Harold Porter National Botanical Gardens

Harold Porter National Botanical Gardens are unique as they encompass mountain slopes with wind-clipped heathlands, deep gorges with forests, flats and marshes with restios, sedges, and bulbs, as well as dunes adjacent to the beach with specialised salt-adapted plants. It showcases over 700 species of indigenous South African plants and 88 species of birds! 1 The Garden is renowned for its waterfalls and amber pools.

The main fynbos families (proteas, ericas and restios) and other important families such as irises, daisies, and orchids are present. The Garden boasts red disa (Disa uniflora) in its natural habitat and South Africa’s national flower, the king protea (Protea cynaroides). Information boards are placed along the paths so visitors can take self-guided tours around the gardens. However, guided tours are also offered daily. A visit at any time of the year will prove a delight. This little piece of paradise is open 365 days a year.

Harold Porter National Botanical Gardens have several trails to follow. The Fynbos and Zigzag trails hug a route along the slopes of Bobbejaanskop and The Plateau, with the reward of magnificent views over Betty’s Bay to the sea. There is also the Disa River waterfall Trail. You’ll need a permit (from the office at the entrance) for the Leopard’s Trail, which heads up into the mountains and a waterfall.

The garden is a great place for a picnic and there are benches beneath the trees (over-60s get free entry on the first Tuesday of every month). Provide ID Book or Pensioners Card.

Harold Porter National Botanical Gardens are home to many bird species. For full identification and seasonal details, see this comprehensive Western Cape bird guide.

The Koggelberg Botanical Society runs a bookstore to raise funds for the garden

There is a souvenir shop, an Indigenous plant sales area, and an area that can be hired for events

Cnr Clarence Drive & Broadwidth Rd 7141 Betty’s Bay,

harold.porter.nbg@sanbi.org.za