NBRI, Namibia :: Botanic Garden

The National Botanic Garden

The National Botanic Garden of Namibia is a 12 hectare nature reserve in the heart of the City of Windhoek, where you can see and learn about Namibia's fascinating plants.

Mission Statement

The National Botanic Garden of Namibia strives to protect and promote the sustainable utilisation of the Namibian flora and to function as an educational and recreational nature facility for Namibians and visitors alike.

Visiting Hours

Monday to Friday, from 8h00 until 17h00 plus every first Saturday of the month from 8:00 to 11:00

Contact telephone numbers

+ 264 (0) 61 - 202 2014 or + 264 (0) 61 - 202 9111

History of the Garden

The land was donated to the Government by the City Council of Windhoek in October 1969, and was originally earmarked as a nature reserve. Initial development started in the early 1970s with the construction of walking trails, a stormwater system and a dam. Unfortunately, due to a lack of funds, the then Department of Nature Conservation had to terminate all development activities and the garden was abandoned.

Enjoying the botanic garden

When the National Botanical Research Institute (NBRI) moved to the buildings adjacent to the reserve in 1990, the idea was born to develop the area as a Botanic Garden. Negotiations were initiated between the Ministry of Environment and Tourism and the Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Forestry (MAWF), and in February 1993 the NBRI obtained the right to develop the land into a Botanic Garden.

The garden depends on funds from the MAWF for its maintenance and development. However, in recent years it has additionally been supported by the Botanical Society of Namibia.

The National Botanic Garden of Namibia strives to protect and promote the Namibian flora and to function as an educational and recreational facility for Namibians and visitors alike. It is the only one of its kind in the country and focuses exclusively on Namibian plants. Unlike many other botanical gardens, the larger part of the garden has not been landscaped. The reason for this is 1) to conserve water and 2) to emphasise plants in their natural environment, thus allowing students and visitors to learn more about the vegetation around Windhoek, known as highland savanna. However, several special displays ensure that visitors also get to see plants from other parts of the country, such as the Namib Desert or the Kunene Region.

Objectives

To provide an accessible area to study the flora of Namibia, especially the vegetation in and around Windhoek
Propagating plants
To serve as a facility for environmental education
To educate the public in nature awareness and our indigenous flora
To establish an area where field workers, extension personnel, students and researchers might be trained in survey techniques and plant identification
To provide an area for the conservation of plant material and for the regeneration and cultivation thereof as a support service to the National Herbarium, the Vegetation Survey Unit and the National Plant Genetic Resources Centre
To serve as an experimental site to study the ecology of Namibian plants
To serve as a recreational area and a tourist attraction.

Things to see and do

Walking
Birdwatching
Photography
Relaxation.

A number of self guided walking trails lead through the garden. The most common woody plants are labelled and bird and plant lists are available at Reception. The garden boasts one of the densest stands of the Windhoek Aloe (Aloe littoralis), the symbol of the city of Windhoek.

Propagating plants

The quiver tree forest and bottle trees too, are well worth a visit. They were been planted here in the early 1970s and are of exceptional size and beauty. Early in the year, after good rains, you can admire some of our lilies flowering along the Lily Walk. Be sure to visit the Desert House, where some fascinating plants from the Namib Desert are displayed.

The garden also is home to a variety of mammals, birds, reptiles and insects. Bring along your binoculars and field-guides and do some bird-watching or dassie-spotting. The picnic area provides the perfect spot to end your visit. Enjoy some cooldrinks and snacks (which you need to bring along) whilst you relax in the tranquil atmosphere of the garden.

Projects for public participation

Euphorbia virosa in fruit

Gathering of on-site information on the birds, insects and animals for information pamphlets
Volunteers for the Garden tour guide group.

The Botanical Society of Namibia, contact address: P. O. Box 24892, Windhoek.

Rules and Regulations

Please note the following:

Right of admission is reserved
Enter at own risk
Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult
Guided walks for school groups are available on request, but should be booked well in advance.

As this is a proclaimed nature reserve, remember:

Stay on the paths
Use the dustbins and refrain from littering
Do not damage and/or remove plants or any plant material

Succulent cultivation

Do not disturb wildlife
No climbing of trees
No biking
No fires
Picnicking is only permitted at spots indicated
No disturbances.

Download information about the garden:

National Botanic Garden Curator

Mrs Silke Rügheimer
Tel: + 264 (0) 61 - 202 2014
Fax: + 264 (0) 61 - 258153
Email:

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