We have thrilling news that is set to bring a whole new level of accessibility and excitement to Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden, including the rest of South Africa’s National Botanical and Zoological Gardens.

A New Membership Scheme to explore Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden and other National Gardens!

Get ready to embark on unlimited adventures and immerse yourself in the wonders of nature, all while supporting the maintenance and management of these incredible properties. Introducing the SANBI membership scheme, an initiative designed by the South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) to make visiting the South African National Gardens more affordable and inviting for all! Starting from April 1, 2024, this groundbreaking program aims to celebrate and expand the diversity of people who explore these majestic gardens.

Let’s dive into the details of this exhilarating membership scheme:

Year-Round Access: Become a SANBI card-carrying member and unlock the enchantment of all South Africa’s National Botanical and Zoological Gardens for an entire year! With unlimited access, you can visit these remarkable gardens whenever your heart desires, immersing yourself in the beauty of nature time and time again.

Affordable Options: SANBI has carefully crafted membership fees that are reasonable, accessible, and tailored to cater to different age groups. Check out the annual membership rates:

  • Adult Membership: R800 per annum
  • Verified Student Membership: R600 per annum
  • Children (Aged 6-17) Membership: R400 per annum
  • Children under 6: Free entry to national botanical gardens
  • Children under 2: Free entry to national zoological gardens
  • Pensioners: Membership is required for daily entry, except for Tuesdays when they can enter for free in most gardens.

A World of Educational Exploration: The membership scheme is designed to enhance educational experiences within the gardens. Special reduced rates for schools and other educational research activities ensure that learning and discovery continue to be a priority.

Embracing Diversity: The introduction of the membership scheme is a direct response to the requests and feedback received from our cherished garden visitors. SANBI aims to attract a greater diversity of South Africans into the National Botanical Gardens, cultivating a harmonious blend of people who share a passion for nature and exploration.

But that’s not all! In addition to the incredible benefits of the membership scheme, existing members of the Botanical Society of South Africa will receive a 10% discount on Garden entry fees for the duration of their BotSoc membership validity.

Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden has recently updated the entrance fee, with the South African citizen fee not being affected.

The new Kirstenbosch entry fees are:

  • Adults (SA / SADC citizens) — R100
  • Adults (African Nationals) — R140
  • Adults (International visitors) — R230
  • SA Students (with student card) — R60
  • Children (6-17 years) — R40
  • Children (0-5 years) — FREE
  • SA Seniors (with ID) FREE on Tuesdays, excluding public holidays.

For locals to qualify for the discounted tariff, please take along a form of identification (ID, driver’s licence, passport, documentary proof of residency, or student card). Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden is open every day from 08h00 – 18h00 during winter (April – August) and from 08h00 – 19h00 during summer (September – March), with the Conservatory also operating daily from 09h00 to 17h00.

Are you ready to embark on a year of awe-inspiring adventures? With the SANBI membership scheme, visiting the Cape Town Big 6 attraction, Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden, has never been more accessible, affordable, and exciting. Join us as we celebrate the beauty of nature, support the maintenance of these remarkable properties, and create unforgettable memories.

Click here to discover more about the membership scheme.

Share your top Cape Town Big 6 moments with us!

The Mother City’s treasures await—share your experiences with Cape Town Big 6 as you ESCAPE, EXPLORE, and EXPERIENCE Cape Town’s top attractions using the hashtag #CapeTownBig6. Buy tickets to all Cape Town Big 6 attractions here and follow our Facebook, Instagram, X, and LinkedIn accounts to stay in the loop, let your Cape Town Big 6 adventure begin! 

ONE DESTINATION, SIX UNFORGETTABLE EXPERIENCES

There is no one way to explore all of the Cape Town Big 6, and much of what makes each of them so special is the variety of things to see and do at each. So if possible, take your time to explore each of the city’s most visited tourist attractions in as much depth as possible – as any local will tell you, you can spend a lifetime at each of the Big 6 and still not tire of them. Find the 3 and 4 day itineraries and tips here.

Buy Cape Town Big 6 Attraction Tickets Online