In reference, Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens is known as the most beautiful garden on the face of the African continent, and rightly so. With a 36 hectare garden that forms part of a 528 hectare estate homing over 7000 flora species in cultivation, mountainside that supports the natural forest and fynbos, along with a diversity of animals, Kirstenbosch is Africa's most beautiful oasis. Kirstenbosch was established in 1913 to conserve and display the wealthy flora of Southern Africa, and boasts a plethora of the Western Cape endemic flora. Kirstenbosch has developed a tree canopy walkway which is informally known as the "Boomslang" -meaning tree snake- and evidently serves as a boardwalk made of steel and timber. The Boomslang stretches 130m long and dips and curves its way over and through the trees, giving guests a panoramic view of the surrounding mountains, garden and the Cape Flats. In addition to the beauty of the Gardens, Kirstenbosch also has a variety of restaurants, shops, venues and activities to indulge in whilst visiting.