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The Karoo in one garden
Karoo Desert Botanical Gardens
The stark beauty of the Karoo Desert Botanical Gardens.
© Chris Marais
Did you know?
Some spring wild flowers, like mesembs and gazanias, only open fully in the late morning.
The Karoo Desert Botanical Gardens are famous for being the only true succulent gardens in the southern hemisphere. This falls within the Karoo biome, which also includes the Namaqualand desert wild flower region further north.
Located near the town of Worcester, these botanical gardens are only 120km from Cape Town and offer a spectacular floral experience. Colourful blooming vygies (mesembs) in spring, from August to the end of September, is one of the gardens' many highlights.
Approximately 400 plant species occur here naturally and this botanical garden is also home to 300 protected species that are being propagated. Approximately 144ha of the gardens are maintained as a nature reserve featuring many hiking trails. The garden is also home to 70 species of birds and a wide range of small mammals such as the Cape grey duiker.
The Karoo Desert Botanical Gardens were originally established in 1921 near Matjiesfontein, but moved to Worcester in 1945 to allow for better visitor access. Today, this special botanical attraction boasts a plant maze, Braille trail, organised tours and a nursery stocked with indigenous species. Fine aloes, wild grapes and mesembs abound in the gardens, which sit at the foot of the Hex River Mountains.
This semi-desert botanical garden offers a totally unique view of some of South Africa's most colourfully spectacular flowers and plants.
Travel tips & Planning info
Who to contact
Karoo Desert Botanical Gardens
Tel: +27 (0)23 347 0785
Fax: +27 (0)23 342 8719
Email: Karoo-Desert-NBG@sanbi.org.za
How to get here
Worcester lies on the N1 freeway connecting Cape Town and Johannesburg and is about 120km north of Cape Town. The Karoo Desert Botanical Gardens are situated in Roux Road on the outskirts of Worcester.
What to pack
Comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen, hat, cameras and binoculars.
Where to stay
Accommodation is available in nearby Worcester in a range of guesthouses, B&Bs and self-catering facilities.