Lowveld National Botanical Garden
Lowveld National Botanical Garden
4.5
8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Monday
8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Tuesday
8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Wednesday
8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Thursday
8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Friday
8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Saturday
8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Sunday
8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
About
The Lowveld National Botanical Garden in Nelspruit, ‘grows’ magically out of the confluence of the Crocodile and Nels Rivers and offers up a magnificent array of nature’s treasures. The two rivers create spectacular waterfalls which give this Garden its visually spectacular character.
Duration: 2-3 hours
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
381 reviews
Excellent
217
Very good
139
Average
18
Poor
3
Terrible
4
Gene R J
Silver Spring, MD11,222 contributions
Feb 2023
We arrived at the main entrance just after the 8AM opening, first choosing to go left and park near to the falls. After paying 100 rand with a required credit card, we took the marked pathway to the 3 spectacular overlooks of the rushing, crashing and spraying waterfalls.
We drove back to the entrance and crossed a single lane bridge to park at the Botanical Garden. After showing our paid receipt to this 2nd entry, we researched the map at the information kiosk and chose the main path. The 1.5km brick walkway circumnavigates the upper level with posted signs and well described native trees/plants(in English, SiSwati and Africans), with paths diverting to encircle other areas. We took one of them to the expansive viewpoint of the Nels and Crocodile river conjunction and its gorge.
In our 2 hours of walking in this 395 acre garden, we learned how animals, birds and humans utilize the various leaves, fruit and wood for food, medicinal and wood products.
We drove back to the entrance and crossed a single lane bridge to park at the Botanical Garden. After showing our paid receipt to this 2nd entry, we researched the map at the information kiosk and chose the main path. The 1.5km brick walkway circumnavigates the upper level with posted signs and well described native trees/plants(in English, SiSwati and Africans), with paths diverting to encircle other areas. We took one of them to the expansive viewpoint of the Nels and Crocodile river conjunction and its gorge.
In our 2 hours of walking in this 395 acre garden, we learned how animals, birds and humans utilize the various leaves, fruit and wood for food, medicinal and wood products.
Written 25 February 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Deirdre M
London43 contributions
Nov 2024 • Couples
The gardens are really beautiful, with an abundance of local flora and fauna. You can experience amazing waterfalls, streams, rai forests and indigenous plants and flowers, with interesting walks and hidden pathways.
Another delight is the restaurant at Gate 1 - a real hidden gem! Fabulous setting, interesting decor and great (as well as reasonably priced) food. The wait staff are also very helpful and friendly. Enjoyed it so much, we went back again.
Another delight is the restaurant at Gate 1 - a real hidden gem! Fabulous setting, interesting decor and great (as well as reasonably priced) food. The wait staff are also very helpful and friendly. Enjoyed it so much, we went back again.
Written 22 November 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Charlotte P
Klerksdorp, South Africa360 contributions
Mar 2021
The waterfall in this beautiful garden was breathtaking. Every part of this garden has something special to offer - you can stay the whole day in this beautiful place. The well kept paths lead you to all of nature's beautiful trees and corners. We loved this place!!!
Written 30 March 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tb
Old Saybrook, CT24 contributions
Jan 2025 • Couples
Overall, this would have been a great visit. However, the lack of directions on the footpaths is very frustrating. There are two entrances which adds to the confusion. At one point there is a sign post informing people with mobility issues which path to take. The path to the left has steps and tape blocking the exit. The path leading in the other direction has a bunch of steps. Seems like whoever is managing this park needs to step up and fix the signage issues. The gardens have excellent potential.
Written 26 January 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
tommyjav
Mbombela, South Africa85 contributions
Feb 2021
I visited the Botanical Gardens just after the very heavy rainfalls in February. Everything is of course very lush, the lawns were in perfect condition and the whole garden is clean and very nice to walk through. Because of the previous extreme rainfall, the cascades of the Crocodile River were not s beautiful as when there are less water volumes flowing between the beautiful rocks. But it is a pearl of Nelspruit kept very clean and beautiful.
Written 6 March 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ingrid Boreham
Edenvale, South Africa33 contributions
Jan 2023 • Couples
Ended up here by accident whilst doing a Kruger Park trip. We were to early for breakfast so decided to do a quick walk through the gardens. Wow....what a lovely and unexpected surprise. We walked for two-hours and still so much more to see. Beautifully maintained with stunning walk ways paved and off ground. A rain forest and seating and information board's all over. To add breakfast was a delight with really good service.
Will be back when next in the area. Oh and it happened to be a Tuseday when pensioner get free entry. Worth the trip for everyone including children.
Will be back when next in the area. Oh and it happened to be a Tuseday when pensioner get free entry. Worth the trip for everyone including children.
Written 17 January 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Cilene Coetzee
36 contributions
Feb 2021 • Friends
Went to go look at the Crocodile River after having lots of rain in the Lowveld!
So amazing to see.
A cheap fee of R38 to enter. The lady at the entrance was also very friendly and helpful.
The Garden is clean and looks well looked after.
Will visit again!
So amazing to see.
A cheap fee of R38 to enter. The lady at the entrance was also very friendly and helpful.
The Garden is clean and looks well looked after.
Will visit again!
Written 14 February 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
JacquesPNel
Secunda, South Africa2 contributions
Nov 2021 • Couples
This is difficult to rate.
The view was beautiful with the exception of the massive raw sewerage flowing into the crocodile river!! When enquiring about it we were given no answer. The women working there were not welcoming. Otherwise, Paths are well maintained and we enjoyed the view after all the rain. Perhaps just a suggestion that the staff at front desk be more informative and friendly. Perhaps just an off day for them, still though. Sad to see litter and trees being vandalised with initials. Still difficult to rate, those views of the Nel river were beautiful. So to be fair a three. I chose the nicest photo to add because believe with work and a little more enthusiasm this can be wonderful again
The view was beautiful with the exception of the massive raw sewerage flowing into the crocodile river!! When enquiring about it we were given no answer. The women working there were not welcoming. Otherwise, Paths are well maintained and we enjoyed the view after all the rain. Perhaps just a suggestion that the staff at front desk be more informative and friendly. Perhaps just an off day for them, still though. Sad to see litter and trees being vandalised with initials. Still difficult to rate, those views of the Nel river were beautiful. So to be fair a three. I chose the nicest photo to add because believe with work and a little more enthusiasm this can be wonderful again
Written 27 November 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
James Nel
Johannesburg, South Africa40 contributions
Sept 2021
A real paradise with so much beauty and variety. A great place to stroll around and enjoy nature away from the busy town and streets. Lovely restaurant too for a cup of tea after a lazy stroll through the gardens!
Written 25 September 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
peter D
Ghent, Belgium418 contributions
Aug 2022 • Family
Is you want a 3 hours walk int egoarden. Acroos some waterfalls , in a rain forrest… , See loads of plants wit( info..
See butterflies, brids, rabbits, small animals
And end with a nice lunch in the central resto
Then this is a place to visit
See butterflies, brids, rabbits, small animals
And end with a nice lunch in the central resto
Then this is a place to visit
Written 25 August 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
FarAway01468139270
Pretoria, South Africa
Hello I would like to ask that alcohol is it allowed at the botanical garden
Written 25 August 2023
How much is entrance fee ? 2 adults and 2 kids ?
Written 26 September 2020
Hi there is the park open during lock down level 3
Written 5 July 2020
I am not sure as I didnt see anyone with a dog but can't recall seeing a notice excluding dogs.
Written 16 April 2019
Does anyone know if they have braai facilities at the pic nic area?
Thanks
Written 22 March 2019
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