National Gardens Week takes place from 9 to 15 March and the Karoo Desert National Garden in Worcester is throwing its doors wide open.
Visitors get free entry to this home of South Africa’s succulent diversity and see the Brunsvigia bosmaniae (Maartblom) in flower. There will be a plant sale and 10% discount on meals at the restaurant.
On Friday 13 March from 17:00 there will be food trucks as well as art and craft stalls to browse through.
The South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) is offering free access to its botanical and zoological gardens for South African citizens and residents to explore the wonders of nature.
According to SANBI South Africa ranks as the third most biodiverse country in the world. It is known for its high levels of endemism (species that appear only in one spot) and home to more than 95 000 species.
Visit several botanica gardens for free
Kirstenbosch, Walter Sisulu and Pretoria National Botanical Gardens are offering free entry from 9 to 13 March. The National Zoological Garden will also offer free entry until 13 March 2026, and a small entry fee of only R26 on the weekend of 14 – 15 March.
To encourage people to connect with the natural world in uplifting ways, this year’s theme is ‘Your free passport to nature, celebrate, restore, and protect all life’. It may be a peaceful walk through the gardens, a guided tour, learning about conservation efforts or a fun day with the family. Gardens play an essential role in our valued biodiversity conservation, education, and well-being.
At the Walter Sisulu National Botanical Garden in Roodepoort, visitors can enjoy the nest-building activities and display flights of the majestic Verreaux’s Eagles.
Visitors to the Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden in Cape Town, with Table Mountain in the background, can explore the iconic Boomslang treetop walkway and stroll through ancient cycads, proteas, and fynbos.
At the KwaZulu-Natal National Botanical Garden (in Pietermaritzburg) visitors can explore the grasslands to search for endemic Bola spiders.
At the National Zoological Garden rare sights awaits visitors with 15% of the species being threatened due to habitat loss, poaching, and human-wildlife conflict.
Visit the Pretoria National Botanical Garden to discover unique, water-wise plants to brighten the home and garden.
At the Harold Porter National Botanical Garden near Betty’s Bay, biodiversity is celebrated through art, nature, and community. Activities in the garden include hiking, picnicking, birdwatching, and guided tours.
The Lowveld National Botanical Garden in Nelspruit boasts many fruits such as marula (Sclerocarya birrea), sausage tree (Kigelia africana), Cordyla africana, and Oncoba spinosa.
At the Mokopane Biodiversity Conservation Centre visitors can learn about the endangered animals at the centre.
The Thohoyandou National Botanical Garden offers guided walks and scenic trails, with the opportunity to learn about unique plants and animals.
The Free State National Botanical Garden boasts 43 indigenous trees on the self-guided Tree Route and includes a 200-year-old Olea Africana tree as well as a wide selection of medicinal plants.
