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AAs Africa’s oldest surviving botanical garden, the Durban Botanic Gardens are a magnificent testimony to more than 160 years of dedication and care by a succession of curators.
Not only do these extensive gardens offer travellers a scenic respite from the busy city, but they are world-renowned for their indigenous and exotic plant collections from the subtropics – cycads, ferns, bromeliads, palms and orchids are among many other stunning flowers and more than 80 magnificent heritage trees.
Animal species that complement the flora include a variety of birds, butterflies and tiny reed frogs, so take along your binoculars and birding, insect and amphibian guidebooks. Spend time feeding the ducks at the lake or simply spread out a rug and lie under one of the massive old trees that flank the paved pathways meandering through the gardens.
The Orchid House is a popular attraction and a must-see when you visit. Marvel at the spectacular collection of orchids, each with distinctive, vividly colourful blooms, before moving on to the award-winning Sensory Garden.
The herbarium is another element that should not be overlooked. It houses thousands of carefully catalogued plant species, mostly endemic to the province of KwaZulu-Natal.
For a panoramic view of the gardens, make your way to the deck at the fern dell, and to end off a relaxing day, pop in at the famous tea garden. The tea and crumpets with cream and syrup are legendary.
Did You Know?
TTravel tips & Planning info
Who to contact
Durban Botanic Gardens
Tel: +27 (0)31 322 4021
Email: reception@dbgt.org.za
How to get here
The Durban Botanic Gardens are located west of the city centre towards the suburb of Berea, in Botanic Gardens Road, above the Greyville Racecourse. If you’re self-driving, however, the public parking is on the northern side of the gardens, in John Zikhali Road [formerly Sydenham Road; a popular route in and out of the CBD]; you continue past the gardens from Botanic Gardens Road to the traffic lights and turn right, then right again into the parking lot. A shuttle bus connecting the city centre to the gardens travels regularly up and down John Zikhali Rd, and metered taxis and app-based rides like Uber are also available in Durban.
Best time to visit
The gardens are at their best in late spring and summer (November to February), after the spring rains. But they’re almost as appealing in winter, with open-air concerts on Sunday afternoons a huge attraction. Gates open at 7.30am all year round and close at 5.15pm in winter and 5.45pm in summer.
Around the area
Visit the nearby Jameson Rose Garden at the top of Florida Road.
Tours to do
Guided tours of the gardens are available, but for these, bookings are essential. Theme-based tours include heritage trees, botanical WOW, and people and plants.
What will it cost
Entrance to the gardens is free.
Length of stay
A day is sufficient to see everything, but take your time and enjoy the surroundings while there.
What to eat
The tea garden, especially its freshly made crumpets, comes highly recommended.
What's happening
The green lawns surrounding the lake are one of the best open-air concert venues in the city. Regular performances take place here, especially from May to August, when rain is less likely. Children’s theatre is also a popular attraction here during school holidays.
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