National Gardens Week 2026

Your free passport to nature, celebrate, restore, and protect all life

Introducing National Gardens Week 2026, a celebration of the beauty and significance of South Africa’s botanical and zoological gardens. South Africa ranks as the third most biodiverse country in the world, recognised for its high levels of endemism and home to over 95,000 known species. From 09 -15 March 2026, we invite South African citizens and residents to enjoy free access to our botanical and zoological gardens, offering a chance to connect with nature and experience its wonders. The South African National Biodiversity Institute is offering week-long free entry to most of our gardens, with the Kirstenbosch, Walter Sisulu and Pretoria National Botanical Gardens only offering free entry from 9 – 13 March 2026. The National Zoological Garden will also offer free entry on 9 – 13 March 2026, and a small entry fee of only R26 on the weekend of 14 – 15 March 2026.

This year’s theme, ‘Your free passport to nature, celebrate, restore, and protect all life’, encourages people to connect with the natural world in uplifting ways. It’s about embracing mindfulness and wellbeing and enjoying the benefits of gentle physical activity and community engagement. Whether it’s a peaceful walk among indigenous plants, joining a yoga session, taking a guided tour, learning about conservation efforts, or enjoying a fun day out with family, National Gardens Week gives emphasis to the essential role gardens play in biodiversity conservation, education, and well-being.

Celebrate, restore, and protect: 

Walter Sisulu National Botanical Garden

Witness the nest-building activities and display flights of Verreaux’s Eagles, offering visitors a chance to observe these majestic birds up close.

Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden

Set against the stunning backdrop of Table Mountain, Kirstenbosch is a sanctuary of natural beauty. Explore the iconic Boomslang treetop walkway and wander through ancient cycads, proteas, and vibrant fynbos.

Enjoy free entry during National Gardens Week and take a stroll through the breathtaking Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden. While you soak in the beauty of the Boomslang treetop walkway, proteas, and ancient cycads, pop into the gift shop to discover unique botanical-inspired gifts, keepsakes, and treasures that let you take a piece of nature home with you.

KwaZulu-Natal National Botanical Garden

Explore the grasslands to search for endemic Bola spiders, a fascinating species active during this time.

Karoo Desert National Botanical Garden

Observe the blooming of Brunsvigia bosmaniae, creating a stunning floral display.

National Zoological Garden

Fifteen (15%) of the species at the National Zoological Garden are threatened due to habitat loss, poaching, and human-wildlife conflict.

This National Gardens Week, join our interactive stations for exciting educational activities that connect you to nature and inspire conservation action.

Visitors can explore a diverse array of animals and plants across the zoological garden, reptile park and aquarium, offering invaluable educational opportunities.

Pretoria National Botanical Garden

Discover a variety of unique, water-wise plants to brighten your home and garden. Let nature inspire you while you celebrate, embrace, protect, and enjoy biodiversity wealth.

Harold Porter National Botanical Garden

Protect and enjoy biodiversity wealth through art, nature, and community. Activities in the garden include hiking, picnicking, birdwatching, and guided tours.

Lowveld National Botanical Garden

Enjoy the sight of various fruits in abundance, including marula (Sclerocarya birrea), sausage tree (Kigelia africana), Cordyla africana, and Oncoba spinosa.

Plectranthus Blooming: the flowering of Plectranthus species across most gardens, adding vibrant colours and attracting pollinators, enhancing the visitor experience.

Dragonfly and Damselfly observation: encourage visitors to observe adult dragonflies and damselflies, especially near water bodies, as they are particularly visible during

Mokopane Biodiversity Conservation Centre

Join us to learn about the endangered animals housed at the Centre and the steps we taking to protect these species.

Thohoyandou National Botanical Garden

Step into the beauty of Thohoyandou National Botanical Garden with our guided walks! Explore scenic trails, learn about unique plants and animals, and connect with nature during National Gardens Week all for free.

Free State National Botanical Garden

Enjoy free entry and free guided tours daily from 08:30 – 15:30 during National Gardens Week. Book your spot today call  051 436 3530 to reserve your guided tour.

