Durban Botanic Gardens

Top choice in Durban


A 2000-sq-metre garden featuring one of the rarest cycads (Encephalartos woodii), as well as many species of bromeliad, this is a lovely place to wander. On weekends bridal parties galore pose with their petals for photographers. The gardens play host to an annual concert series featuring the KwaZulu-Natal Philharmonic Orchestra and other performances.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Durban attractions

1. Campbell Collections

0.71 MILES

These collections are well worth seeing. Muckleneuk, a superb house designed by Sir Herbert Baker, holds the documents and artefacts collected by Dr…

2. Emmanuel Cathedral

1 MILES

Built in 1903; parts of the old St Joseph's church (1852) were incorporated into the building.

3. Juma Mosque

1.03 MILES

The largest mosque in the southern hemisphere; call ahead for a guided tour.

4. Madressa Arcade

1.06 MILES

The shops of Madressa Arcade are a flurry of colourful fabrics and piles of spices. Even if you don't find anything to buy, the architecture makes for a…

5. KwaMuhle Museum

1.16 MILES

This was formerly the Native Administration headquarters, where Durban’s colonial authorities formulated the structures of urban racial segregation (the …

6. Kwazulu Natal Society of Arts

1.35 MILES

This not-for-profit gallery has temporary exhibitions of modern South African art. Once you’ve perused the gallery, its outdoor cafe, set under shady…

7. St Paul’s Church

1.4 MILES

On the eastern side of the main post office you’ll find a square with an old vicarage and the 1909 St Paul’s Church.

8. Church Square

1.41 MILES

On the eastern side of the main post office on Dr Pixley KaSeme St (West St) is Church Sq, with its old vicarage and the 1909 St Paul’s Church.