South Africa’s National Gardens open their gates for free during National Gardens Week 2026
Following the resounding success of its inaugural edition, the South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) is proud to announce the return of National Gardens Week, taking place from 9 to 15 March 2026. This year, SANBI will offer free access to South Africans and residents to its national botanical and zoological gardens to showcase some of the lesser-known gardens.
Kirstenbosch, Walter Sisulu, Pretoria National Botanical Gardens, and the Pretoria Zoo National Zoological Garden will offer free entry for South African citizens and residents from Monday to Friday, 9 to 13 March 2026. At the Pretoria Zoo, a special discounted entrance fee of R26 applies for South African citizens and residents over the weekend of 14 and 15 March 2026. The discounted fee continues the celebration of the zoo’s 126-year legacy, marking more than a century of conservation, research, and public education in the heart of Pretoria.
National Gardens Week 2026 builds on the momentum of last year’s debut, which saw more than 126,000 South Africans step into SANBI’s 11 national botanical and two zoological gardens to reconnect with nature, families, and local communities. This year, the celebration returns with a renewed invitation to explore South Africa’s extraordinary biodiversity under the theme: “Your free passport to nature: celebrate, restore, and protect all life.”
As the third most biodiverse country in the world, South Africa is home to over 95,000 known species, many of which are found nowhere else. National Gardens Week offers an opportunity for South Africans of all ages and backgrounds to experience this natural wealth first-hand, while learning why biodiversity conservation matters for our wellbeing, livelihoods, and future generations.
Free access to nature, with a thoughtful balance
“Last year’s response showed us that South Africans are hungry for these connections with nature, and we’re excited to open our gates once again,” said Shonisani Munzhedzi, Chief Executive Officer of SANBI. “Our gardens are living classrooms, places of restoration, and spaces where people can rediscover their connection to the natural world. This initiative ensures that more South Africans can experience that value, especially those visiting for the first time.”
A countrywide celebration of biodiversity
Across SANBI’s gardens, visitors can look forward to a rich programme of activities that blend learning, relaxation, and discovery. These include guided walks, bird and insect observation, plant sales, wellness activities, and hands-on conservation education. From flowering displays to opportunities to learn about medicinal plants and water-wise gardening, every garden offers a unique window into South Africa’s living landscapes.
At the Pretoria Zoo, interactive educational stations will highlight that 15 per cent of the species housed there are threatened by habitat loss, poaching, and human-wildlife conflict, reinforcing the vital role of conservation action.
At the Kwa-Zulu Natal National Botanical Garden, located in Pietermaritzburg, Acrobranch will offer free access to the outdoor adventure course, in addition there will be free plant propagation courses and free garden tours.
“The intention behind National Gardens Week was to create moments of wonder and understanding with nature,” said Nontsikelelo Mpulo, SANBI’s Director of Marketing, Communications, and Commercialisation. “When people encounter biodiversity up close, whether it is a rare plant, a soaring eagle, or a threatened animal species, conservation becomes personal. That emotional connection is what drives long-term care for our natural heritage.”
Kirstenbosch: nature, culture, and music under the mountain
Set against the iconic eastern slopes of Table Mountain, Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden remains a firm favourite for local and international visitors alike. During National Gardens Week, weekday visitors can enjoy free access to explore the celebrated Boomslang treetop walkway, ancient cycads, proteas, and world-renowned fynbos displays. The garden’s broader visitor experience, including the ongoing Kirstenbosch Summer Sunset Concerts, continues to add cultural vibrancy to the setting throughout March.
Visitors are also encouraged to connect more deeply with indigenous plants through Happy by Nature, an indigenous nursery and botanical studio based at Kirstenbosch. As part of National Gardens Week, Happy by Nature will offer 5 per cent off all indigenous plants from 9 to 13 March (not valid in conjunction with other offers). Secondly, there will be a free five-minute talk on indigenous plants on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday at 11:00 and 14:00, offering practical guidance on choosing, growing, and caring for plants that support local biodiversity.
