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The National Botanical and Zoological Gardens

The Conservation Gardens & Tourism Division of SANBA oversees a network of national botanical and zoological gardens across the country. This includes not only the gardens themselves but also the surrounding conservation estates, visitor facilities, and educational interpretation programs. Internationally known as “Conservation Gardens,” these spaces combine cultivated landscapes with preserved natural areas, offering a rich blend of biodiversity, learning, and leisure in one setting.

Bird of Paradise flowers with Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden and Table Mountain in the background

Kirstenbosch

Recognized globally as one of the finest botanical gardens, Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden showcases South Africa’s rich plant diversity at the foot of Table Mountain.

Vibrant yellow and orange wildflowers covering the fields in Hantam National Botanical Garden during blooming season

Hantam

Hantam National Botanical Garden offers a refined experience—best savored at a relaxed pace, like a glass of vintage champagne, with its seasonal wildflower displays and tranquil landscapes.

Iconic waterfall surrounded by lush greenery in Walter Sisulu National Botanical Garden, Johannesburg

Walter Sisulu

Although officially established in 1982, the Walter Sisulu Botanical Garden has been a beloved outdoor destination since the 19th century, blending natural beauty with a sense of heritage.

Indigenous coastal plants with yellow flowers thriving near the ocean in a South African biodiversity zone

Harold Porter

Nestled in the heart of the coastal fynbos region, Harold Porter Botanical Garden is surrounded by one of the most botanically rich areas in the country.

Peaceful botanical garden gazebo framed by blooming agapanthus and green lawns at a SANBA garden

Free State

Set just outside Bloemfontein, this botanical garden stretches across a scenic valley framed by striking dolerite koppies, offering a peaceful retreat in the heart of the Free State.

View across a green garden lawn surrounded by cycads and indigenous trees in a South African botanical garden

Pretoria

Located in the eastern suburbs of Pretoria, this 76-hectare urban sanctuary offers a peaceful escape in South Africa’s capital, featuring diverse plant life and lush, open spaces.

Masses of blooming pink and purple flowers with aloe trees lining a walking path in SANBA’s botanical garden

Karoo Desert

The Karoo Desert National Botanical Garden stands out for its uniqueness, showcasing a diverse collection of arid-region plants adapted to some of South Africa’s harshest climates.

Biodiverse pond with water lilies and tall trees forming part of a wetland ecosystem in a SANBA-managed garden

KwaZulu-Natal

Peaceful and scenic, the KwaZulu-Natal National Botanical Garden focuses on preserving plant species native to the eastern parts of South Africa, offering a quiet haven for nature lovers.

Fast-moving river cutting through a forested canyon, highlighting SANBA’s protected water ecosystems

Lowveld

Defined by the flowing Crocodile and Nels Rivers, the Lowveld National Botanical Garden is a lush, water-rich landscape where riverine forest and biodiversity thrive together.