Botanic Gardens Durban was me and my Childhood Friend's favorite place. Carved our Names on Trees, fished, relaxed. Still great to this day... Played Soccer next door at Curries Fountain years ago. Next to Royal Durban Golf Course. Next to Greyville Race Course where the Durban July, The Millions Rand Horse Race will happen on 01July 2023, with a full house of betting, fashion, fun in the Durban Sun like it happens every year. Win.

The trail of lights at the Botanical Gardens in Durban 2021 was absolutely magical. It was nicely spaced out through the entire garden. Gave you a lovely warm festive feeling. It's an experience for everyone. The food court was a good thought with a variety of stalls- coffee, ice cream, Mexican food, indian food, burgers, pizzas, slush drinks, snacks like popcorn and candy floss. It did get a bit overwhelming at the food court around 8pm with the last lot of people walking in. Overall it was a nice night out and the weather was perfect too.

One of my most favorite places in Durban and it's also so close to home. It is clean, very well maintained, free parking, shady and relaxing. Won't advise visiting here for a picnic after a heavy rainfall as the grass is swampy. Take a relaxing stroll or enjoy a picnic under the shady trees. Wonderful place to take kids or meet with friends and family. Coffee can be purchased near the entrance , No other food is sold on the premises so it's good to come well prepared with water etc. The most recent visit was the play we saw "Charlottes Web" , an absolute must see amidst all the beauty of the gardens !

Trail of lights at Botanic Gardens Durban South Africa is really what they say it is, trail of lights. Food stalls, lights, adventures and so much to see and experience. It was definitely worth going, it is recommended that you buy your tickets online to ensure your spot when visiting the earlier the better goes it does get busy later on.

This is a very tranquil place. It is a good place for a picnic, feed the ducks or a relaxing walk. Do all if you like... Well worth the time... Recently visited for the Trail of Lights. Absolutely blown away.

A pleasant, peaceful, and quiet place. Perfect for picnics, morning/evening walks, or reading a book. This garden also has a good coffee shop, and can also host events such as weddings or parties. The garden is well maintained and always kept neat. Entrance is free, and staff are always friendly.

Spent the afternoon at the gardens. Awesome place for family to go and relax. Many ducks walking about. Safe place for kids to be free and run around. New parking area is great with ample parking. Ablution are clean.

Wow the lights are Fantastic. Families with kids will really enjoy. Plenty of food stalls, places to take pics and just to enjoy the atmosphere. Music playing. Large crowds.

Amazing place for taking a walk, sitting down on the grass on a blanket, having a picnic, or practicing nature photography. There are quite a few bird species that can be observed by bird-lovers, especially near the pond inside the gardens. The area is kept neat and clean, and it is safe to walk around. You can also find places to buy water, soft drinks, coffee and ice-cream. Definitely one of the best places to visit in Durban for a chilled weekend!

Thank you to the organizers and staff for such an amazing and beautiful set up at the Trail of Lights😊. Everything looked so picturesque and this year a lot of innovation and creativity was put into the theme. Definitely not to be missed in 2023. We had so much fun and it indeed brought out the kid in me🥰

It's alot of walking but it's really beautiful . If you love nature you will enjoy a day here with friends and family for a walk and /or a picnic. There are benches and some seating areas and lots of open spaces to relax . Take along blankets , chairs , picnic basket . Kids will love this garden .

Durban Botanic Gardens (est 1849), is the most enjoyable place to relax. Neat and clean, enjoy a picnic lunch on their sprawling lawns or on the lake edge, feed the ducks or fish or just enjoy a quite spot to catch up on your favorite novel. Tea garden and restaurant on site both with tasty eats. Conference venue available. Saturday is a day to watch all the newly weds photos shoots. A must is to buy yourself that special large coffee and take a guide tour on a golf cart which I recently did, and been there many times before, this was a new look at the gardens, it open a new side, the guide was very informative, you get to see one of the most expensive trees in the world's which is under 24 hours surveillance with cameras and security and a must view is the kissing tree. There are also live concerts held at the lake. Plenty of secure parking, with clean facilities. My favorite time to visit is early in the week, when the park is quite as if I have it all to my self. Enjoy with good company or a quite place for some alone time. A must visit when in Durban.