In addition, the Kirstenbosch Gift Shop will host an end-of-range and seasonal clearance sale with discounts of up to 50 per cent, while the Kirstenbosch Bookshop will offer 15 per cent off selected books, available in-store only.
A shared responsibility
National Gardens Week is a call to action for all visitors. By stepping into a garden, South Africans are invited to reflect on their role in celebrating life, restoring ecosystems, and protecting biodiversity for the future.
SANBI encourages visitors to share their experiences on social media using #PassportToNature and #NationalGardensWeek, helping to grow a national movement that places nature at the heart of everyday life.
To claim the free or discounted entry fee, South African citizens and residents must show proof of South African residency, e.g. their ID, a certified paper copy of their ID, an electronic copy of their ID or their driver’s licence.
For full details on participating gardens and access times, visit this page: National Gardens Week 2026.
| NATIONAL GARDENS WEEK ACTIVITIES | |
| Garden | Activities |
| Free State National Botanical Garden | Have a braai combined with nature during this Free Entry National Gardens Week Celebration The garden features a designated braai area equipped with: 19 built-in braai stands 25 benches for your comfort Space for the whole family/friends to enjoy |
| Hantam National Botanical Garden | Hiking and cycling |
| Harold Porter National Botanical Garden | Market and art exhibition |
| Karoo Desert National Botanical Garden | During this week, the garden will host a variety of educational, recreational, and community-focused activities aimed at promoting environmental awareness and encouraging public engagement with our unique botanical heritage.Planned/proposed activities include:Plant Sale by the Gate – A plant sale will be hosted at the lower parking area throughout the week.Food trucks will be available on Friday and Saturday evenings.Children’s Play Area – A designated kids’ play area will be set up on Friday and Saturday.Behind The Scenes Guided Garden Tours will be offered daily during the week. A discount of R60 per person, tour time to approximately 1h30min, with three sessions per day.Indoor Garden Tour (Educational Talk with PowerPoint Slides) – Informative talks about the garden and its plant collections will be held indoors on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 18:00 to 19:00. |
| Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden | Happy by Nature, an indigenous nursery and botanical studio based at Kirstenbosch, will offer 5 per cent off all indigenous plants from 9 to 13 March (not valid in conjunction with other offers).A free five-minute talk on indigenous plants on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday at 11:00 and 14:00, offering practical guidance on choosing, growing, and caring for plants that support local biodiversity.The Kirstenbosch Gift Shop will host an end-of-range and seasonal clearance sale with discounts of up to 50 per centThe Kirstenbosch Bookshop will offer 15 per cent off selected books, available in-store only. |
| Kwazulu-Natal National Botanical Garden | Propagation technique and plant identification training – This will only be conducted for ONLY two days in that week, and bookings could be done through the horticulturist desk L.Zondi@sanbi.org.zaKids in the garden programme – There are schools already scheduled for the week at the BEPE centre.Free tour- 2 days a week and booking through k.rallele@sanbi.org.zaStill awaiting Acrobranch to offer me discounted rates – They will be offering free courses for the entire week. They will share marketing material with us for sharing on our social platforms. |
| Kwelera National Botanical Garden | None |
| Lowveld National Botanical Garden | Growing and caring for Cycads: A guided tour and demonstration.Trees of the Lowveld Garden: A guided tour. |
| Mokopane Biodiversity Conservation Centre | None |
| Pretoria National Botanical Garden | Milkplum will offer 10% off on all orders before 11:00 am during the National Gardens Week. |
| Pretoria National Zoological Garden |  |
| Thohoyandou National Botanical Garden | Picnic and braai areas for relaxation and for sharing food with family and friends.Hiking trail and a tree route, which are guided activities and must be booked in advance for a free tour guide.Long boardwalk where visitors can enjoy the forest and the sound of birds whistling. |
| Walter Sisulu National Botanical Garden | Guided walks and talks |
