Garden Route Botanical Garden — Attraction in George

The Garden Route Botanical Garden is a truly beautiful and well-maintained space. I’ve always enjoyed my visits there, especially on weekends when it's quieter and more peaceful. I live just a five-minute walk from the garden, so it has always felt like a convenient and special place to connect with nature.

However, my recent visit on Tuesday, 27 May left me feeling deeply hurt and unwelcome.

I went on a weekday seeking a moment of calm and meditation. Unfortunately, my experience was interrupted when I was approached by a general worker while I was quietly gazing at the sun. Not long after, a woman who appeared to be a manager or supervisor walked by. Although she didn’t speak to me, her body language felt uncomfortable and judgmental.

Things escalated when I decided to leave. I was stopped at the gate by three men—one identified himself as a security guard, another was the gate attendant, and the third did not clearly identify his role. They asked to see my membership card, which I provided without hesitation. They explained that a complaint had been made, alleging that I was picking flowers in the garden, which was not true. They did not even find those flowers.

I was shocked, embarrassed, and saddened by this accusation. The incident left me feeling singled out and unwelcome in a public space meant for all residents and visitors of George. It also left me with a strong sense that there was an element of discrimination in how I was treated—something no one should have to experience in this day and age.

This encounter cast a shadow over an otherwise serene place I u enjoy and value as part of my local community. I hope the garden management takes this feedback seriously and reflects on how such situations are handled in the future, to ensure that all visitors feel genuinely welcome,...

A beautiful young botanical garden that has had alot of start up effort put into it. There are still sections were alot of new plants are planted. Many benches and rest spots. Toilets available in the entrance area. And some paths are wheelchair friendly.

It is still a fairly newer botanical garden but there are alot of different growing trees, flowers and shrubs etc. to see, and a great presence of birds (even in winter when I went).

One thing that stood out is that dogs are allowed on this property. And it seems management have ensured there are multiple poop scoop stations. Despite this were were still some irresponsible dog owners who have left the feaces of their pets unattended. Dogs are only allowed in certain areas.

A very affordable R20 entrance. Great picnic spots too. For an additional entrance fee you can also go and see the Birds of Prey rehab center, an enclosed park within the...

Beautiful garden, great view. Terrible treatment from a woman in security position (at the gate). When my boyfriend and I arrived at the gate, there was no one there so we went to the resturant where we were told that we may drive in. Being no one at their duty post, we drove in, had a lovely time and came back to two people standing nearby the gate. We greeted them and got no reaction but instead was confronted by the woman whom approached us. She was rude and blamed us for driving in (meanwhile the gate wasnt even locked whilst unoccupied). We explained the situation and it was told we need to pay R 20pp. Not having enough cash on me, and not accepting any cards she worsened the situation when I told her that we were given permission to come in. She then told me that it is unneccessary to be rude and later,...