Harold Porter National Botanical Gardens

Situated almost midway between Cape Town and Hermanus is the small town of Betty’s Bay, home to the exquisitely beautiful Harold Porter Botanical Gardens.

Set against the mountains and coastline, in the Koegelberg Biosphere Reserve, the Gardens offer 200 hectares of the finely bushed plants endemic to this area, known as fynbos. Approximately 190 hectares grows naturally, while the remainder is cultivated. The main fynbos families of Proteas, Ericas and Restios are all present as well as other important families such as Daisies, Orchids and Irises. The vivid Red Disa (Disa Uniflora) is one of the rare plants featured in the Gardens.

Visitors should look out for the resident baboons, genets, porcupines and mongooses around the Gardens. There is much to be learned about how the various creatures and elements relate to one another and many of the animals, both large and small play an important part in the functioning of the fynbos.

The Gardens are also home to a wide variety of birds and boasts over one hundred species including the colourful Sunbirds, Protea Seedeaters, Verreaux’s Eagles and Jackal Buzzards.

The Botanical Gardens offers much to its visitors, stretch out on the lush grass for a picnic, enjoy a meal at the Restaurant, or walk along the numerous trails and enjoy the scenic views of mountains, coastline and forest while seeking out the birds and mammals. Summertime will welcome you with open-air concerts at sunset, so make sure you visit this natural setting.

Things to do and see

  • Several kilometres of nature trails
  • Leopard’s Kloof Ecosystem & Trails
  • Birdwatching
  • Red Disa Restaurant
  • Picnic Spots
  • Book & Souvenir Shop
  • Plant Sales
  • Summertime Concerts
  • Venue Hire

Admission

A nominal admission fee of between R10 and R20 is charged.

There is no charge for children under 6 years of age.

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