Pretoria National Botanical Garden
Embark on a floral journey of discovery at the Pretoria National Botanical Garden, a treasure chest of South African flowering plant species and trees.
The flagship area of the garden is the 50ha indigenous garden, which comprises savannah, forest and fynbos biomes – man-made habitats that support specific plant species that are not endemic to the area, but which are indigenous to South Africa.
The Pretoria National Botanical Garden, located in Brummeria, Tshwane (Pretoria), was established in 1946 after the University of Pretoria’s experimental farm and private properties to the north of the city were acquired by the Department of Agriculture.
The garden was formerly known as the Transvaal National Botanic Gardens, and was primarily a research facility under the management of the Botanical Research Institute, which dates back to 1903.
In 1989 the institute amalgamated with the National Botanical Garden of South Africa (Kirstenbosch) to form the National Botanical Institute, which became the South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) in 2004. The Pretoria National Botanical Garden opened to the public in 1984.
A 50m-high natural quartzite outcrop divides the garden into a cool south-facing section and warm north-facing section, each of which sustains different flora varietals in man-made biomes. Endemic plant species are cultivated on a separate ridge. Paved nature trails provide visitor access to all these areas.
Special features at the garden include an avenue of wisteria trees and collections of medicinal plants, cycads, aloes, tree species, succulents and natural ridge vegetation.
Although the focus here is on flora, the bounty of plants has attracted around 200 bird species, as well as reptiles and small mammals.
Seasonal attractions enjoyed by visitors include rolling green lawns and spreading shade trees in summer, while winter highlights include a blaze of flowering aloes.
Within the last decade a number of new projects have come to fruition at the garden. These include a new visitor centre and shop, an environmental education centre and the completion of the SANBI building next to the herbarium.
Indigenous mesembs (“vygies”), with their brilliant, shimmering flowers in red, mauve, pink, orange and white, are particularly attractive, while the country’s famous west coast Namaqualand daisies add splashes of orange and white. Sadly, resident scrub hares often make a meal of these plants before they have an opportunity to flower.
Diminutive grey duiker may be spotted in the garden searching for food such as leaves, flowers and fruit.
On the hill, Magalies plane (Ochna pretoriensis) and peeling plane (Ochna pulchra) burst into masses of yellow flowers, and a broad band of colourful clivias (Clivia miniata) lines pathways near the tea garden.
As its name indicates, September bells (Rothmannia globosa) are characterised by large, scented, creamy white bell-shaped flowers, while many thorny acacia species sport fluffy scented flowers.
The garden’s Mokha restaurant features a deck overlooking the wetland. Mokha is a superb venue for breakfast, lunch and dinner, and also caters for functions such as weddings.
Large tour groups are welcome at the garden, where plenty of parking is available for buses. Disabled access is provided.
The Eco Craft Gift Shop, situated in the new visitor centre near the main entrance, sells a wide range of African curios and gifts.
Guided walks and guided tours of the medicinal garden may be arranged for up to 20 people at a time.
Visiting hours
The gardens are open every day of the year from 08h00 to 18h00. No entry is permitted after 17h00.
The shop is open from 09h00 to 17h00 on weekdays, from 10h00 to 17h00 on Saturdays, and from 13h00 to 17h00 on Sundays.
The Mokha restaurant is open seven days a week.
Admission
Adults: R22
Students: R12
Children over six: R8
Children under six: free
Pensioners have free entry on Tuesdays.