Harold Porter National Botanical Gardens image

Harold Porter National Botanical Gardens

Tourist attraction Botanical garden

One of the Best Places To Visits in Overstrand Local Municipality


Address

c/o Clarence Drive and, Broadwith Rd, Betty's Bay, 7141, South Africa

Website

www.sanbi.org

Contact

+27 28 272 9311

Rating on Google Maps

4.60 (1.8K reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Monday: 8 AM to 4:30 PM
  • Tuesday: 8 AM to 4:30 PM
  • Wednesday: 8 AM to 4:30 PM
  • Thursday: 8 AM to 4:30 PM
  • Friday: 8 AM to 4:30 PM
  • Saturday: 8 AM to 5 PM
  • Sunday: 8 AM to 5 PM

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: gardens (17) garden (14) trail (14) botanical (13) beautiful (13) trails (12) hiking (12) waterfall (11) visit (10) kloof (8)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 5/5 K M (. 1 month ago on Google • 45 reviews New
    Absolutely stunning! The gardens are maintained to perfection! What an incredible facility. The hikes are lovely too. We did leopards kloof and zigzag trails. Quiet, clean, and a great morning out!
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Warwick (The Saucy M. 1 year ago on Google
    A magnificent botanical garden to go visit. Lots of open space to roam around and it boasts 2 waterfall walks to go on. Very easy walks. It does get busy so I would go early in the morning. It can get slippery on the walks so make sure to wear proper shoes.
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Veronica H. 4 months ago on Google • 19 reviews
    A beautiful, well-kept national garden nestled into the mountains with stunning views. The waterfall is a short, easy walk away even for older people. We didn't do any of the trails this visit. Even so, the gardens are worth the visit. Wonderful places to picnic. The restaurant is nice, with a small menu that covers all the bases. Very tasty food. Delicious fruit smoothie!
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 George A. 5 months ago on Google • 51 reviews
    Amazing view! Easy walking trails through the gardens or hiking trails if you’re up for it. If not, you can always just pack a picnic basket and enjoy sitting on the grass. Just be on the lookout for baboons. The hiking trail was so easy, my 7 month pregnant wife enjoyed it. Everything is kept clean and in order. The staff is very friendly and helpful. There is even parkruns on saturday mornings. I would definitely recommend a day spent here.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Liezelonline 2 years ago on Google
    A botanical garden situated on the mountain slope with a view of the ocean. Absolutely spectacular featuring all the local fauna and flora , beautiful waterfalls with easy walking trails around the garden or hiking trails along the mountain slopes. A beautiful spot for families, and ideal for picnics. The restaurant and nursery are now open again after lockdown. Wheelchair accessible No dogs allowed due to the wildlife in gardens. Even on a windy day, this is still a great spot to visit
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Ryan S. 2 months ago on Google • 62 reviews New
    Beautiful well kept gardens and very friendly staff. The hiking trail up to the waterfall has a couple of challenging sections but the views along the way and the lovely waterfall all made for a most enjoyable experience
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Richard H. 4 months ago on Google • 56 reviews
    A small but beautiful botanical garden. Easy paths lower down and more rough, strenuous paths higher up. The level of difficulty depending on the paths you choose The path up to the water fall is eay bit well worth a follow.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Flowery R. 3 weeks ago on Google • 51 reviews New
    A nice garden with hiking trails up onto the mountain. The park run is there every Saturday so just make sure to avoid the crowd if going early
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Nicole W. 2 years ago on Google
    Very beautiful. Did the Leopard kloof trail and Disa kloof trail which was beautiful and had stunning waterfalls. A very easy walk, don't have to be fit and trail was well marked. A key is needed to be able to walk Leopards kloof, which can be found at the pay point as you enter the botanical garden. Definitely worth going.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Vikash P. 10 months ago on Google
    Well maintained botanical garden with exceptional views of the biodiversity within as well as the natural scenery of the rolling mountains. Entrance fee is payable upon arrival, with options for students, children and pensioners. The gardens offer multiple paved pathways which are wheelchair friendly, expansive lawns for seating and for children to play as well as a restaurant and market area. I’d highly recommend one of the walks which is approximately 20 minutes to the waterfall.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Johan V. 10 months ago on Google
    Awesome place that is very well maintained. A lot of history explained thru the gardens and quite educational. The hiking trails and waterfalls are market clearly and safe.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Pardon M. 1 year ago on Google
    Must go back and take photos from hiking the berg and also from the magestic waterfall. You will learn every botanical plant 🌿 in South Africa and more, they are grouped in gardens.... and also historical learning points dotted all around the place.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Jennifer C. 2 years ago on Google
    The most magnificent views and walking pathways, wear good walking comfy shoes. You wont be disappointed to go check it out. Only thing to be aware of, no real reasturant open on the premises only a pop up cafe with coffee an snacks (delicious but limited options i.e. muffins, sandwiches and coffee)
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Tai k. 1 year ago on Google
    Since visiting Harold Porter National Botanical Garden, We will no longer go to other botanical gardens; This is a pure natural environment design with a little artificial modification, Presenting a tourist destination of unparalleled beauty and versatility. If you choose a different hiking trail each time, you will feel the charm of different plants every time; Cheaper tickets than other botanical gardens, That's why we come here often.🤭 I once met baboons and came to visit, It adds to the wildness of the botanical garden; Don't worry about them being dangerous, There are special people in the park to manage them. Don't be in a hurry to go home, leave some time to go to nearby Stony Point; at sunset, you will see the lovely appearance of penguins coming home in groups.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Fauzia E. 10 months ago on Google
    This botanical garden is almost 80 kilometres away from Cape Town City.but this garden is beautiful with mountain view. Their is a waterfall also . The path is not that much hard to hike.I really like the view of greenery it was just amazing
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Zene J. 3 months ago on Google • 29 reviews New
    Always a pleasure visiting the gardens. So glad the restaurant is operational, I enjoyed a lovely scone with cheese & jam, and a double cuppacino before heading out onto the various hiking trails.

