Directions
Take the N1 from Woodstock
Once you see Mountain Mill Shopping Center on your right, take the first left after the mall onto Roux Road
Follow the road until you reach another left which continues Roux Road
A little further down the road you will see the garden on your right
Take the N1 back to Woodstock from the garden
Turn right onto Michell’s Pass (R43)
Further down the road you will see Bosjes on your right
Karoo Desert National Botanical Garden
The garden is part of the South African National Biodiversity Institute. There are some lovely trails as well that overlook far and wide into the distance beyond where you can gaze and dream in a tranquil space.
The history of this garden is amazing. Initially established on a piece of land near a railway siding at White Hill, 5km east of Matjiesfontein – and named “Logan Memorial Garden”. It was the second national botanical garden to be established after Kirstenbosch. It then later moved near to Worcester and was called the Karoo National Botanical Garden. Years on, 80 to be exact, they added the word “desert” to it’s name to emphasis the fact this garden cultivates and displays plants from the desert and semi desert regions of Southern Africa. The full history of the garden can be read in the article “From Whitehill to Worcester” – https://www.sanbi.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/fromwhitehilltoworcester.pdf.
Entry to the garden is super affordable at R10 per person. There are two parking lots – one as you enter on your left and the other on the opposite end if you drive along the circular garden route. There are many trails to walk about in the garden itself to see all the biodiversity on offer. The garden is beautiful with all kinds of desert type plants. It probably is a bit too dry for my liking, but that is just a personal preference. It has that desert feel almost as if there is no water anywhere near and you get thirsty from just being there.
There are also three trails on offer (easy, medium and hard). I opted for the easiest route as it was really short yet offering fantastic views of the surrounding areas. What really surprised me was a cave I managed to see. I adventured towards it – and mind you, it is very reachable for any person. As I peeped into the cave, concerned about my safety – I was greeted by a mouse. It didn’t bother me and went away. I think the best one can do at the cave is take some awesome selfies and pictures. But if you are taking this trail be sure to check out the cave.
Bosjes
This is one of this magical places where not many have heard of. One of those places I would say is “off the beaten track”. Whenever I hear the name I think “Boss Yes” – and it sounds exactly the same. It is a wedding venue, a tea garden and a kitchen for those wondering.
As you enter you will notice the chapel, and it is some sight. The architect behind the design made something spectacular and was truly a genius – I have never seen such a unique design in South Africa. The views from the chapel are spectacular – surrounded by the Slanghoek and Waaihoek mountain. This is a must see! Next to the chapel there is a mini garden where one can take a leisurely stroll. There is also a mini garden mountain with a windy circular route where you can absorb the views around Bosjes at the top. Next to all of this is their tea garden – which is also an amphitheatre area.
Once you leave the chapel area you make your way to the kitchen area where they house the restaurant. There is a small duck pond where you can witness lovely white ducks. The restaurant is quite popular and bookings should be made before going as it gets quite busy – they were fully booked on the day I got there.
Overall opinion
If you are a plant lover, the garden is a must see – and if you are excited for a hike definitely check out the shortest trail and do remember to check out the cave. With Bosjes, the biggest attraction is the design of the chapel and the mountains in the distance – it makes for postcard perfect pictures indeed.
Emil's Travel Blog 