National Gardens Week 2026: Your Free Passport to Nature

South Africa ranks among the most biodiverse countries in the world, home to extraordinary plant life, wildlife and natural ecosystems. To celebrate this natural heritage, South African National Biodiversity Institute is inviting citizens and residents to enjoy free access to many of the country’s botanical and zoological gardens during National Gardens Week 2026.

From 9 to 15 March 2026, visitors will receive free entry to most national gardens, offering a chance to explore nature, learn about conservation and enjoy outdoor activities across the country.

This year’s theme, “Your free passport to nature: celebrate, restore, and protect all life,” highlights the role botanical gardens play in biodiversity conservation, environmental education and personal wellbeing.

Free entry to South Africa’s botanical gardens

During National Gardens Week, visitors can explore several gardens at no cost.

The following gardens will offer free access from 9 to 13 March 2026:

• Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden
• Walter Sisulu National Botanical Garden
• Pretoria National Botanical Garden

The National Zoological Garden will also offer free entry during the same weekday period. On the weekend of 14 to 15 March, visitors will pay a reduced fee of R26.

Discover nature and conservation across the country

Each garden offers unique experiences, from wildlife sightings to seasonal plant displays and educational tours.

Walter Sisulu National Botanical Garden

Visitors can witness the nest-building behaviour and display flights of Verreaux’s Eagles, one of the garden’s most iconic wildlife residents.

Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden

Situated at the foot of Table Mountain, Kirstenbosch offers breathtaking views and a chance to walk along the famous Boomslang treetop canopy walkway.

The garden also features ancient cycads, proteas and diverse fynbos vegetation.

KwaZulu-Natal National Botanical Garden

Visitors can explore grasslands and search for Bola spiders, a fascinating endemic species active during this time.

Karoo Desert National Botanical Garden

Seasonal blooms of Brunsvigia bosmaniae create striking floral displays across the garden landscape.

Pretoria National Botanical Garden

Guests can discover a wide range of water-wise plants suitable for home gardens while learning about sustainable landscaping.

Harold Porter National Botanical Garden

Located in the Kogelberg Biosphere Reserve, the garden offers hiking trails, birdwatching, picnicking and guided tours that celebrate local biodiversity.

Lowveld National Botanical Garden

Visitors can see seasonal fruits such as marula, sausage tree, Cordyla africana and Oncoba spinosa growing in abundance.

Thohoyandou National Botanical Garden

Guided walks allow visitors to explore scenic trails while learning about indigenous plants and wildlife.

Free State National Botanical Garden

Guests can take guided tours through a Tree Route featuring 43 indigenous species, including a 200-year-old Olea africana tree.

Hantam National Botanical Garden

Visitors may experience the “Secret Season”, when the March Lily (Brunsvigia bosmaniae) blooms across the landscape, depending on rainfall.

Educational experiences and conservation awareness

At the National Zoological Garden, visitors can explore animals, reptiles and aquatic species while learning about conservation.

Around 15 percent of the zoo’s species are threatened, primarily due to habitat loss, poaching and human-wildlife conflict.

Interactive stations during National Gardens Week will introduce visitors to biodiversity protection and conservation initiatives.

Activities and community events during the week

Gardens across the country will host various events, including:

• Guided nature walks and educational tours
• Indigenous plant talks and demonstrations
• Art exhibitions and local markets
• Hiking and cycling trails
• Family picnics and braai facilities
• Plant sales and gardening workshops

Some gardens will also offer special programmes for children and school groups to encourage environmental awareness from a young age.

How visitors can take part

National Gardens Week encourages everyone to connect with nature in meaningful ways.

Visitors can participate by:

• Exploring a botanical garden near them
• Joining guided tours or educational talks
• Supporting plant sales and conservation initiatives
• Spending time outdoors with family and friends

Sharing experiences online using #PassportToNature and #NationalGardensWeek also helps spread awareness about biodiversity conservation.

National Gardens Week offers a rare opportunity to experience South Africa’s natural beauty while learning about the importance of protecting ecosystems for future generations.

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