Lowveld National Botanical Garden
Mpumalanga
The Lowveld National Botanical Garden, located near Mbombela in Mpumalanga, South Africa, is one of the country's nine National Botanical Gardens. Established in 1969 and officially opened in 1971, it spans 165 hectares, with 30 hectares landscaped and the rest left natural. The garden lies at the confluence of the Crocodile and Nels Rivers, offering spectacular views from a rainforest trail and lookout points over deep river gorges. It houses approximately 600 native and 2,000 imported plant species, including nearly 650 native tree species and the nation's largest cycad collection, supported by a dedicated gene bank. Visitors can explore diverse habitats such as an African rainforest, medicinal plant garden, and indigenous tree nursery. The garden also features hippos inhabiting its rivers, adding to its wildlife appeal. Amenities include a children's play area, Braille garden, environmental education center, and dining options near the entrances. The garden plays a vital role in conserving rare and endangered species, showcasing both local and tropical African flora.
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Astuce: The best time to visit is during the warmer months from September to March when the garden is open until 6 PM and many plants are in bloom. Entrance fees vary seasonally, with discounted or free entry options available for students, pensioners (free on Tuesdays), children under six, and SANBI members. Purchasing SANBI membership offers free access to this and other national gardens. Booking tickets in advance is recommended during peak seasons. Wear comfortable walking shoes to explore trails, including the rainforest and river viewpoints, and bring a camera for the scenic waterfalls and wildlife sightings.
Faits intéressants
- •The garden contains the largest collection of cycads in South Africa along with a dedicated gene bank for these ancient plants.
- •Hippos inhabit the rivers flowing through the garden, offering unique wildlife viewing opportunities.
- •The garden features a famous suspended bridge crossing the Crocodile River, providing views of cascading waterfalls.
- •Nearly 650 native tree species grow within the garden's boundaries, alongside thousands of other plant species.
- •The garden preserves rare and endangered plant species from South Africa and tropical African forests.
Histoire
The Lowveld National Botanical Garden was established in 1969 on land provided by the Nelspruit Town Council and a local farming enterprise, HL Hall and Sons.
It officially opened on September 10, 1971.
Over the decades, the garden expanded its plant collections, notably developing South Africa's largest cycad gene bank.
The garden's location at the confluence of two rivers has shaped its landscape and ecological diversity, with infrastructure like a suspended bridge built to enhance visitor access to key natural features.
Its role in conservation and environmental education has grown steadily since its founding.
Guide du lieu
Rainforest Trail and Lookout Point
A scenic trail through an African rainforest habitat featuring clivias, fig trees, and baobabs, culminating in a lookout offering panoramic views of the Crocodile and Nels Rivers deep gorge.
Cycad Collection and Gene Bank
The garden houses South Africa's largest cycad collection and a gene bank dedicated to conserving these ancient and endangered plants.
Medicinal Plants Garden
A specialized garden showcasing indigenous plants used in traditional medicine, educating visitors on their cultural and therapeutic significance.
Children's Play Area and Braille Garden
Facilities designed to engage children and visually impaired visitors, promoting inclusive environmental education and exploration.
Waterfalls and River Viewpoints
Natural waterfalls formed by the Crocodile and Nels Rivers before their confluence, visible from designated viewpoints such as the Cascades and Nels viewpoints within the garden.
Contact
Téléphone: 013 752 8880