Pretoria National Botanical Gardens
The Pretoria National Botanical Garden, situated in a bustling area of Pretoria, serves as a peaceful retreat and a hub for biodiversity. Established in 1946 and opened to the public in 1958, it spans 76 hectares of indigenous flora and is one of South Africa’s nine national botanical gardens. The garden is a significant site for conservation and education, managed by the South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI).
The Garden is situated in South African Highveld climate zone with warm to hot summmers, and colder winters, including frost.
Key Features
Vegetation and Special Gardens: The garden showcases diverse plant life, with themed areas like the succulent garden, cycad forest, and medicinal gardens. It represents South Africa's major vegetation types, offering a rich exploration of indigenous biodiversity.
Quartzite Ridge: A striking feature is the 35-meter-high ridge dividing the garden into distinct north-facing and south-facing ecosystems.
National Herbarium: The garden hosts the largest herbarium in Africa, housing over one million plant specimens and an extensive botanical library.
Bird Life: Over 220 bird species thrive here, making it a hotspot for birdwatchers.
Visitor Amenities
The garden provides accessible facilities, including wheelchair-friendly paths and Braille information boards. Visitors can enjoy two cafes, guided tours, and themed activities such as the Tree Route, which introduces 50 indigenous trees.
Educational and Recreational Activities
Book a guided tour:
Guided walks can be arranged Weekdays, )8h30 to 16h00. Maximum group size is 15 people. Costs - garden entry fees
Regular talks, workshops on gardening, and themed exhibitions are offered. An Enabling Garden caters to individuals with physical challenges, fostering inclusive experiences.
What to do
- Visit the restaurants
- Visit the specialised gardens
- Have a family picnic
- Take a walk around the waterfall, over the hill and around the highveld area
- Birdwatching
- Guide dogs
Not allowed
- Fires, braai (Bbq)
- Skateboarding
- Cycling
- Graffiti
- Animals/pets
- Camping
Contact
Address: 2 Cussonia Avenue, Pretoria, South Africa, 0184
Tel: 012 843 5000
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Guided tour bookings
Linette Ferreira
Tel.: 012 843 5053
Fax: 086 554 6954
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