South Africa’s national botanical gardens are a testament to the country’s dedication to preserving indigenous flora and promoting biodiversity. Each garden, with its unique history and distinct offerings, showcases a piece of South Africa’s ecological wealth.
Whether you’re in Cape Town, Pietermaritzburg, Nelspruit, Pretoria, or Johannesburg, each SANBI’s garden offers a unique opportunity to experience Indigenous flora, enjoy peaceful green spaces, and learn about the importance of conservation. SANBI’s gardens are living galleries of South Africa’s natural heritage, inviting everyone to connect with and celebrate South Africa’s beautiful spaces.
Kirstenbosch Magic – Cape Town’s floral wonderland
If you’re in Cape Town, visit Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden, set against the stunning backdrop of Table Mountain. Known as the first garden in the world devoted to the indigenous flora of a single country. Kirstenbosch spans 36 hectares of cultivated grounds with winding paths through ancient cycads, striking proteas, and vibrant fynbos. Discover the famous ‘Boomslang’ treetop walkway, which offers sweeping views of the garden, or attend one of the popular Kirstenbosch summer sunset concert series. Recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Kirstenbosch captures the essence of the Cape Floristic Region, offering an inspiring and immersive experience for anyone passionate about nature.
Step into the past at KwaZulu-Natal’s green gem
If you’re travelling to KwaZulu-Natal, stop in the midlands to experience the beauty of the KwaZulu-Natal National Botanical Garden (KZN-NBG). Nestled in Pietermaritzburg, the KZN-NBG has been captivating visitors since 1874. This stunning garden is home to impressive Grand Old Trees, an array of vibrant birdlife, and the historic London Plane Trees planted in 1908. Visitors can wander through specialty areas such as the Zulu Demonstration Garden, showcasing indigenous plants integral to traditional practices, or explore the Living Fossils Garden, which offers a glimpse into the region’s ancient flora. With its peaceful ambiance and educational displays celebrating the rich botanical heritage of KwaZulu-Natal, this garden is a must-visit destination for anyone seeking a deeper connection to nature.
Adventure awaits at Lowveld’s wild wonderland
Just a short drive from the lively heart of Nelspruit, the Lowveld National Botanical Garden spans 169 hectares of captivating landscapes that seamlessly blend cultivated gardens with natural beauty. With the scenic backdrop of the Crocodile River and Montrose Falls, the garden is renowned for its cycads some of the oldest plants on Earth, this garden is renowned for its impressive collection of cycads, some of the oldest plants on Earth. One of the unique highlights is the sensory Braille Trail, designed to provide a hands-on experience for visually impaired visitors, inviting everyone to connect with nature through touch. Whether you’re a conservation enthusiast or simply seeking a peaceful retreat in South Africa’s stunning scenery, Lowveld promises an enriching and unforgettable botanical adventure.
Pretoria’s green escape
The Pretoria National Botanical Garden serves as a vital green refuge in the eastern suburbs of Pretoria, providing a sanctuary for wildlife and a tranquil escape for visitors. Established in 1958, the garden features a diverse landscape, including a ridge with natural grasslands and vibrant beds of indigenous plants that support various animal species. Birdwatchers will delight in the garden’s rich avifauna, with over 220 bird species recorded, including hawks, falcons, and the majestic Verreaux’s Eagle, often seen hunting the local dassie population. Recent additions like the green gym invite visitors to connect with nature while engaging in fitness activities. With its Medicinal Garden showcasing traditional healing plants and its Enabling Garden designed for accessibility, the Pretoria National Botanical Garden is a destination that promotes environmental sustainability and enriches the community.
Johannesburg’s oasis
If you’re in Johannesburg, enjoy Walter Sisulu National Botanical Garden, renowned for its stunning Witpoortjie Waterfall and the majestic Verreaux’s Eagles that soar overhead. The garden features an array of attractions, including the People’s Plants Garden, which highlights the rich variety of South Africa’s botanical heritage, and a challenging hike along the geological trail. Bird lovers will appreciate the diverse sightings at Sasol Dam, while families can enjoy the vibrant summer floral displays that blanket the garden. With its blend of indigenous plants and thriving wildlife, Walter Sisulu National Botanical Gardens is a must-visit destination for nature lovers and those looking to build up a sweat while enjoying beautiful vistas and open green spaces.
Unlimited green escapes with SANBI membership
To make visiting its gardens even more accessible, SANBI has launched a membership scheme that optimises the affordability of visiting the National Botanical and Zoological Gardens and is engineered to expand the diversity of people who visit them.
The SANBI Gardens Membership allows people to enjoy unlimited access for a year to all of South Africa’s National Botanical and Zoological Gardens for just R800 per adult, R600 for students and R400 for children aged six to 17.
Children younger than six enter for free at the national botanical gardens and those under the age of two enter for free at the national zoological gardens. Pensioners may enter for free on Tuesdays in most gardens.
