Pietermaritzburg, South Africa
Mayor's Walk, Pietermaritzburg
PO Box 21667, Mayor's Walk, 3208
E-mail:KZN-NBG@sanbi.org
Tel: +27 33 344 3585
Fax: +27 33 344 1284
The beautiful and tranquil KwaZulu-Natal National Botanical Garden specialises
in the conservation of plants from the eastern region of South Africa
and of rare and endangered species from elsewhere. Established in 1874,
the Garden's Victorian past is evident in its magnificent specimens of
northern hemisphere plants, such as the swamp cypress, tulip trees, camphor
trees, plane trees, giant figs and magnolias. One of the finest features
of the Garden is the avenue of London plane trees, which has been stunning
visitors since 1908. Take a virtual tour of the
Garden to see its highlights, or visit it season
by season.
The focus of the Garden is to collect, display and promote the conservation
of plants of the eastern grasslands, in particular the genera Kniphofia,
Watsonia and Dierama.
A section of the Garden is planted specifically to attract birds which,
along with other diverse habitats, makes the Garden rich in bird
life, with over 150 species recorded. For more information see - Havens of Biodiversity - a booklet describing biodiversity in the 9 National Botanical Gardens (.pdf file)
A special feature is the fascinating Useful Plants Garden, displaying plants used culturally by the Zulu people for medicine, crafts, food and other uses.
The Garden has a series of exciting walking trails through indigenous
forest and grassland. The popular guided walk programme gives visitors
the opportunity to experience the Garden in a hands-on way. For further
details on guided theme walks call (033) 344 3585.
New developments include a Grassland display area and Clivia collection and Biodiversity walk.
There is a restaurant (Tel: (033) 344 2207) which is open every day except
Monday.
The plant nursery can be contacted on (033) 344 1044.
| The Garden is open 365 days a year from 08:00-18:00 (October-April) and 08:00-17:30 (May-September). Entrance fees are R12 for adults and R6 for scholars, students and senior citizens. Botanical Society members have free entrance to the Garden. |
See route map for directions on how to find Garden.
Picnics are allowed in the garden, but braais and cooking are NOT permitted under any circumstances. Tables are not permitted unless by prior arrangement. Music is not allowed except at officially sanctioned concerts.
Dogs are allowed but must be kept on a leash at all times. Entrance fee for dogs is R2 per visit. Dog owners are required to clean up after their dogs.
