Facilities for the disabled
The pathways in the Garden were laid out with the physically-challenged visitors in mind, specifically those in wheelchairs and those who find walking a challenge. Approximately 70% of the developed section of Garden is accessible by wheelchair. This includes access to the restaurant, conference facilities, Tea Garden and concert stage, as well as one of our waterfall viewpoints and a section of the Sappi Aerial Boardwalk in the African Rain Forest.
The Garden has added a Braille Trail to enhance the experience of blind visitors. The trail enables blind visitors to navigate it for themselves following a cable guide that will take them from the beginning of the trail to each node and to the end of the trail. The trail is circular to ensure visitors end in the same area as they started. A blind visitor will only need the assistance of a sighted person to bring them to the start of the trail and collect them at the end of the trail, ensuring as much independent enjoyment as possible.
The trail enables our blind visitors to experience the Garden through its many scents, sounds, shapes and textures.
Each node has a dual sign, which features brail text as well as normal text. This ensures that visitors who are able to read brail will be able to access the information themselves and those visitors who are unable to read braille will be able to access the information with the help of a sighted assistant.
Although the entrance to the nursery is accessible via wheelchair, pathways in the nursery are rather narrow. Assistance in choosing plants is available on request – plants can be brought to you at the nursery entrance for viewing.
Restrooms that accommodate our disabled visitors are available at both entrances as well as at the Tea Garden and restaurant.
Garden pathways are dotted with directional signage, Garden layout maps and storyboards. These help to make a walk in the Garden informative and interesting.
The following are not permitted in the Garden
- Cycling
- Sunbathing
- Cooking
- Camping
- Swimming
- Ball games
- Pets
Important Notice
The Garden is a conservation area – all the plants and animals in the Garden are protected. The catching and collecting of any animal, plant or seed is strictly prohibited.
Safety tips
Please be aware that some of the moss-covered pathways can be slippery, especially when wet. Keep to the pathways and lawns and do not, for any reason, climb over any safety barrier. Basic first aid is available at the office buildings and at both entrances.
Best time to visit the Garden
The Garden is situated in a sub-tropical area of our country and, therefore, visitors have something to see all year round. The best time to visit is in spring and early summer, when most of our trees and shrubs are in flower and before it becomes too hot. Early to midsummer, after good rains, is a good time to see the waterfalls and rivers in the Garden as they are at their most spectacular. Birders and those who would like to spot some of our local wildlife should come in the early morning (08h00 -10h00) or late afternoon (15h00 – 18h00 in summer and 17h00 in winter).