10. Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden, Table Mountain, Cape Town, South Africa

Nestled at the foot of Table Mountain the Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden is considered by many to be Africa’s most beautiful collection of plant life. In the heart of the Cape Floral Kingdom, which was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2004, it’s a favourite among hikers who often combine their visits with a trip to the top of South Africa’s famous flat-topped landmark.

Located along the Table Mountain’s eastern slopes, Kirstenbosch was established in 1913 to promote conserve and display the extraordinarily rich and diverse flora of southern Africa and was the first botanic garden in the world devoted to a country’s indigenous flora. The 36-hectare garden is part of a 528 hectare estate that contains protected mountainside forest, plant life, animals and birds.

It’s also the first botanical garden to be located within a UNESCO World Heritage site.

–By Alex Weber