Take a journey through 43 remarkable indigenous trees on our self-guided Tree Route! Learn about the beauty and significance of these natural wonders, including a 200-year-old Olea Africana tree.

Medicinal plants create jobs, generate income, and support well-being. Join us during National Gardens Week to learn how to cultivate your own healing plants at home. Discover the power of nature and embrace biodiversity wealth.

Hantam National Botanical Garden

Experience the ‘Secret’ season, where, depending on rainfall, the pink inflorescences of the March Lily (Brunsvigia bosmaniae) may bloom en masse around the dolerite kopjes.

What you can do:

• Visit a garden: take advantage of free entry to celebrate nature and experience the calming, invigorating effects of nature
• Engage and connect: Join group activities, guided tours, and community events to nurture both body and mind.
• Support conservation: Embrace sustainable practices and help preserve our natural heritage for future generations. Support our plant sale at various gardens.

National Gardens Week activities in all National Botanical and Zoological Gardens

NATIONAL GARDENS WEEK ACTIVITIES
Garden	Activities
Free State National Botanical Garden	Have a braai combined with nature during this Free Entry National Gardens Week Celebration  The garden features a designated braai area equipped with:  19 built-in braai stands  25 benches for your comfort  Space for the whole family/friends to enjoy
Hantam National Botanical Garden	Hiking and cycling
Harold Porter National Botanical Garden	Market and art exhibition
Karoo Desert National Botanical Garden	During this week, the garden will host a variety of educational, recreational, and community-focused activities aimed at promoting environmental awareness and encouraging public engagement with our unique botanical heritage. Planned/proposed activities include: Plant Sale by the Gate – A plant sale will be hosted at the lower parking area throughout the week. Food trucks will be available on Friday and Saturday evenings. Children’s Play Area – A designated kids’ play area will be set up on Friday and Saturday. Behind The Scenes Guided Garden Tours will be offered daily during the week. A discount of R60 per person, tour time to approximately 1h30min, with three sessions per day. Indoor Garden Tour (Educational Talk with PowerPoint Slides) – Informative talks about the garden and its plant collections will be held indoors on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 18:00 to 19:00.
Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden	Happy by Nature, an indigenous nursery and botanical studio based at Kirstenbosch, will offer 5 per cent off all indigenous plants from 9 to 13 March (not valid in conjunction with other offers). A free five-minute talk on indigenous plants on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday at 11:00 and 14:00, offering practical guidance on choosing, growing, and caring for plants that support local biodiversity. The Kirstenbosch Gift Shop will host an end-of-range and seasonal clearance sale with discounts of up to 50 per cent The Kirstenbosch Bookshop will offer 15 per cent off selected books, available in-store only.
Kwazulu-Natal National Botanical Garden	Propagation technique and plant identification training – This will only be conducted for ONLY two days in that week, and bookings could be done through the horticulturist desk L.Zondi@sanbi.org.za Kids in the garden programme – There are schools already scheduled for the week at the BEPE centre. Free tour- 2 days a week and booking through k.rallele@sanbi.org.za KZN National Botanical Garden Free Week : Free Guided Tour/Propagation Training Booking
Kwelera National Botanical Garden	None
Lowveld National Botanical Garden	Growing and caring for Cycads: A guided tour and demonstration. Trees of the Lowveld Garden: A guided tour.
Mokopane Biodiversity Conservation Centre	None
Pretoria National Botanical Garden	Milkplum will offer 10% off on all orders before 11:00 am during the National Gardens Week.
Pretoria National Zoological Garden	Activity schedule
Thohoyandou National Botanical Garden	Picnic and braai areas for relaxation and for sharing food with family and friends. Hiking trail and a tree route, which are guided activities and must be booked in advance for a free tour guide. Long boardwalk where visitors can enjoy the forest and the sound of birds whistling.
Walter Sisulu National Botanical Garden	Guided walks and talks

Let’s connect on social media! Share your moments of joy in the garden using #PassportToNature and #NationalGardensWeek