Botanical Gardens in and near Durban

Durban’s superb Botanical Gardens showcase South Africa’s diverse plant species. The Durban Botanical Gardens are famous for its original specimens of a particularly rare cycad species, which is probably the rarest plant in the world. The Durban Botanical Gardens are also worth a visit for the National Herbarium, which is home to a collection of more than 100 000 catalogued plants.

Durban Botanic Gardens

The Durban Botanic Gardens (DBG) traces its origins to colonial times, when it was founded in 1849 for the introduction and trial of potentially useful commercial crops. This garden reflects the universality of the plant kingdom. ... more

The Botanical Gardens in South Africa allow visitors an up close and personal look at the vast variety of plant species in the country. Many of the plant species are endangered and it may be your only chance to see them in a natural setting.

The largest and most diverse is Kirstenbosch Gardens in Cape Town. Considered part of the World Heritage Site of the Cape Floral Kingdom, it covers a massive 528 hectares at the base of Table Mountain. Only indigenous South African plants are grown here, and the landscape changes drastically with the seasons, especially in spring when the proteas are in bloom. Of special note is the Medicinal Garden showcasing plants used in tradition medicine and modern pharmaceuticals, and Van Riebeeck's hedge planted in 1660 to protect cattle. During the summer, sunset concerts are performed on the main lawn.

The National Botanical Gardens in Durban act as a conservation area for the plants on the eastern side of South Africa. It is also a good place to go birding as over 150 species have been spotted. The gardens offer guided walking trails and have a special section dedicated to plants used in traditional medicine and crafts of the Zulu peoples.

Pretoria's National Botanical Garden is best known for it's 198 bird species and to opportunity to see small mammals such as the duiker in the middle of the city. Winter concerts are held from May through to September and you are encouraged to bring your picnic basket.