International travellers: free entry during National Gardens Week 2026 is available only to South African citizens and residents.
South Africa’s extraordinary biodiversity takes centre stage during the National Gardens Week 2026, running from 09 – 15 March 2026. During this week, botanical and zoological gardens across the country are alive with activity, special events, guided walks, yoga sessions, and other outdoor wellness experiences - perfect for nature lovers and families.
South Africa is the third most biodiverse country in the world, home to over 95,000 known species and remarkable levels of endemism. The National Gardens Week celebrates this natural heritage while promoting conservation, education, and wellbeing.
Free entry dates
During the National Gardens Week, the South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) offers free entry exclusively to South African citizens and residents at most botanical and zoological gardens.
| Garden / Zoo | Province | Free Entry Dates | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden | Western Cape | 09 – 13 March 2026 | Flagship garden in Cape Town |
| Harold Porter National Botanical Garden | Western Cape | 09 – 15 March 2026 | Coastal fynbos garden |
| Karoo Desert National Botanical Garden | Western Cape | 09 – 15 March 2026 | Arid region flora |
| Hantam National Botanical Garden | Northern Cape | 09 – 15 March 2026 | Succulent-rich |
| Free State National Botanical Garden | Free State | 09 – 15 March 2026 | Central plateau plants |
| KwaZulu-Natal National Botanical Garden | KwaZulu-Natal | 09 – 15 March 2026 | Subtropical flora |
| Walter Sisulu National Botanical Garden | Gauteng | 09 – 13 March 2026 | Famous waterfall and hiking trails |
| Pretoria National Botanical Garden | Gauteng | 09 – 13 March 2026 | Central Gauteng garden |
| Lowveld National Botanical Garden | Mpumalanga | 09 – 15 March 2026 | Rainforest and indigenous plants |
| Kwelera National Botanical Garden | Eastern Cape | 09 – 15 March 2026 | Coastal forest reserve |
| Thohoyandou National Botanical Garden | Limpopo | 09 – 15 March 2026 | Northern flora diversity |
| National Zoological Garden of South Africa | Pretoria | 09 – 13 March free, 14 –15 March R26pp | Popular wildlife destination |
| Mokopane Biodiversity Conservation Centre | Limpopo | 09 – 15 March 2026 | Conservation-focused centre |
Note for international visitors: Standard entrance fees still apply during the week.
The 2026 theme - “Your free passport to nature: celebrate, restore and protect all life” - encourages visitors to reconnect with nature through guided walks, yoga sessions, conservation education, and relaxed outdoor activities.
Important Travel Tip: Gardens Will Be Busy
Even though free access is limited to citizens and residents, visitors should expect higher crowds at popular gardens during the National Gardens Week 2026. The event attracts tens of thousands nationwide.
Expect:
- Busy parking areas and longer queues
- Packed picnic lawns and cafés
- Peak crowds on weekends and during free-entry weekdays when many locals take advantage of the offer
Tips for travellers:
- Arrive early in the morning
- Visit midweek for a calmer experience
- Pack a picnic to avoid restaurant queues
- Explore less busy regional gardens if possible
About SANBI and its Gardens
The South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) manages South Africa's network of 11 National Botanical Gardens and two National Zoological Gardens, protecting rare and endangered species while giving visitors a chance to experience the country’s unique biodiversity up close.
These gardens are living museums, research hubs, and conservation centres, offering hiking trails, exhibitions, birdwatching, picnic areas, and educational programs — making them ideal stops for travellers who want to combine sightseeing with immersive nature experiences.
Why travellers should add this to their itinerary
The National Gardens Week is a unique opportunity to see South Africa's gardens buzzing with life, community events, and conservation activities. Even if you’re not eligible for free entry, visiting during this period is rewarding - just plan ahead, expect crowds, and enjoy your “passport to nature.”
Subscribe for updates:
Subscribe to our newsletter for weekly updates, border info, road alerts, and travel inspiration for Southern Africa.
No comments:
Post a Comment