Residents in the Western Cape are among those invited to explore some of the country’s most celebrated natural spaces, with the 2026 edition of National Gardens Week officially underway.
The occasion started on Monday and runs until 15 March, offering visitors free entry to botanical and zoological gardens across the country.
The initiative, led by the South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI), aims to encourage the public to reconnect with nature and learn more about biodiversity conservation.
“This year’s theme, ‘Your free passport to nature, celebrate, restore, and protect all life’, encourages people to connect with the natural world in uplifting ways. It’s about embracing mindfulness and wellbeing and enjoying the benefits of gentle physical activity and community engagement,” read SANBI’s statement.
In the Western Cape, visitors can enjoy free access to several well-known gardens.
At the Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden in Cape Town, guests can explore indigenous plant life while walking along the famous Boomslang treetop walkway. The garden is described as “a sanctuary of natural beauty” set against the slopes of Table Mountain.
Further along the coast, the Harold Porter National Botanical Garden in Betty’s Bay offers activities including hiking, picnicking, birdwatching and guided tours.
In the semi-arid interior, the Karoo Desert National Botanical Garden in Worcester is showcasing seasonal blooms such as Brunsvigia bosmaniae, creating striking floral displays.
Beyond the Western Cape, gardens across the country are also participating.
The Walter Sisulu National Botanical Garden in Roodepoort offers visitors the chance to observe Verreaux’s eagles, while the Pretoria National Botanical Garden showcases water-wise plants suited to home gardens. Meanwhile, the National Zoological Garden of South Africa in Pretoria highlights conservation challenges.
READ MORE: SANBI – National Gardens Week 2026
