This Tourism Month, SANBI invites you to explore South Africa’s natural heritage in a whole new way.
Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens / Margit Umbach / Unsplash
The South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) has introduced the enticing Passport to Nature: Your Year of Discovery – a campaign offering a generous 25% discount on Individual Annual Membership. This unlocks unlimited access to all 11 national botanical gardens and two zoological gardens across the country.
South Africa’s botanical gardens are so much more that scenic picnic spots. They are living museums of biodiversity. Each garden plays a vital role in conserving rare plants, preserving indigenous species and creating a tranquil oasis within urban environments.
From the iconic Kirstenbosch in Cape Town to the birdwatcher’s paradise at Walter Sisulu in Johannesburg, and the arid beauty of the Karoo Desert Botanical Garden, every site offers a unique glimpse into the country’s ecological wonders.
The 11 SANBI Botanical Gardens included in this offer are:
- Free State National Botanical Garden
- Harold Porter National Botanical Garden
- Hantam National Botanical Garden
- Karoo Desert National Botanical Garden
- Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden
- Kwelera National Botanical Garden
- KwaZulu-Natal National Botanical Garden
- Lowveld National Botanical Garden
- Pretoria National Botanical Garden
- Thohoyandou National Botanical Garden
- Walter Sisulu National Botanical Garden
Here’s how it works: Sign up during September and receive a beautifully illustrated Passport to Nature. Every time you visit a garden, you’ll collect a stamp along with an interesting biodiversity fact. Accumulate enough stamps and you’ll be rewarded with tote bags, seed hampers, and even exclusive behind-the-scenes experiences.
According to reports by IOL, SANBI’s Director of Marketing, Communication and Commercialisation, Nontsikelelo Mpulo, emphasizes that the campaign ties travel, wellness, and heritage into one experience. As she puts it:
“Tourism Month is about discovering the hidden treasures of our country and how deeply nature is connected to our wellbeing. With this Passport to Nature, South Africans can turn everyday outings into experiences that nurture both biodiversity and bonds.”
Beyond being a leisurely escape, domestic tourism is a vital driver of economic recovery. Visits to natural spaces not only support conservation, education, and hospitality jobs—but also promote mental health and enhance community cohesion. The World Health Organization confirms that regular access to nature can reduce stress, elevate mood, and foster social bonds.
Whether it’s a peaceful picnic, birdwatching adventure, or a meditative stroll through sensory gardens, SANBI hopes this initiative inspires South Africans to view travel as both a pursuit of joy and an investment in our shared natural heritage.
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