But for all its epic beauty, South Africa's "Mother City" should perhaps be just as well known for some of its smaller but no less spectacular botanical treasures.
Boasting more plant diversity than the Amazon rainforest, the Western Cape's native fynbos vegetation is the cradle for thousands of plant species including South Africa's national flower, the majestic King protea.
Dozens of extraordinary animal species have also thrived amid the fynbos including the native Cape dwarf chameleon and the aptly named micro frog whose length is about the same diameter as a nickel.
Many of these habitats have been destroyed in recent decades as Cape Town has expanded from around 500,000 citizens in the 1950s to nearly four million today. But pockets still remain.
One area that continues as a haven can be found at Kenilworth Racecourse -- South Africa's oldest horse racing track located in the city's southern suburbs.
Most racegoers attending popular events like the J&B Met and the recently established Million Dollar race will be unaware of the natural riches that surround them.
Kenilworth Racecourse Conservation Area (KRCA) is home to more than 350 plant species, 93 bird species, 21 reptile species, 15 mammal and nine amphibian species. The Cape Flats Sand Fynbos -- one of the richest of all fynbos types -- covers 52 hectares (130 acres) of the racecourse which dates back to 1882.
"Cape Flats Sand Fynbos is a critically-endangered vegetation type — there is only 14% remaining in the world and 1% of that is conserved," KRCA manager, Rob Slater told CNN.
Many of these habitats have been destroyed in recent decades as Cape Town has expanded from around 500,000 citizens in the 1950s to nearly four million today. But pockets still remain.
One area that continues as a haven can be found at Kenilworth Racecourse -- South Africa's oldest horse racing track located in the city's southern suburbs.
Most racegoers attending popular events like the J&B Met and the recently established Million Dollar race will be unaware of the natural riches that surround them.
Kenilworth Racecourse Conservation Area (KRCA) is home to more than 350 plant species, 93 bird species, 21 reptile species, 15 mammal and nine amphibian species. The Cape Flats Sand Fynbos -- one of the richest of all fynbos types -- covers 52 hectares (130 acres) of the racecourse which dates back to 1882.
"Cape Flats Sand Fynbos is a critically-endangered vegetation type — there is only 14% remaining in the world and 1% of that is conserved," KRCA manager, Rob Slater told CNN.
