“Botanic gardens are institutions holding documented collections of living plants for the purposes of scientific research, conservation, display and education.”
Whilst a park is typically an area of public open space land used for recreation, a botanic garden is primarily, according to Prof. Donal McCracken, for
‘… accumulating botanical and horticultural knowledge (research) and disseminating that knowledge (information and education)’
PLEASE NOTE THAT DUE TO CURRENT COVID19 LOCKDOWN REGULATIONS, CERTAIN RESTRICTIONS APPLY.
MASKS MUST BE WORN AT ALL TIMES.
ENTRY NUMBERS RESTRICTED TO 100 AT ANY GIVEN TIME.
NO PICNICS, GATHERINGS OR GROUP EXERCISE ARE CURRENTLY ALLOWED.
PHOTOSHOOTS [small, immediate family only] WILL BE PERMITTED.
IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS, PLEASE CONTACT US VIA WHATSAPP ON 068 598 1396, OR ON OUR SOCIAL MEDIA PLATFORMS, AND WE WILL GLADLY ASSIST YOU DURING BUSINESS HOURS.
The Durban Botanic Gardens is Africa’s oldest surviving botanic garden that is dedicated to connecting people, plants and culture. The following guidelines are aimed to assist our visitors to have an enjoyable experience of the Gardens whilst helping to ensure that the Gardens as a City public asset remains a place of excellence in keeping with our City’s bylaws. Please note that these guidelines take precedent over all previous guidelines.
Alcohol: The Gardens is a public space and no drinking of alcohol is permitted unless it is within a dedicated space as part of an approved event. No drinking is permitted in any of the car parks.
Balloons: No balloons are permitted in the Gardens as they are a hazard to birds and other wildlife and are not eco-friendly.
Balls and bicycles: Active sports and games including ball games, bikes, scooters, skateboards, rollerblades, frisbees etc. are not permitted in the Gardens in the interest of visitor safety and the protection of our living collections. Parents are encouraged to explore more nature-based play opportunities for their children that is conducive within the Gardens environment.
Benches: Many of our benches are legacy benches and some have been installed in memory of loved ones. No vandalism or defacing of benches will be tolerated and no sleeping or lying on benches is allowed.
Dogs: The Gardens is a perfect place to walk your dog! Please ensure that your dog is kept on a leash at all times and that you clean up any mess that your dog leaves behind. Please do not allow your dog to chase wildlife or interfere with other visitors.
Drones: Leave the flying to the birds! Drones and other remotely controlled aircraft are not allowed unless a permit is issued.
Hawkers are not permitted to trade at the Gardens. If you see a hawker, please report them to Security on site or notify the Information Office.
Litter: Please be responsible for your own litter and help us keep the Gardens looking clean. We encourage you to be an active citizen: help pick up any litter you see lying around you, take your litter home with you or deposit it in one of the bins provided.
Noise: Our visitors appreciate the peace and quiet of the Gardens. Please be mindful of other visitors around you and refrain from playing music or making excessive noise in the Gardens and parking areas, especially from various electronic devices.
Notice boards: No notices may be attached to the notice boards without prior permission. Preference will be given to botanically related events.
Photography and filming: We welcome photographers to the Gardens. Please note that photos that are taken of a personal nature e.g. wedding, nature, family etc. do not require a permit, however any photography or filming of a commercial nature will require a permit that can be obtained from the Information Office.
Picnics & parties: The Gardens is the perfect place to have a small traditional garden picnic with friends and family. When doing so, please note the following guidelines:
All other guidelines will apply.
Plants and Living Creatures: Please help protect the plants and living creatures in the Gardens that are here for the enjoyment, research and education of all our visitors.
Safety & Security: The Durban Botanic Gardens has 24 hour roaming security. In the event of an emergency during office hours, please contact the Information Office on 031 322 4021. For assistance after hours, please contact the Security Control Room on 031 700 9190.
Vandalism: The Gardens property is to be respected at all times. Vandalism to any part of the Gardens will not be tolerated.
Water features: Please refrain from entering into any of the water features and please do not toss coins into the ponds.
Wi-Fi: eThekwini Municipality has a free Wi-Fi hotspot situated near the Visitors Centre. To connect, please look for eThekwini_WiFi under connection settings.
For further information on any of the above guidelines, kindly visit the Information Office situated at the Visitors Complex within the Gardens. Further queries can be emailed to the Curator: martin.clement@durban.gov.za
Information Office (08h00 – 16h30): 031 322 4021 or reception@dbgt.org.za
Venue Hire (08h00 – 16h30): 031 322 4021 or bookings@dbgt.org.za
Security Control Room (a/h emergency): 031 700 9190
The Durban Botanic Gardens is a favourite place for photographers, from the amateur to the professional.
To ensure a positive experience for you, while maintaining a pleasant experience for our many visitors, please be aware of the following rules and guidelines when it comes to taking pictures in the Durban Botanic Gardens.