Lowveld National Botanical Garden

Lowveld National Botanical Garden A Wealth of Nature's Treasures The character of the Garden is shaped by the two main rivers that cut across it, namely the Crocodile and Nels Rivers.

Before these two rivers converge in the Garden, they form spectacular waterfalls which can be viewed at the Cascades and the Nels viewpoints. When the Crocodile River is low, interesting geological formations are visible. When in bloom the clivias at the Garden's main entrance are a beautiful and welcoming sight. Walking through the enchanting African Rain Forest enables one to cross the Crocodile

River across the famous suspended bridge, where the cascading waterfall can also be viewed. The South African Forest contains fascinating vegetation from the Coastal Belt as well as the Limpopo Province. The Garden plays a critical role in conservation of rare and endangered species and played a pivotal role in establishing a cycad gene bank. The Garden also boasts one of the largest collections of South African fig trees. One of the other interesting trees that can be seen in the Garden is the mystical baobab tree which is famous for its unique shape and medicinal properties. Various plant species have been introduced into the Garden. These include South African coastal species and a unique collection of plants which represent the rapidly disappearing tropical forests of central and west Africa.

The Dwarf Mongooses are out and aboutSpring is here and some of our inhabitants are becoming more active. Dwarf Mongoose...
08/09/2026

The Dwarf Mongooses are out and about

Spring is here and some of our inhabitants are becoming more active. Dwarf Mongooses, the smallest of the mongoose species, are small, social predators which are primarily insectivores, eating a protein-rich diet consisting mostly of insects, small vertebrates, and occasional fruits. They actively roam the Garden in search of food during the day.

You will start hearing their soft whistles emanating from the undergrowth as they keep in contact with each other while foraging. Watch out for them as they dash across the pathways that crisscross the garden. Later in the season you may even be fortunate enough to see a mother moving her pups, carrying them in her mouth, to another den or burrow site.

08/09/2026
08/09/2026

Straw Everlasting (Helichrysum kraussii https://pza.sanbi.org/helichrysum-kraussii) is a bushy, aromatic shrublet with stiff, leafy stems and dense heads of lemon-yellow or straw-coloured flowers from autumn until spring. The flowers attract bees, butterflies and other pollinating insects. It grows in grassland, bushveld and open woodland and is widespread in the summer-rainfall regions of southern Africa. It is used in traditional medicine to treat a range of ailments, including chest infections, coughs and skin infections. It is easy to grow from seeds or cuttings, and withstands heat and drought.

As Arbor Week comes to a close, let’s keep the momentum going. Plant, protect and care for trees in our gardens, streets...
07/09/2026

As Arbor Week comes to a close, let’s keep the momentum going. Plant, protect and care for trees in our gardens, streets and communities. Together, we can help grow a greener and healthier future.

07/09/2026

Drege’s Eriosema (https://pza.sanbi.org/eriosema-dregei) is a small, bushy shrub with stems and leaves covered in silvery hairs, and bright yellow flowerheads in winter and spring, followed by pods covered in long tawny hairs. It grows in the coastal grasslands of Pondoland and is Red Listed as Vulnerable because its habitat is being degraded and damaged by farming and urban expansion. It can be propagated by seeds, cuttings and division of a mature plant. Best in a sunny position in well-drained soil.

What's flowering or fruiting in the Garden
06/09/2026

What's flowering or fruiting in the Garden

04/09/2026

Hanging outThe local neighbourhood skinks have found themselves a new spot to enjoy the sunshine. Being cold-blooded rep...
04/09/2026

Hanging out

The local neighbourhood skinks have found themselves a new spot to enjoy the sunshine. Being cold-blooded reptiles, unable to regulate their own body temperature the way we can, time in the sun is essential to their health and wellbeing.

Address

Botanical Garden, Entrance Off Madiba Drive
Mbombela
1200

Opening Hours

Monday 08:00 - 18:00
Tuesday 08:00 - 18:00
Wednesday 08:00 - 18:00
Thursday 08:00 - 18:00
Friday 08:00 - 18:00
Saturday 08:00 - 18:00
Sunday 08:00 - 18:00

Telephone

+27137528880

Website

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