In Celebration of World Environment Day 2026
Climate Action: Trees, Conservation & Urban Resilience
Join us for a special evening with two leading voices in tree conservation and urban forestry:
🎤Francois Krige — Arborist and tree-care specialist with deep experience in preserving trees across urban and cultivated landscapes. Francois brings a grounded, practical perspective on how trees can be protected and managed amid environmental stress — and what climate resilience really looks like on the ground.
🎤Clare Burgess — Landscape architect and champion of heritage tree protection. Clare’s work with the Tree Keepers Society has been instrumental in advancing urban forestry initiatives, from tree planting to long-term conservation efforts.
📅 Thursday, 4 June 2026
💰R60 per person
🕐 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
📍 Old Mutual Conference Centre, Kirstenbosch
🎟️ Book through Quicket
Whether you’re passionate about conservation, curious about urban greening, or simply love trees — this is an evening not to be missed.
All welcome. Bring a friend! 🌳
Join us for the very first Night Market, the beginning of what we hope will be many amazing evenings to come
Come experience a vibrant atmosphere filled with great food, unique vendors, local creativity, and a lively community vibe under the night sky, including interesting movies. Whether you’re coming to shop, eat, explore movies, or simply enjoy the evening, there will be something for everyone. This first market marks the start of a series of night markets, and we’d love for you to be part of the opening night.
Bring your friends, family, and your appetite for a fun evening out!
Sunset Music Series returns for 2026… Get ready to experience the magic of music and nature at the incredible Walter Sisulu National Botanical Garden in Roodepoort.
Join us on Sunday, 10 May, as we kick the 2026 season off with the phenomenal Jeremy Loops! Opening act Apple Gule.
Join us for an unforgettable day at the National Zoological Gardens as we celebrate the incredible mothers in our lives! On May 10, 2026, from 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM, the Pretoria Zoo will transform into a vibrant hub of joy, laughter, and family bonding.
This special event is designed to honour mothers with a day filled with entertainment, relaxation, and fun activities for all ages. Enjoy the sights and sounds of the zoo while creating beautiful memories with your loved ones.
Get ready to dance and groove to the electrifying beats of DJ Young, who will be spinning tracks that keep the energy high and the atmosphere lively. With music echoing through the zoo, you won’t want to miss the chance to celebrate in style!
Join Us for a Special Mother’s Day Market!
Food stalls, craft, jewelry and more…
Join the Cape Guild of Weavers at the ExTex26 for creative workshops, a pop-up shop, weaving, spinning, dyeing, knitting, felting, crocheting, live demonstrations and more.
Join us for an unforgettable day at the National Botanical Garden in Pietermaritzburg, South Africa, on April 11, 2026! Experience the vibrant energy and creativity of MaSibal’khulu Foundation Fun Fest as it takes the stage alongside the talented Senkosi. This event promises to be a celebration of family bonds through games, jumping castles, music, and many more that you won’t want to miss!
Whether you’re a fan of dynamic performances or simply looking for a fun day out with family and friends, “Come Play with MaSibal’khulu” has something for you. Enjoy a variety of engaging activities and immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere filled with rhythm and joy.
Mark your calendars and prepare for a day filled with:
- Live performances by MaSibal’khulu and Senkosi
- Variety of Water sliding and jumping castles for ages up to 25 years old
- A chance to connect with local artists and community members
- Delicious food and refreshments available on-site
The event runs from 10:00 AM to 20:00 PM, giving you ample time to soak in the beautiful surroundings of the Botanical Garden while enjoying the festivities. Bring your friends, family, and your love for great music and culture!
Don’t wait—secure your tickets today! Join us at “Come Play with MaSibal’khulu” for a day that promises to be filled with laughter, creativity, and unforgettable memories. Let’s make this a day to remember!
We can’t wait to see you there!
Activities: Face Painting, Coloring, Egg and Spoon Race, and more. Adult activities are available.
Normal entry fees apply.
Please note: booking is required for the Easter egg and Book hunt
Morning Easter Egg Hunt
- 09:30 -10:00 – (1-3 years)
- 10:30-11:00 -(4-6 years)
- 11:30-12:30 ( 7-11years)
Afternoon Easter Egg Hunt
- 13:45-14:30-( 1-3 years)
- 14:30-15:00-( 4-6 years)
- 15:00-15:15-(7-11years)
Book hunt for Adults starts at 14:00
Normal Entry Fees Apply!
For more information, contact the garden at 087260 9757
Email: D.Appel@sanbi.org.za
A wide selection of indigenous fynbos plants will be on sale!
Purchase R500 or more plants and get your entrance fee back!
Please present your entry ticket/receipt at the point of sale.
Normal Entry fees apply!
For More info: Harold Porter Book & Craft Shop: 0796572385
Email: kbotsoc@gmail.com
Join WWF South Africa and SANBI for an Earth Hour celebration under the stars!
In partnership with SANBI, WWF is bringing you a fun-filled outdoor cinema experience at Walter Sisulu National Botanical Garden.
Art Portfolio is hosting an exhibition of paintings by 22 artists. The works show a variety of styles, and mediums, and includes landscapes, flora, still life and abstracts.
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.
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 |
|
| Hantam National Botanical Garden | Hiking and cycling |
| Harold Porter National Botanical Garden | Market and art exhibition |
| Karoo Desert National Botanical Garden |
|
| Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden |
|
| Kwazulu-Natal National Botanical Garden |
|
| Kwelera National Botanical Garden | None |
| Lowveld National Botanical Garden |
|
| 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 |
|
| 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
Visit our exhibition in the Richard Cowie Hall featuring a selection of 30 local and well known South African artists. Displaying quality and an interesting mix of styles and subject matter, the show caters for a variety of tastes.
Enquiries:
Email: capefineartcollective@gmail.com
