HAROLD PORTER

NATIONAL BOTANICAL GARDEN
Betty's Bay, South Africa

PO Box 35, Betty's Bay, 7141
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This beautiful, secluded garden is set between mountain and sea, in the heart of the Cape fynbos region and encompasses 10 hectares of cultivated fynbos garden and 190.5 hectares of pristine natural fynbos. It is only 100 kilometres from Cape Town on the R44 coastal road, at the western end of the Garden Route. See route map.

Situated in the centre of the coastal fynbos where the flora is at its richest, the garden encompasses mountain slopes with their wind-clipped heathlands, deep gorges with relict forests, flats and marshes with restios, sedges and bulbs, as well as dunes adjacent to the beach with their specialised salt-adapted plants. The garden is renowned for its waterfalls and amber pools. See the seasonal highlights of this special garden.

The main fynbos families (proteas, ericas and restios) are present as well as other important families such as irises, daisies and orchids. The garden boasts Disa uniflora in its natural habitat (flowering from mid-December to end of January) as well as the national flower, the king protea (Protea cynaroides). Take a virtual tour of the garden.

There are approximately 88 species of birds, including the Orange-Breasted Sunbird and the rare Protea Canary, found only in the fynbos, present in the garden. Other wildlife, including mongoose, porcupines and genets are common but shy.

There are indigenous plants on sale and a restaurant offering light meals and tea (Tel: 028 2729400). There is parking for 90 cars and buses, and a souvenir shop.

The garden also has several kilometres of nature trails which provide scenic views of mountains and coastline.

The garden is open 365 days a year from 08h00. It closes at 16h30 on weekdays and 17h00 over weekends and on public holidays. The entrance fee is R7 for adults, R3 for school going children and students (with cards) and senior citizens (60+). Members of the Botanical Society have free entrance if they display their cards and there is a special "Friends of the Garden" ticket available for regular visitors. Ask for details at the entrance.

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