Western Cape Article - South African Vacations

FAUNA AND FLORAKaroo National Botanical Garden: This garden is unique in that it is the only truly succulentgarden in the Southern Hemisphere and on the African Continent. The garden is also a havenfor rare and endangered plants and over 300 protected species grow here. There is a diverseselection of succulents, euphorbias and other dry-country plants. Approximately 144 haof the estate are kept as a flora reserve and this section has several kilometres of hikingtrails. After the spring rains the plants of the garden rejoice by bursting into bloom.HISTORY AND ARCHITECTUREArchitecture: Worcester has several examples of elegant Cape Dutch architecture as well asa number of neoclassical buildings.Beckhuis Museum: The building was erected in 1841 and the museum depicts the lifestyles ofearlier Worcester residents.Kleinplasie Open Air Museum: The museum portrays the way of life of the early farmers.Various old buildings were retained and the museum preserves certain activities andartefacts. Demonstrations of traditional tasks, such as candle-making and bread-making, areheld regularly.33