the intricate intersections of nature, colonialism, and culture in the region.
Accommodation Near Van Riebeeck Hedge - Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens, Cape Town
Fernwood Manor
Bed & Breakfast Accommodation in Newlands, Cape Town
1.9km from Van Riebeeck Hedge - Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens, Cape TownFernwood Manor is an elegant colonial style home in the leafy suburb of Newlands surrounded by lush greenery with wonderful mountain views. Our exclusive guest house, catering for no more than 16 guests, ensures warm friendly personal service... …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Bel Ombre Cottages
Self Catering House, Cottage, Chalet Accommodation in Constantia, Cape Town
2.3km from Van Riebeeck Hedge - Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens, Cape TownBel Ombre Cottages provide self catering cottage accommodation in Constantia, Cape Town. Bel Ombre Cottages are luxuriously furnished and fully equipped self catering cottages in the beautiful Constantia Valley, the ideal base from which to explore... …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Le Bonheur Villas and Cottages
Self Catering Apartment, Flatlet Accommodation in Constantia, Cape Town
2.6km from Van Riebeeck Hedge - Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens, Cape TownLe Bonheur Villa and Cottages offers a selection of self catering accommodation in Constantia, Cape Town. 4 self catering options are available: Villa - 6 bedrooms that sleeps 12, 4 bathrooms (3 en-suite). Protected from the summer winds... …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Glencoy
Self Catering Apartment, Flatlet Accommodation in Claremont
2.7km from Van Riebeeck Hedge - Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens, Cape TownGlencoy provides self catering accommodation in Claremont, Cape Town. Glencoy is an upmarket, private self-catering apartment and en-suite guest room. It is situated in the quiet residential area of Upper Claremont. With a striking view of Table Mountain. …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Pepper Hollow
Self Catering Apartment, Flatlet Accommodation in Constantia, Cape Town
3.2km from Van Riebeeck Hedge - Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens, Cape TownPepper Hollow offers self catering cottage accommodation in Constantia, Cape Town. The accommodation consists of one self-catering cottage with 2 bedrooms. The main bedroom has a queen size bed & dressing table with an en-suite bathroom. …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Valley Heights B&B / Guest House
Self Catering Apartment, Flatlet Accommodation in Kenilworth
3.4km from Van Riebeeck Hedge - Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens, Cape TownValley Heights Guest House provides bed and breakfast and self catering accommodation in Kenilworth, Cape Town. Situated in the peaceful, safe and leafy suburb of Upper Kenilworth in Cape Town's Southern Suburbs and has easy access to major tourist... …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
At Villa Fig Guest House
Self Catering Apartment, Flatlet Accommodation in Constantia, Cape Town
4.1km from Van Riebeeck Hedge - Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens, Cape TownHoliday or business, bed and breakfast or self catering... come to At Villa Fig Guest House, situated in the tranquil Constantia Valley and enjoy the mountain views from your bedroom and balcony. …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Constantia Thatch Lodge
Self Catering Apartment, Flatlet Accommodation in Constantia, Cape Town
4.1km from Van Riebeeck Hedge - Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens, Cape TownConstantia Thatch Lodge provides a choice of self catering accommodation in Constantia, Cape Town. Constantia Thatch Lodge offers self-catering accommodation for 10 guests in 2 cottages and 2 private suites. Private entrance and patios. Pool, secure parki …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Kaya La Provence Self Catering Cottage
Self Catering House, Cottage, Chalet Accommodation in Plumstead
4.2km from Van Riebeeck Hedge - Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens, Cape TownKaya La Provence provides self catering accommodation in Plumstead, Cape Town. Situated in a secure and safe neighbourhood on the border of Constantia and Plumstead, Kaya La Provence offers a warm and relaxed atmosphere with a beautiful Self Catering... …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Kaya La Provence
Bed & Breakfast Accommodation in Plumstead
4.2km from Van Riebeeck Hedge - Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens, Cape TownSituated in a secure and safe neighbourhood on the border of Constantia and Plumstead, Kaya La Provence offers a warm and relaxed atmosphere with two B&B Suites in the Manor House. Experience outdoor living with a communal swimming pool, outdoor Jacuzzi. …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
- Constantia Heights (1.51km)
- Bishopscourt (1.58km)
- Bel Ombre, Cape Town (2.08km)
- Newlands, Cape Town (2.71km)
- Alphen (2.87km)
- Witteboomen (3.09km)
- Claremont (3.16km)
- Silverhurst (3.19km)
- Glen Alpine (3.24km)
- Constantia Vale (3.29km)
- Southern Suburbs (3.52km)
- Pagasvlei (3.65km)
- Eagles Nest (3.68km)
- Graylands (3.73km)
- Barbarossa (3.80km)
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- Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens - Cape Town (0.45km)
- Maclear's Beacon - Table Mountain, Cape Town (2.32km)
- Cavendish Square - Claremont, Cape Town (3.44km)
- Constantia Valley Grape Run - Cape Town (3.54km)
- Constantia Village Shopping Mall - Cape Town (3.58km)
- Victoria Hospital - Wynberg, Cape Town (3.66km)
- Devil's Peak - Cape Town (3.78km)
- Constantia Nek Pass - Cape Town (3.82km)
- Maynardville Open Air Theatre - Wynberg, Cape Town (3.87km)
- Kingsbury Hospital - Claremont, Cape Town (3.90km)
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- Constantia Waldorf Night Market - Constantia, Cape Town (4.18km)
- The Groote Schuur Estate - Rondebosch, Cape Town (4.22km)
- Akeso Kenilworth Clinic - Cape Town (4.25km)
- Groot Constantia Wine Estate - Constantia, Cape Town (4.29km)
- University of Cape Town - Western Cape (4.41km)
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- Buitenverwachting Wine Estate - Constantia, Cape Town (5.03km)
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