We visit here often and always have an incredible time. It's a scenic, safe and peaceful walk through. Definitely a place to take in nature. The most enjoyable time to visit is around Christmas when the Trail of Lights begin.

This place is amazing It really grew on me Found just after Kendra Temple hall Was recently asked to take out a few pictures of a bridal couple Amazing place to capture beautiful memories And even though we were dressed for the occasion it was a real please strolling through these magnificent gardens Really appreciate the ambiance of this historical place found right here in Durban It's was truly scenic to the mind and soul walking the few man-made pathways encamped between the luscious green hedges ,blissful purple flowers ,hints of yellow bamboo and the blend of nature itself In the short time time that we were there It was truly an opportunity not to be missed ,will definitely visit again when I'm a bit less dressed up ,theres so much more to see and learn about this colossal place full of beauty Notable mentions *Parking is free *Lots of security *Free entrance *Coffee shop *Book store

Five stars may be a bit of a stretch, but there are so many amazing features in this garden. The colour tree was a real first for me, the Indian walking tree, the rarest cycad on earth, the amazing bird life. They were setting up for the lights festival, which looked like it would be great. I don’t even remember there being a cost, but for us it was a gem in the middle of Durban, just next to the racecourse.

Gorgeous place to visit if you love nature!! Peaceful and very safe here as they have guards. No entrance fee here and you can bring a picnic and enjoy it with your family 💜♥️

This place is absolutely free to enter and is a sublimely peaceful bolt hole to escape the din of the city. Also a hunt for picnicking families and young couples. There are so many birds here and a profusion of exotic plants and trees. The coffee booth just inside is reasonably priced so grab a cup and keep walking !

Great place for a picnic and a stroll. You can definitely bring your kids and most pathways are stroller friendly. Interesting plants and trees. The gardens are clean, well run and seem secure with guards patrolling. Nice clean bathrooms, a very nice Durban based family activity. No charge for entry, but do make a donation if you can. Also keep an eye out for special events like concerts and their Christmas Garden of Lights (events require purchased tickets).

Whether your just visiting or residing near Durban, this is a must see! No entry fee, although if you're up to giving a little support, a donation is always welcome. Perfect for walking the dogs, a day out with family, a photoshoot, a lovely picnic or even just taking it all in ( I even saw a group of people enjoying themselves with a morning meditation session) . Loads of old/large trees, beautiful plants and information boards. Also a lot of very good artworks to reflect upon. Affordable gift shop and duck food available at the entrance.

This is the iconic Durban gardens and must see for tourists and locals alike. One can just fall asleep and relax in the tranquility of the place.

(Translated by Google) Beautiful park (Original) Wunderschöner Park

Terrific!!! The Trail Of Lights festival held at the Durban Botanical Gardens is a wonder and a half. Every degree you turn, illuminating lights and decorations lift the event up to a whole new level. I've been attending for the past 2-3 years, and trust me when I say that the quality of the event is marked up every year. Something new is added or done to make the place different from the previous year. It is advisable to book your tickets for an earlier date, preferably before 16 December. Especially in the time of COVID-19, it is wise to book early as not many people are available during this time which translates to a less crowded experience with a more enjoyable and relaxing time spent. Really enjoyed all that it had to offer; can't wait to see what next year brings. And yes, all COVID-19 protocols and precautions are and must be observed at all times. Marshals are always patrolling the park to make sure no one is breaching these rules. The only time you are exempt from wearing a face mask is when you are eating/in the food court. Otherwise, wear you mask, sanitise, and be CORONA CONSCIOUS!!!🎄🥰🥳✨

An absolute pleasure to take my 18 month old grandson to, where he goes crazy and has a ball of a time. Very safe, clean and nature filled enjoyment. A must visit during this time for the splendor and beauty of the lights display. Don't miss out, take your family, picnic or just walk around and take in the peace and tranquility that the surrounding offers.

A beautiful place with lots to discover. Didn't know I was so clueless about plants and trees till I was here. Great place for picnics with a lover or friends. There's ducks, birds, and their chirps make it sound like paradise. Definitely recommend. Bring something to lay on the grass and a few snacks and spoil your senses.

