Explore South Africa’s Botanical Gardens for free during the National Gardens Week 2025!

The South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) is inviting everyone to celebrate the beauty and importance of South Africa’s botanical and zoological gardens during the annual National Gardens Week, taking place from 10 - 16 March 2025. During this special week, free access is granted to all visitors at SANBI’s 11 botanical gardens and one zoological garden across the country.
South Africa is one of the most biodiverse countries in the world, ranking third globally and home to over 95,000 known species, many of which are found nowhere else.
The theme of the National Gardens Week 2025, "Grow Your Joy", encourages people to connect with nature in ways that uplift the spirit. Whether it’s a peaceful walk among stunning landscapes, mindful moments in nature, or enjoying time with family and friends, the week is all about wellbeing, relaxation, and community.

The South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) manages a total of 11 botanical gardens and one zoological garden in South Africa:

Botanical Gardens:

1. Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden (Western Cape)
2. Karoo Desert National Botanical Garden (Western Cape)
3. Harold Porter National Botanical Garden (Western Cape)
4. Kwelera National Botanical Garden (Eastern Cape)
5. Free State National Botanical Garden (Free State)
6. KwaZulu-Natal National Botanical Garden (KwaZulu-Natal)
7. Lowveld National Botanical Garden (Mpumalanga)
8. Walter Sisulu National Botanical Garden (Gauteng)
9. Pretoria National Botanical Garden (Gauteng)
10. Hantam National Botanical Garden (Northern Cape)
11. Thohoyandou National Botanical Garden (Limpopo)

Zoological Garden:

1. National Zoological Garden (Pretoria, Gauteng)