One of South Africa's most beautiful parks, the Botanic Gardens is notable for its tall trees, a lake and a vast collection of gardens, including the Ernest Thorpe Orchid House, Herb Garden, Sunken Garden and Garden for the Blind. Founded in 1849, the gardens are located in a lush 50-acre/20-hectare park at the foot of the Berea and minutes from the city center. An information center and tea garden are on-site. The KwaZulu Natal Philharmonic Orchestra performs at the lake on various Sundays throughout the year. Gardens open 16 April-15 September 7:30 am-5:15 pm, 16 September-15 April 7:30 am-5:45 pm. Information center open daily 9 am-4:30 pm; Orchid House 9:30 am-5 pm. A tour leaves the information center on the last Sunday of every month at 9:30 am. Theme tours such as birds and plants of the Bible can be prebooked through the information center. Free. 70 St. Thomas Road, Durban. Phone 201-1301.
