Love blooms in nature - celebrate Valentine’s Day at SANBI gardens and the National Zoological Garden

This Valentine’s Day, escape the ordinary and celebrate love surrounded by nature’s beauty. The South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) invites couples, friends, and nature lovers to indulge in a variety of romantic experiences at our botanical gardens and the National Zoological Garden. From picnics under the stars to live music, movie nights, and sunset safaris, our gardens offer the perfect setting for a memorable evening.

Looking for a romantic escape in Johannesburg? Enjoy a magical picnic under the stars at the Walter Sisulu National Botanical Garden for its stunning Witpoortjie waterfall and the majestic Verreaux’s Eagles that soar overhead. The garden features an array of attractions, including the People’s Plants Garden, which highlights the rich variety of South Africa’s botanical heritage, and a captivating geological rock display. Entrance R100 per person from 17:00 – 22:00. Bring your own picnic baskets and listen to romantic ballads from across the ages. Click here to book.

Nestled in the heart of the capital city, the Pretoria National Botanical Garden is a peaceful green sanctuary offering a romantic retreat. Birdwatchers will delight in the garden’s rich avifauna, with over 220 bird species, including hawks, falcons, and the Verreaux’s Eagle. This Valentine’s Day, treat your loved one to a special evening at Milkplum Café, complete with live music and a complimentary glass of sparkling wine from 18:00 – 22:00. Entrance is free.

For a wildly romantic experience, visit the National Zoological Garden, South Africa’s largest zoo, home to over 4,800 animals. Stroll through beautifully landscaped enclosures, enjoy close-up encounters with rare and endangered species, and explore the aquarium and reptile park. Bring your special someone and pay only half the price for entrance as a couple. Click here to book.

If you are in the Free State Province, escape to this scenic haven of rolling hills, tranquil ponds, and diverse plant life. With over 400 indigenous plant species, the Free State National Botanical Garden is the perfect floral wonderland for a Valentine’s picnic and outdoor movie night under the stars. Gates open at 17:00, allowing guests to settle in and enjoy the serene surroundings before the movie starts at 19:30. Tickets are R300 per couple or R200 per person, making it an ideal setting for a romantic evening immersed in nature. Click here to buy tickets.

For those in KwaZulu-Natal, celebrate love with a twist of adventure at the KwaZulu-Natal National Botanical Garden. This Valentine’s Day, trade roses for ropes and chocolates for challenges with an exhilarating experience at Acrobranch. Navigate hand-in-hand through the treetops, tackle wobbly high ropes together, and share unforgettable moments of laughter and courage. Whether you are a couple or a group of friends looking for a thrill, this is nature’s version of couple’s therapy! Enjoy an exclusive Valentine’s weekend special with 40% off your adventure using promo code ACROLOVE40. Offer is valid from 14 – 16 February 2025. Click here to book.

For an utterly unique Valentine’s celebration, visit the Karoo Desert National Botanical Garden, a hidden gem where South Africa’s succulent plant diversity thrives. With its captivating desert beauty and seasonal wildflowers, this garden provides a stunning backdrop for an intimate live music performance by ‘In Die Tuine’ with Coffee Snobs. Gates open at 18:00, with the performance starting at 19:30. Tickets are R200 per person, promising an evening of soulful melodies under the starlit Karoo sky. Guests are welcome to bring their own picnic baskets, while wine and coffee will be available for purchase on-site. Tickets available at Quicket.

Each SANBI garden, with its rich history and natural beauty, showcases a piece of South Africa’s incredible biodiversity. Whether you prefer a romantic stroll in a lush garden, a cosy picnic under the stars, or a thrilling wildlife experience, SANBI’s gardens and zoo offer something for everyone this Valentine’s Day.

Spoil your loved one and create unforgettable memories in nature!

For more information and bookings, visit:

www.sanbi.org.za