Free State National Botanical Garden image

Free State National Botanical Garden

Tourist attraction Botanical garden

One of the Best Places To Visits in Bloemfontein


Address

Rayton Rd, Dan Pienaar, Bloemfontein, 9310, South Africa

Website

www.sanbi.org

Contact

+27 51 436 3530

Rating on Google Maps

4.50 (1.7K reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Monday: 8 AM to 5 PM
  • Tuesday: 8 AM to 5 PM
  • Wednesday: 8 AM to 5 PM
  • Thursday: 8 AM to 5 PM
  • Friday: 8 AM to 5 PM
  • Saturday: 8 AM to 5 PM
  • Sunday: 8 AM to 5 PM

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: nice (18) garden (14) beautiful (12) gardens (11) Great (11) good (10) maintained (9) restaurant (9) picnic (9) clean (9)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 5/5 Arnold P. 3 years ago on Google • 322 reviews
    This is a gorgeous place to visit any time of the year in my opinion, beautifully maintained. This is smaller botanical garden compared to the others however it has more wildlife and birds viewing than any other botanical garden in the country. It's an absolute must for bird lover, there a beautiful birdhide hut on the lakeside with seats and viewing windows with gorgeous views of the dam and the mountains. The entry fee for adults is R30, there is also a restaurant inside, one can grab quick snack and water points all over the park. The is a shaded garden and traditional village houses, very beautiful and a must to find during your walk around the park.
    10 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Elizabeth C. 1 year ago on Google • 188 reviews
    A hidden gem! Bloemfontein locals do not give this garden enough credit. One of the best things about it is how quite it is, when I was there, there were hardly any people. I walked 6km around the garden. The walk up the hill is a bit steep but nothing to intense, a young child will easily make it. It was such a nice place to spend my day. A perfect holiday activity for the young and old. Tip: bring a picnic basket with and have lunch in the gardens
    9 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Hlonela 1 year ago on Google • 100 reviews
    Ooooh, this garden. It is so beautiful and perfect for picnics, weddings, and all kinds of chilled events. Hiking, just a walk, run, etc. I love it here, and the entrance fee is quite affordable.
    8 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 hetta p. 1 year ago on Google • 192 reviews
    Lush, tranquil gardens which are well maintained and worth a visit. There are walking trials to follow, all of which are scenic and well laid out. There are signboards with plant names sprinkled around. The venue is popular with families as a birthday celebration spot.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Gareth Preiss (. 1 year ago on Google
    We spent a couple hours in the gardens and did a short hike. A very well kept, cared for and scenic gardens with friendly staff. Lots of birds around and yellow Mongoose. Well worth a visit.
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Edward T. 5 months ago on Google • 99 reviews
    Went to the botanical gardens for a works function. Wow, what a surprise to see the lawns so green and in pristine condition . PnP Lapa was clean and well maintained and had a beautiful nature feature. Bathrooms were super clean and a pleasure to use. Well done, FreeSate Botanical Gardens and all that work there.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 Bernadine M. 9 months ago on Google • 68 reviews
    It was ok, very expensive just for a walk around the garden basically. The staff aren't very friendly, and the dam was dirty. There was also nothing there to buy like cooldrink or anything, very thirsty.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Prudence C. 2 years ago on Google
    Nice and quiet. They have the option of hosting parties at a lapa. Very clean. Nice as well for intimate picnics. Saw a few there.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Michelle M. 6 years ago on Google
    The gardens are very well maintained and the staff are very friendly and the ablutions are clean. There are nice hiking trails and a really nice restaurant with good food and nice service. Packing your own snacks and a blanket is just as nice though. There is enough space for many people to have nice picnics on weekends. There are nice benches and lots of trees also available. The entrance fee is not a problem to pay at all when you can see that it is being utilized effectively. This is an excellent venue for photographers doing photo shoots for people!
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Shane L. 1 year ago on Google
    Awesome place to visit...well maintained...neat and very educational! Keep it up!!!
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Gabriel M. 3 years ago on Google
    Very great place. Chilled vibes. Good for hiking and mental health. Very child friendly. Spacious. Love it. I'm definitely going back soon.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Londiwe M. 2 years ago on Google
    We had such a wonderful experience during our "YWSA Bloemfontein Prayer and Hiking". We were assisted so well but staff and the restaurant had the best breakfast and at a very reasonable price. Looking forward to doing this again in 2022 because it was an epic experience ❤🥰😍.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Thapelo M. 3 years ago on Google
    Place with bad memories for me but great for couples that get along to take a walk among the plant and tree species of the region with clear markings and information boards. The trial requires good trail runners or boots but I've done it multiple times with push-ins/sandals. Safe, clean and lovely space for love birds.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Willie P. 9 months ago on Google
    This is a nice peaceful place.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 kaw 710 (. 2 years ago on Google
    Absolutely stunning park. It is a really nice place to just go an unwind after a long day. It has lots of seating areas like benches but also the lawns are incredibly well manicured and make nice places to sit down. There are also some nice hiking trails. I can't also describe how serene and peaceful it is, spent literally hours there and didn't feel it.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Bonolo M. 1 month ago on Google • 73 reviews New
    I always enjoy the atmosphere here, it's just lovely.

