Embracing the beauty of Africa’s oldest surviving botanical gardens- ‘The Durban Botanic Garden’

By Hajira Langa
Along with seeding plants and trees that have stood the test of time, this year the Durban Botanic Garden will celebrate 174 years of existence.

Since its founding in 1849, the garden rich in history has played a vital role in the city’s life. The Durban Botanical garden is situated in Durban Berea on the East of Kwa-Zulu-Natal. The garden has  indigenous and exotic plants that  promote a very rich teaching and learning to better understand the world of plants. 

According to environmentalist Christine Sol the garden was established as early as 1849 by the Natal Agricultural and Horticultural society. 

The garden began as a vegetable, fruit and other agricultural produce farming, and has since evolved into a significant botanical station, gaining local and international acclaim for its research, plant collection , educational outreach, and efforts to connect people with plants and nature. 

 ‘The Botanical garden is a 15 hectare garden, what we have at the botanical gardens is a combinations of indigenous and also exotic trees and plants that were collected from around the world’ said sol.
The Durban Botanical garden is renowned for it significant collection of the South African Cycad species , which is still considered as the rarest and oldest plants in the world dating back to the Jurassic period.

 

Botanic gardens has a series of activities and events that one can indulge in. 

 ‘we find an extra ordinary amount of beauty, tranquility and gentleness in our garden , it’s a place where people come to relax and tune into nature, perhaps meditate’, said Sol. 

 Passion Ezieku is one the visitors of the Botanic garden, he says that coming to the garden brings him peace. ‘ Mostly I come here for prayers and meditation and I since I am a pastor I come here to get ideas and I also come here to master my sermon. The garden is very peaceful, there are trees that I have never seen in any other place, the environment brings comfort to my soul’. 

 Here are a few things that people can do at the Durban Botanic gardens this winter:

 1. Picnics 

 Visitors are spoilt for choice when it comes to setting up picnics at the Botanical garden, the lake area is a popular spot to relax and admire the birdlife, the lake is home to many aquatic birds. If you looking to unwind try birdwatching at the lake. The sunken garden is one of the most romantic spots in the garden and are a great place for those seeking peace and relaxation. Those seeking shade will appreciate a picnic under the tall trees that are scattered throughout the garden.

 2. Golf cart tours
Tours take place every 30 minutes, and the Botanical Garden staff take guest on tours around the garden as they enlighten them on the history of the garden. Tours are priced at R100 for 30 minutes and you can book for a golf tour at the information office at the garden, the are discounted rates for children and pensioners.

  3. A walk around the historic trees and flowers.

Several studies have proven that being in nature has a powerful positive effect on the mind, body and spirit. Therefore, if you are one that is looking to better your mental and physical health, a walk in the garden will do you good. 


 Beautiful, historic and diverse, the Durban Botanic garden is the little piece of paradise you need to get away from the adversities of the world. The garden is open Monday- Sunday from 07:30 to 17:15

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