The Botanic Gardens are beautiful especially at the annual Festival of Lights around Christmas time. Really beautiful and well managed in terms of Covid regulations

If you're looking for some peace and quiet with the nature then this place is for you. Lovely trees,picnic space and flowers.ideal for some family outing while feeding the ducks. It's clean and feels safe. I gave it 4 starts cos I feel there is a room for some improvement in terms of the look and feel

Went to the trail of lights 2020 and it was amazing. No crowds like last year. They were prepared for covid compliance and for rain with more ramps and everything. Well done!

We went for the Trail of Lights at the Botanical Gardens. Although there are different time slots the Gardens were very overcrowded. The beautiful display of the lights created a happy Christmas atmosphere.

Used to be one of my favourite places but the COVID regulations make no sense. People are allowed to walk in groups but not picnic??? People are allowed to sit on benches but picnic mats are not allowed in??? People are allowed to bring in food but not cooler boxes ??? Mitchell's Park is a better alternative.

Zen in the city gardens, I do enjoy this quick getaway

The place is beautiful to visit and host functions, but the security is abit tight, we where not allowed to enter with our 1 year Olds baby blanket, the security insisted he thought we would use it to sit on, and apparently that's not allowed, your not allowed to carry in your own camp chairs either,maybe they should consider more benches and comfortable seating.

We had a great time with friends and family

Relaxing

A very good place to meet different spices of trees and flowers

I love every second of being there with the ducks

Sad to see how neglected the gardens are. If the Municipality doesn't jack up their efforts quickly it will be overun with weeds and rubbish and neglect and they won't be able to save it. It is such a beautiful part of our history and with so many beautiful and exotic plants. A great place for people to enjoy. #savedurbanbotanicgardens

Very Beautiful Place. Good for picnics but the only not soo good thing about it is that they don't allow braai's. But I guess thats to preserve the greenery. They have a large species of plants. There's also many ancient trees 🌳 .

We visited the Durban Botanical Gardens and thoroughly enjoyed it. It was well maintained with some great garden features and loved the colourful flowers and vast green open spaces for picnics or just chilling and relaxing in the gardens. It is very close to Florida Road which is a vibrant area with various bars and restaurants to choose from.

One of South Africa's few remaining Botanical Gardens without an entrance fee. The Gardens are extremely well laid out with well maintained walkways, expansive lawns for relaxation, quiet and private nooks and crannies for contemplating and well maintained plants. The area also boasts an Amphitheatre for performances, which is vastly under-utilised. My only complaint would be that it may be time to re-open one of the upper gates during performances as the single-entrance policy adopted during Covid forces children and the elderly to traverse vast distances from the visitors centre. There are also golf--carts and guided tours available for a fee. Overall one can expect a rejuvenating experience in a well-maintained and professionally run facility

The garden is to die for, especially when we decided to take a tour car guide. OMG I don't even regret it once (thanks to my laziness for refusing to walk around the garden). And it's totally free to enter and enjoy the nature, with beautiful pics at the end, with the tour... would visit again.

Beautiful

One of my most favourite places to go. The bird life is superb and there are so many Birders there who help to identify birds we do not know, especially the LBJ' (Little Brown Jobbies) as we call them. The Botanical Gardens are rich in Birds (as mentioned) and the insect life is amazing, including the many trees, and, especially all the butterflies. It is a historical site and I would certainly recommend it to anyone and everyone. There are a few guides there who are glad to help at any time - Vishnu and Peter. Really knowledgeable guides who know a ton of stuff...

One of my most favourite places to go. The bird life is superb and there are so many Birders there who help to identify birds we do not know, especially the LBJ' (Little Brown Jobbies) as we call them. The Botanical Gardens are rich in Birds (as mentioned) and the insect life is amazing, including the many trees, and, especially all the butterflies. It is a historical site and I would certainly recommend it to anyone and everyone. There are a few guides there who are glad to help at any time - Vishnu and Peter. Really knowledgeable guides who know a ton of stuff...