  • 5/5 Pen J. 1 year ago on Google
    Went for a Sunday stroll during loadshedding and thoroughly enjoyed the scenery. Not for the fainthearted if you're afraid of baboons though... Also had a nice chat with the staff at the micro-restaurant (micro as in limited choices, but I understand why). I think you can picnic (no fires) there, but as I've hinted, the baboons are ever present as it is in nature... Will definitely be visiting again soon

  • 5/5 Nicole H. 10 months ago on Google
    Absolutely gorgeous and a really beautiful hiking trail, lots of shade and a stunning Waterfall at the top of Leopards Kloof trail. Don't forget to pay your R50 deposit for the key to the gate to see the Waterfall at the top, otherwise there is another one on the short Disa trail.

  • 5/5 Winston Van Der P. 10 months ago on Google
    Visited Harold Porter Botanical Gardens, we took Leopards Kloof hike,,, enjoyed every minute, all nicely under the canopy with the sound and sight of water rushing down,,, passed 4 waterfalls going up so cool and refreshing,, sights there, and coming down too beautiful to write about,, must be seen,, 👌

  • 5/5 Andre H. 1 year ago on Google
    This was our 2nd visit and we did more of the hikes. A really well kept botanical garden with some lovely waterfalls,a couple man made but 2 natural ones on Disa kloof trail and Leopard kloof trail We also did the longer Zig zag trail which takes you right to the top of the hill with spectacular views of Betty's Bay as well as waterfall on leopard kloof A short section is quite steep with chains for assistance but nothing dangerous, just wear good traction shoes as there is quite a few loose stones There is also a pop up shop on site. Cost was R50pp for adults

  • 5/5 Augrer 1 year ago on Google
    Beautiful natural park located close to the Stone Point Penguin Colony in Betty‘s Bay. Great for short or long hikes, with baboons and other wildlife occasionally making an appearance. I would definitely recommend swinging by for a walk around the park, when in the area for the penguins. I‘ll be sure to take more time to appreciate the scenery and hiking trails on my next visit!

  • 5/5 Cameron G. 5 months ago on Google
    Visited the botanical gardens hike and was utterly mesmerized! The verdant scenery was enchanting, and the two cascading waterfalls with redish water from all the minerals added a magical touch. A serene escape from the bustling city. Highly recommend!

  • 5/5 Jennifer de Goede (. 6 months ago on Google
    A beautiful place to take a quiet stroll, fun hike or have a picnic. Some amazing flowers come spring. Be considerate of the baboons in the area... but they make for an interesting sight to add to the day!

  • 5/5 Dudu M. 4 months ago on Google
    Beautiful scenery with beautiful plants, mountains, waterfall, sea view, and restaurant with good food. Lovely place to visit for all age groups.

  • 5/5 Jewel M. 3 months ago on Google New
    If you want to visit the waterfall, you'll need to pay a R50 deposit for a key, keys are only available until 3pm. Remember to keep your proof of deposit to get it back when returning the key.

  • 5/5 Wybrand G. 1 year ago on Google
    What an incredible experience. These gardens are immaculately maintained. We always enjoy our time here and although the restaurant might be a bit lacking the gardena and the fauna and flora is amazing. There are so many varieties of plants and learning activities for the kids as they walk through the different areas. It has both longer and shorter hikes. You can take a gentle stroll up to the waterfall or hike up the kloof if you want a bit more of a challenge. I would rate this as one of the best botanical gardens in the country.

  • 5/5 Wendy B. 1 year ago on Google
    It was fantastic. Well kept gardens, paths clear directions posted at the nature trails. Beautiful fynbos. Wonderful birding spot.

  • 5/5 DIANE L. 1 year ago on Google
    Beautiful!!! 4 settings in 1. Beautiful views from garden to ocean to mountain to waterfalls. Perfect picnic spots while learning about nature with a peaceful walk.

  • 5/5 Jolanda de W. 2 months ago on Google • 19 reviews New
    We always love spending time at the gardens. Although the water levels are low this time of year, the waterfalls are always beautiful, and we managed to snap a couple of images of the often times elusive Disa flowers at the Disa's Kloof trail.

  • 5/5 ANWYN “Annie” W. 1 year ago on Google
    While on holiday we visited the Harold Porter National Botanical Gardens 🍃🍂🌳🌱🌺🌷🌸What a beautiful Garden with it's Majestic Mountains surrounding absolutely breathtaking! theres various walking trails and theres a hiking trail. The gardens are lush and green and there is an array of different plants. Rivers run through the garden. You pay at the entrance. There is a pop up coffee shop and restrooms . The entire place is so serene, tranquil and peaceful. Nature at its Best! Very refreshing just to walk through and see God's Glorious Work. We will definitely visit soon again❤Thank you H.P


Call +27 28 272 9311 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


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

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