FAQ
What is the entrance fee to the Gardens?
- Free but we appreciate donations
Where can I make a donation?
- At any of the donation boxes in the Gardens or directly at the Information Office situated at the Visitors Centre. Please note that all donations are received by the Durban Botanic Gardens Trust which is an independent discretionary Trust established in 1993 to raise funds to support the maintenance and development of the Gardens. If you would like to see what projects the Trust is involved in, please look at our Support Us page.
What are the Gardens opening times?
- We are open every day of the year including public holidays.
- 07h30 – 17h45 daily in Summer [16 September – 15 April]
- 07h30 – 17h30 daily in Winter [16 April – 15 September]
Can I have a picnic at the Gardens?
- Informal picnics are allowed in the Gardens. Please refer to the Guidelines for more information.
Do I have to book to have a picnic?
- Informal family picnics – no booking is required
- Planned formal picnics / functions – book is necessary through the Functions Department (031 309 9240 / functions@dbgt.org.za).
Can I have a braai at the Gardens?
- No braais, skottles or open fires are permitted.
I would like to have my child’s birthday at the Gardens, do I need to book a venue and what is permitted?
- The Garden is an ideal space for a picnic set up
- No structures, balloons, jumping castles, or ball games are permitted.
Is there a fee to have your wedding photos taken at the Gardens?
- There is no fee applicable for wedding photography.
I need information for a school project, who can I contact?
- The Information Office (031 322 4021 / reception@dbgt.org.za) will put you in contact with relevant person depending on the subject. Please note that the request will need to be made in advance.
I would like to book a Garden wedding, who do I contact?
- Contact 031 309 9240 / functions@dbgt.org.za.
I would like to know more about the Legacy benches in the Gardens, who do I contact?
- Contact Leigh Edy-Roderick – 031 322 4014 / Leigh.Edy@durban.gov.za
My school would like to come to the Gardens, do you have special education programmes?
- Yes, we have curriculum based schools programmes designed from pre-primary phase to senior phases. To find out more click here.
Is there safe parking at the gardens?
- Yes, parking at the Visitors Centre or Tea Garden is monitored by car guards.
I need more information about an event, who can I contact?
- Please see our Events page for updated information, alternatively contact our Information Office on 031 322 4021 / reception@dbgt.org.za.
Do you allow dogs in the Gardens?
- Yes, you are welcome to bring your dogs to the Gardens as long as they remain on a leash at all times and you clean up after them. Please note that pets are not allowed at events.
Do you do tours?
- Yes, if you would like a golf cart tour, you can book one here
- If you would like a personalised walking tour, please contact our Education Department on 031 322 4019. Pre-booking is essential for the walking tours.
Do you have a restaurant?
- We have a Tea Garden where you will be able to get light refreshments, scones, crumpets and toasted sandwiches.
- Coffee-on-the-go is available from the Gourmet Café cart situated at the Visitors Centre.
Is the Gardens wheelchair friendly?
- Most of the Gardens is accessible by wheelchair. A great suggestion to view the Gardens for those in a wheelchair is to book a guided golf cart tour.
Do you have a play area for kids?
- At present there is no official play area for kids. Kids are encouraged to enjoy the time in nature and explore the Gardens. Areas that are popular include the Butterfly Habitat Garden and the lovely lawns.
I love the Gardens, how can I get involved?
- There are many ways to get involved in supporting the Gardens, from volunteering to contributing to a specific project. Find out more on our Support Us page.
I would like to know more about what’s happening at the Gardens, who do I speak to?
- Send your query to the Information Office (031 322 4021 / reception@dbgt.org.za) and they will put you in touch with the relevant person.
Is the Gardens safe?
- Yes, the Gardens has 24 hour roaming security.
Do you have a curio or gift shop at the Gardens?
- At this stage we do not have a curio or gift shop at the Gardens however if you are interested in purchasing books, there are a variety of books available from our Information Office situated at the Visitors Centre.