The annual Christmas Trails of Light event at the Botanical Garden is a winner. Aside from this this is a great place for a family picnic or just a get away for calm in the very center of Durban. Very beautiful place with lots of species of trees.

I thank all Botanic garden are almost the same, but at least you can spend sometime quite and get fresh air. Although Duban Botanic garden were more commercialized, but sill ok if you get free time in Durban.

We went to botanic gardens to celebrate my sisters achievement on getting her doctorate.we took a lot of pictures and we were so happy to be together as a family at my sister's best day 😘😘😘😘💃💃💃💃💃💃💃

Incredible gardens so well kept. Friendly staff. AMAZING breeding grounds for pelicans, sacred ibis and so many burds, ducks qnd geese! Definitely go there!

I dont really like this place but good for kids to play

If in Durban you must go the garden I have seen trees that I never seen before

Really beautiful

A great place for a picnic. Amazing trees and flowers, and lots of quiet spots to relax.

I got a full tour of the place with a very friendly tour guide..He took his time explaining every history about the place and took some really lovely pictures of me.. i would definitely recommend this place and I will definitely be coming back next time

Beautiful, very clean and praceful.

Peaceful but needs much more landscaping.

beautiful and relaximg scenery many picturesque hidden gems

The guided tour with the golf cart is fun and informative. Great on hot days.

Peaceful

Peaceful and refreshing..

The beauty of nature ,nice and quiet ❤️❤️👌👌

Best place for nice pictures

I've always loved this place. The breeze and green grass💚💚💚💋

One of the most beautiful gardens in South Africa. And it is free to enter as opposed to some municipal gardens

Enjoyed the walk around the garden, a place for children and family

It was amazing to walk at Durban botanic garden, particularly this time of hot summer days. Apart from thousands of trees, flowers and fauna, currently the garden is decorated by led lights to illuminate the garden in the evening with a minimal entry fees. It is one of the top tourist attractions in Durban from all over the world.

The botanic gardens is a really unique place... It's surrounded by the hustle and bustle of the city but when you are inside the gardens you are transported into a tranquil quite place. It is always very well maintained you can find a spot on the grass under some beautiful trees, close your eyes and escape with a smile and a deep breath. Relaxation...

Beautifully kept gardens. Try the golf cart tour with Vishnu- lovely explanations, great photographer, wonderful experience. Good way to spend a few hours. Be sure to check out the tree with the "changing colours" on the trunk

It was like going back to the prehistoric ages! A lot of the trees and plants are illegal to grow outside of the botanical garden. It's host to the first litchi tree in KZN. Ask for Vishnu for the golf cart tour, he was a brilliant guide who had a lot of knowledge.

Nice park, with lots of shade and plants. Wonderful atmosphere with birds around. Great venue for couples/group picnics

Managed to visit before lockdown! Nice break from Durban hustle and bustle.

Beautiful to enjoy some outdoor time, in good weather in beautiful place especially after all the rains, just refreshing

Beautiful

For starters, entrance is free! Very well maintained and clean. Lovely place in the city to relax, have a picnic or talk a walk with your dog. The yearly Lights in the garden is superb.

Such a peaceful and beautiful garden💚💚

Awesome as always

Not as nice as it could be, but still a great place with plenty to enjoy

Awesome

Plenty of good food and the lights are so beautifully done💖

Quiet small but very beautiful

Oh wow. When ever i want to chill i go to botanic gardens. A place to be. When i want to think and listen to myself. This is a place i visit.

Lush, spectacular with the thump, thump of the of the heartbeat of Africa. The perfect spot for a picnic or just to stroll around.

Went for the festival of lights... It was absolutely beautiful. It must have taken so much hard work.

Went to the Christmas lights celebration, was stunning.

Entertaining

Best Christmas lighting experience ever.

Nice light show for xmas

Beautiful gardens and ambience

Family outing especially on festive occasions

Beautiful and serene, very safe place to visit for a bit of the outdoors. Beautiful trees and very well maintained gardens.

Beautiful surrounds with amazing birdlife. Pity the senses garden and sunken garden were a little shabby. Also couldn't sit down even though we were not eating. But definitely a return trip.