  • 5/5 Cyrus R. 1 month ago on Google • 44 reviews New
    A really well-kept and beautiful space. It's well worth a visit.

  • 5/5 Hennie O. 3 years ago on Google
    Clean, well kept, serene, beautiful atmosphere

  • 4/5 Marco G. 3 years ago on Google
    Beautiful nice place and food was great. Will go there again sometime.

  • 5/5 DARRYL ZENITH P. 3 years ago on Google
    Quiet and tranquil very neat and exceptionall informed a must to visit for nature and garden e thusiasts

  • 5/5 Izak Janse van R. 3 years ago on Google
    Beautiful gardens and very well kept. Just a shame they do not allow dogs anymore.

  • 4/5 Sharon Anne M. 3 years ago on Google
    Very beautiful gardens, but a lot of people on weekends.

  • 4/5 Nolundi x. 3 years ago on Google
    Music isn't allowed for understandable reasons and the staff isn't really patient with people. Great experience overall, lots to see and explore.

  • 5/5 Leeratu Gwendoline M. 3 years ago on Google
    Great escape from the city buzz nd ideal place to clear one's mind

  • 4/5 Dirk L. 2 years ago on Google
    Peaceful open spaces and age old trees that offer shade from the Free State sun. Perfect place for a picnic. Beautifully green at the moment because of the frequent rains. Bathrooms and other facilities clean and accessible. Unfortunately the restaurant was closed when we visited.

  • 4/5 Maggie S. 3 years ago on Google
    Nice and refreshing place to be I enjoyed every moment with my family

  • 5/5 Sello T. 1 year ago on Google
    This is a very good and friendly environment, wilderness, no wild animals, it's good for all people, kids also. There's space for chillax and braai, Mountain view, Dam and Sea creatures. It's a good environment. I would recommend it for people who wanna have maybe an anniversary, to go there and have a nice day.

  • 5/5 Tashja I. 1 year ago on Google
    Nthabiseng made sure we enjoyed our Sauvignon Blanc outside under the trees with the lovely view of the gardens. She is such a gem and we really had a great time. Definitely a favourite spot for brunch.

  • 5/5 Jenashlen G. 7 months ago on Google
    Great hiking trails, beautiful views.

  • 5/5 Thursby L. 2 years ago on Google
    Very relaxing all nature good for meditation also not that much only R35

  • 4/5 Phumudzo R. 2 years ago on Google
    A very ell maintained garden. Great collection of medicinal plants. Loved the Sotho.

  • 5/5 Dewald B. 1 year ago on Google
    The most beautiful garden and hiking trails you've ever experienced. Perfect for the whole family. . . But no pets or ball sports allowed :(

  • 4/5 Mark P. 1 year ago on Google
    Excellently maintained botanical gardens. Extensive walks, trails etc. Great range of both flora and fauna. Good birding includes hide over looking a water course/ dam. Reasonable entry prices. Big car park. Small cafe etc. A really enjoyable 2 hours away from the madness of our fast paced lives

  • 5/5 Tj J. 1 year ago on Google
    A good getaway in Bloemfontein to be closer to nature. Ideal for picnics with others or a weekend buffet with the family. The buffet's food has always been very good and the grounds are usually very well looked after and clean.

  • 5/5 William B. 1 year ago on Google
    Very peaceful experience for family fun... large outdoor space with large grassy areas that are well kept. Good for romantic picnics as well.

  • 4/5 Stella Van n. 3 years ago on Google
    Had a nice day with my family at the gardens and took a walk around the grounds , Thank you !

