About Durban Botanic Gardens
The Durban Botanic Gardens, established in 1849, is the oldest surviving botanical garden on the African continent. Spanning 15 hectares in the suburb of Berea, it serves as a peaceful sanctuary for both indigenous and exotic plant collections. Living Fossil: Home to the Wood’s Cycad (Encephalartos woodii), one of the rarest plants in the world and extinct in the wild. Heritage Trees: Features over 80 trees older than 100 years, including the oldest Jacaranda in South Africa (planted in 1885) and a massive 1880 Lychee tree. Orchid House: Originally named the Ernest Thorpe Orchid House, a new Tropical Display House opened in 2025 to showcase a vibrant collection of rare and exotic orchids. Butterfly Habitat Garden: A specialized dome-like structure designed with specific host plants to attract local butterfly species.
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