Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens

On my last exploration for the day, I visited the Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens just as the sun was setting. Founded in 1913, it's one of the most famous botanical gardens in the world, and it only cultivates and exhibits South African indigenous plants and flora.

I started out in the green house and then moved out to the sprawling grounds.

Beautiful statues were found throughout the property.

Nestled at the foot of Table Mountain, the imposing mountain range stood prominently over the gardens.

I came upon this flock of Guinea Fowls and followed them out into the open.

This Bird of Paradise hybrid was specifically cultivated to bloom yellow top petals. South Africans have named this particular hybrid, "Mandela's Gold," and is a popular sought flora.

I loved this statue. I thought the sculptor caught the essence of this big cat.

And then it was back to where I started.... what a wonderful day of explorations!

South African Penguins at Boulders Beach

In 1982, a pair of African Penguins chose to mate at Boulders Beach on the Cape Peninsula, and thus began a colony that has grown to about 3,000. It was remarkable to see these penguins in their chosen environment wander about freely, and live in harmony with the residential community nearby.

As we neared Boulders Beach, penguin crossing signs were posted at every street corner.

When I arrived, I was ecstatic to see these little 9" tuxedo clad-like birds waddling about or resting. They were SO adorable!

Young penguins are born with charcoal grey fuzz. This one was snuggling with its mama.

Penguins mate for life, and it was sweet watching them bond with each other.

These two were especially endearing as they tried to convince this elderly couple to open the gate, so they could waddle around the neighborhood. LOL.

I thoroughly enjoyed my visit, and loved my time with the African Penguins. I thought penguins had to live in an arctic environment to survive, therefore it was a great discovery to learn they could colonize in warmer climes. If I could have gotten away with taking one home, I would have hid one in my backpack. LOL. They were so darn cute!

Cape Point Lighthouse

The next stop was Cape Point, the most southwestern tip of Africa where the Atlantic Ocean and Indian Ocean merge. I wanted to visit the old Cape Point Lighthouse, which sits on a promontory on the Cape Peninsula.

The panoramic view on the winding drive on Cape Point was absolutely stunning!

The blue hue of two oceans continued to the skies!

The walk up to the lighthouse was as invigorating as its surroundings.

I found the Cape Point Lighthouse utterly delightful!

These red pincushion proteas grew wildly on the lighthouse grounds, and were the perfect accessories!

I also loved this signpost that was erected near the lighthouse.

The lighthouse cottages were quaint and well maintained.

This was the view from my table at the restaurant on Cape Point.

As I exited the lighthouse I was somewhat puzzled by this sign, because I had not seen any baboons.

Until I came across said baboons on the road! LOL. Needless to say, I didn't feed any of them.

And then I was back on the road in the direction of Boulders Beach in search of Cape Town's resident penguins! Stay tune.