National Gardens Week: Free entry to SA’s botanical gardens

South Africa’s botanical gardens will open their gates free of charge from 9 to 15 March as part of National Gardens Week.

The initiative, led by the South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI), allows visitors to explore a selection of the country’s national botanical gardens without paying standard entrance fees.

The week aims to encourage more people to experience indigenous landscapes while highlighting the conservation and research work conducted within these protected green spaces.

Participating botanical gardens across South Africa

The participating gardens span multiple provinces and ecosystems:

• Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden
• Pretoria National Botanical Garden
• Walter Sisulu National Botanical Garden
• KwaZulu-Natal National Botanical Garden
• Kwelera National Botanical Garden
• Free State National Botanical Garden
• Hantam National Botanical Garden
• Harold Porter National Botanical Garden
• Karoo Desert National Botanical Garden
• Thohoyandou National Botanical Garden
• Mokopane Biodiversity Conservation Centre
• Lowveld National Botanical Garden
• National Zoological Garden

Kirstenbosch, Walter Sisulu, and Pretoria National Botanical Gardens are offering free entry only from 9 – 13 March 2026.

The National Zoological Garden will also offer free entry on 9 – 13 March 2026, and an entry fee of R26 on the weekend of 14 – 15 March 2026.

Visitors are advised to check with individual gardens for specific operating hours and any exclusions that may apply during the promotional period.

While entry will be free during National Gardens Week, certain guided tours or special attractions may still carry additional charges.

Visitors are encouraged to:

• Confirm details directly with the garden they plan to visit
• Bring sun protection and comfortable walking shoes
• Carry reusable water bottles

The initiative provides an opportunity for families, students and travellers to explore world-class gardens at no cost while reconnecting with South Africa’s natural heritage.

Will you be taking advantage of National Gardens Week this year? Which garden would you like to explore? Let us know in the comments below…