The Tree Canopy Walkway at Kirstenbosch

The Tree Canopy Walk has opened at Kirstenbosch and I went to try it out today. It was a beautiful mild day, well suited to a gentle stroll around these magnificent botanical gardens with an elderly friend, and it seems that Cape Town is full of tourists at the moment enjoying all that we have to offer. Although perhaps it could have been a little more obviously signposted, we eventually reached the foot of the 'Boomslang' as it has been named. It became apparent why as the structure snaked up into the treetops, its layout and fencing reminiscent of the ribcage of this snake which inhabits trees in search of its next meal.

We were warned that the Boomslang would move as we walked along it and assured that it had been engineered to do that and it was part of the design. As I took my first steps, I could immediately feel the very slight movement, and my friend clung to the handrail somewhat nervously, as she is not steady on her feet at the best of times. I would say that anyone who is prone to motion sickness might find themselves a little queasy, particularly if there are lots of people on the walkway, and as you reach the central curve, the movement is probably all of six inches.

At the middle section it is fairly high from the ground, but there is absolutely no chance of falling off. The views across the Cape Flats to the mountains beyond will be marvellous on a clear day, but there was a bush fire somewhere causing pollution today and not much in the way of views. I didn't see any birds, but then they would possibly have been chased away by the boisterous crowd enjoying the novelty, and I'm sure on a quieter day there would be plenty to see. The aloes are at their best at the moment, and sunbirds abound.

At just over 100m, the Boomslang is just right for its purpose, although I did overhear a young American girl say she wanted it to go all round the garden!