  • 5/5 Palesa M. 3 years ago on Google
    Love the place.. Well maintained... Nice place for a picnic or just some quite time.. Enjoyed the mini hike

  • 4/5 Akhona N. 3 years ago on Google
    The place is much greener than when I went there last in 2007. They are taking better care of it. Now you can have a picnic on soft green grass.

  • 5/5 Godfrey K. 3 years ago on Google
    What an amazing experience

  • 5/5 Kefentse M. 3 years ago on Google
    The most tranquil and peaceful picnic spot in Bloemfontein. This garden hosts a variety of African plants coupled with extensive information on those plants. It is an ideal place for hiking, taking walks or just relaxing. They have benches all over the place but you are welcome to bring your camp chair or picnic blanket. We got a spot overlooking the dam. The garden is spacious so you don't have to worry about social distancing. They also have a nice reasonably priced restaurant... for light meals though..

  • 4/5 Jeanique V. 3 years ago on Google
    Very clean and peaceful

  • 5/5 May M. 3 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) Been fantastic. My first visit and once again sooo neat and nice. (Original) Fantasties gewees. My eerste besoek en weereens sooo netjies en mooi.

  • 5/5 Annah K. 3 years ago on Google
    Lovely, clean

  • 4/5 Elmarie B. 3 years ago on Google
    Love this stunning garden

  • 4/5 Dumoluhle M. 3 years ago on Google
    A place to be to relax and enjoy contemplating on God's creation!

  • 5/5 Sizi Matthews B. 3 years ago on Google
    Such a beautiful and tranquil place.

  • 5/5 Talani M. 3 years ago on Google
    Great for any type of outing with family, friends or even self. Staff is friendly. Even Great for hiking

  • 5/5 roy r. 3 years ago on Google
    Beautiful piece and tranquility. Good food and walking trails

  • 5/5 Aziphiwe Z. 3 years ago on Google
    Snakes are not caged, I once came across a tremendous one. But it's a nice place otherwise

  • 4/5 tertius f. 3 years ago on Google
    Very nice place. Especially after the rains. Friendly staff. Relaxing atmosphere.

  • 4/5 Duncan M. 3 years ago on Google
    Very similar to the botanical garden In Johannesburg. Very well run, great place to bring friends and family to chill and picnic. Saw some wonderful birthday celebration. It's a child friendly environment as well.

  • 4/5 Deon P. 3 years ago on Google
    Restaurant great sunday buffet. Price good. Park looks good and well looked after.

  • 5/5 FrugalNut 3 years ago on Google
    Great restaurant

  • 5/5 Neo A. 3 years ago on Google
    A very chilled environment, if you want tranquility this is definitely a place to go relax and unwind

  • 5/5 Barend D. 3 years ago on Google
    Nice quiet and private place

  • 4/5 Londolani M. 3 years ago on Google
    Great place n Beautiful view👌

  • 5/5 Frederik B. 3 years ago on Google
    Good quality products

  • 5/5 Lieschen de W. 3 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) The most delicious farm food in SA at the restaurant (Original) Die lekkerste boerekos in SA by die restaurant

  • 5/5 Piet van Z. 3 years ago on Google
    Beautiful.

  • 3/5 DailyDrivenVlogs #. 3 years ago on Google
    Not spacious

  • 5/5 Danie L. 3 years ago on Google
    Beautiful

  • 4/5 Maurice D. 3 years ago on Google
    Great place but why have a tent with loud music?

  • 5/5 Anid K. 3 years ago on Google
    Kos was heeeerlik‼️

  • 5/5 Sakhumzi M. 3 years ago on Google
    Great place for a quick hiking experience in Bloemfontein.

  • 4/5 Patience M. 3 years ago on Google
    It is a beautiful place the greenery is amazing for pictures

  • 4/5 Marlene F. 3 years ago on Google
    Nice place to relax and have a picnic with your loved ones

  • 4/5 Daan R. 3 years ago on Google
    Very well maintained and pleasure to visit

  • 4/5 Daud 1. 3 years ago on Google
    Good place for a stroll with beautiful trees and bush, but restaurant buffet far too expensive. Will definitely pack a picnic basket next time.


Call +27 51 436 3530 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Activities
    • ✓️ Hiking
  • Accessibility
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible entrance
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible parking lot

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