Pretoria National Botanical Gardens — Attraction in Tshwane Ward 46

We visited the botanical gardens recently and had a mixed experience. The gardens themselves are beautifully maintained and well-kept, it's a lovely spot to relax and enjoy nature. However, our experience with the braai area was disappointing.

We paid an eladditionsl R50 per person for the braai area and R150 for a lapa that can accommodate up to 5 people. Unfortunately, the braaiers are not conveniently located near the lapa, and since they can't be moved, we ended up sitting next to the braai instead of under the lapa as intended. To make matters worse, there are no bathroom facilities in the braai area, and the walk from the parking to the braai area was quite far.

Additionally, there were no tables or chairs provided at the braai area. And if yiu want to bring a chair or table you must pay additional for each thing.

On a positive note, Nana provided exceptional service and was super helpful with bookings and arrangements. She's definitely worth mentioning!

Considering the inconvenience, we probably won't use the braai area again. Most people seem to just pay the normal entrance fee and have a picnic on the grass near the parking or grab a bite at the restaurant.

Overall, the gardens are lovely, but the braai area needs some serious revamping. Might still visit again, but with...

2 stars because the place is beautiful and well kept. The scenery is lovely.

HOWEVER ! The other three stars are lost because….

We booked the party area. The rules are rediculous. There are two gates to enter. The general area and the events side has a motorised gate. Even though you are going to the braai area , you and your guests need to use the general entrance that is such a long way around. You literally get there sweating. Only setup vehicles are allowed to drop off equipment and leave.

They don’t allow cars inside. That’s fine. But you need to go all the way around if you forgot something in your car. I’m talking almost a kilometre walk.

They make you pay R 35 for ticket even if they didn’t give you a ticket. Make sure you get a ticket when parking.

THERE ARE NO TOILETS AT THE BRAAI AREA ( BRAAI LAPA ) !?!? I mean excuse me ?

If you wanna plug something they charge you R250 for electricity, you find this out on the day !

The place is beautiful but their rules are completely disheartening and impractical especially when you book the braai area. Management needs to look into it. Maybe I’ll be back for a picnic for a few hours but never again for...

The rules in this place do not make sense at all! My husband and I took our toddlers out for a nice day however everywhere we looked there were parties and alcohol was in free flow! This is however not the problem, we proceeded to play ball with our children and were approached and told that balls were not allowed! Yet alcohol, balloons and unruly behaviour by big boozy parties is completely welcome. We were surrounded by at least 3 parties but we were singled out for playing ball with our children! What kind of garden is this ? Where innocent fun is frowned on and wild behaviour let slide. Further more the birds in the garden literally had popped balloon remnants in their mouths! And my one year old kept picking up balloon pieces! When asked why other people were being allowed to bring their balloons and loud music we were told that they had permission! Yet the boards clearly say no balloons. Looks like excuses are made for some and not others. This garden is really for boozy bust ups. Management...