BotSoc Kirstenbosch

03/11/2026

Sunday 8 November - Cape Point

Meet at 8.30am at the entrance gate.

The route will be decided according to the weather. Duration 6 hours.
Reasonably strenuous.

What to Bring: A jacket, hat, sunscreen, lots of water and refreshments for a tea stop.

Who to contact: For more information, please contact Dirk Muller 082 779 5855
Pat Holmes 082 298 4564

02/11/2026

🌿📸 Join the Great Southern BioBlitz and Help Document Nature! 🌍✨

Have you ever spotted a fascinating flower, bird, insect, fungus, or reptile and wondered what it was? This is your chance to turn those observations into valuable scientific data while exploring the natural beauty around you.

The Great Southern BioBlitz is the largest citizen science biodiversity event in the Southern Hemisphere. To take part, simply download the iNaturalist app, get outdoors between 27-30 November, and record the plants, animals, fungi, and other organisms you encounter. Even if you don't know what you've found, clear photos or recordings are enough for experts and the wider community to help identify them.

Why participate?

🌱 Contribute to real biodiversity research and conservation efforts
🦋 Help build a snapshot of the incredible species living in our region
📚 Learn more about local flora and fauna through iNaturalist
🤝 Join a global community of nature lovers and citizen scientists
🌍 Support our understanding of biodiversity in the Southern Hemisphere

As members and friends of the Botanical Society of South Africa Kirstenbosch Branch, we are uniquely placed to showcase the remarkable plant diversity of the Cape. Every observation count, whether it's a rare fynbos species in bloom or a common garden plant attracting pollinators.

📲 Get started by creating an iNaturalist account and registering as a participant. Observations made during the event can be uploaded and identified up to 10 December.

Let's work together to put our biodiversity on the map and celebrate the natural heritage that makes our region so special.



🔗 Learn more and get involved: https://www.greatsouthernbioblitz.org/how-to-participate-in-the-gsb

17/10/2026

Voice of the Volunteer : Gulliver Glasser

A friend sent me the WhatsApp link for the BOTSOC Kirstenbosch Branch public announcements group, where I saw an advert calling for volunteers at Kirstenbosch Garden.

I began volunteering on 29 July 2026. I wanted to spend more time in nature, find a sense of purpose, and bring some routine and structure into my life.

I joined the Thursday morning propagation group in the shed, where I’ve learnt a little about different plants such as restios and it has given me some purpose and brought a sense of community to my life, a different community than what I'm used to.

15/10/2026

Some beautiful photos from our Botanical Walk on 11 October, led by Dirk Muller.

"The Botanical Hike along Brakkloofrand was enjoyed by all. We couldn't have wished for better weather. The show-stopper flower was Satyrium carneum, a member of the orchid family.

'Carneum' is Latin for 'flesh-coloured', referring to the soft pink colour of the flowers. Its common name is ewwa-trewwa. It flowers from September to November and responds spectacularly to fire. The area we walked through had burned about three years ago."

— Dirk Muller, stalwart member and former Branch Chair

05/10/2026

Sunday 8 November - Cape Point
Meet at 8.30am at the entrance gate.
The route will be decided according to the weather. Duration 6 hours.
Reasonably strenuous.

What to Bring: A jacket, hat, sunscreen, lots of water and refreshments for a tea stop.

Who to contact: For more information, please contact Dirk Muller 082 779 5855
Pat Holmes 082 298 4564

30/09/2026

21/09/2026

Sunday, October 11th: Join us for a guided Botanical Hike at
Brakkloofrand.

Meet at 9am in the parking area next to the Garden of Remembrance in Kommetjie road in Fish hoek. Hike along Brakkloofrand overlooking Fish Hoek and Glencairn. Duration 3 hours. Reasonably strenuous.

What to Bring: A jacket, hat, sunscreen, lots of water and refreshments for a tea stop.

Who to contact: For more information, please contact Dirk Muller 082 779 5855
Pat Holmes 082 298 4564

Walk will be cancelled in the event of poor weather.

08/09/2026

Voice of the Volunteer: Jeffrey Heath

I started volunteering for the Kirstenbosch botanical gardens after taking an early retirement from the WCED in 2021 and initially worked in the plant propagation nursery before becoming a fully trained volunteer garden guide.

My reason for volunteering was to have a purpose and to make a difference. I wanted to give back to a place that will always hold immense value to me and that I am passionate about.

I have learnt so much about our shared wealth of indigenous flora, since I started spending a lot of my free time in the botanical gardens and have appreciated the learning opportunities that I have received.

Volunteering has impacted my daily life in a very positive way as I have found a group of like -minded people and I am surrounded by the natural beauty of the most beautiful garden in Africa.

I feel that it is an honour and privilege to be able to share it with my visitors and guests.

07/09/2026

Enjoy these photos from yesterday's Botanical Walk at Cape Point, courtesy of our dedicated and long-serving volunteer walk leader, Pat Rebelo. 🌿

As spring begins, we're excited to invite new adventurous walk leaders to join us for next year's programme and help create more memorable outdoor experiences.

Happy Spring, Boots everyone! 🌼🥾

24/08/2026

🌳 Tree Symposium Programme Announcement 🌳

We are excited to share the programme outline for our upcoming Tree Symposium. Join fellow tree enthusiasts, botanists, horticulturists, researchers, and conservation practitioners for a day of learning, discussion, and networking centred on the importance of trees in our landscapes and ecosystems.

Please see the programme below and start planning your day. We look forward to welcoming you to what promises to be an inspiring and informative event.