As a learner who has been attending St. Catherine’s Convent for over 10 years now, I grew to love the excursions that I experienced in the earlier grades.  This year, I had the opportunity to relive one of those experiences by attending the SCC Spring Walk 2026 at the Walter Sisulu National Botanical Gardens.

When I arrived, I was greeted by the familiar faces of my friends, schoolmates and teachers who quickly registered all the learners and gave them their answer sheets, House Ribbon and entry form. Once my friends and I entered through gates and into the Gardens, my eyes delighted in the breathtaking landscape dotted interesting art pieces and vast green grass. My friends, classmates and I were our groups and we were tasked with completing a course following a set route through the Gardens.  At various points along the route were 15 stations. At each station, a teacher along with a parent volunteer asked us a general knowledge question and we got a sticker to place on the flower pictures on our answer sheets.  We even had the chance to earn bee stickers for 5 bonus questions.  Every learner and parent who attended was entered into a lucky draw to win lovey prizes as well. House Points were awarded for each learner who completed the course and we are anxiously awaiting the results of the winning House.

The highlight of the entire experience is definitely the Witpoortjie Falls. The sight of the water racing into the river below with a roaring but calming sound can have you staring at it for hours. The photo opportunities are endless and it’s definitely the Garden’s most popular attraction. I would definitely recommend those who have never been to take time to experience the Gardens for themselves. It’s a location for both nature and aesthetic photo lovers. The bacon and egg rolls at the finish weren’t too bad either!

Spring Walk 2026 was definitely a wonderful day out where we could stretch our brain power, enjoy Nature and simply spend some quality time with our friends and family.