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Best gardens and parks in Africa

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Cape Town
Mountains, Beaches and a Vibrant Culture
7.6
The Company's Garden in Cape Town began in the 1600s as a vegetable garden for Dutch East India Company ships. Today it is a shady park in the middle of the city. Oak lined paths lead past a rose garden and museums. Friendly squirrels run across the lawns.
Highlights:
  • 🍽️ Explore the V&A Waterfront and dine by the sea
  • 🚡 Ride the cable car for breathtaking city views
  • 🥾 Hike to the top of Table Mountain
Mauritius
Tropical Bliss in the Indian Ocean
8.6
The Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Botanical Garden at Pamplemousses dates from 1770. Giant water lilies float in its ponds with leaves that can support a small child. Tall palms line the main avenue beside spice trees. Aldabra giant tortoises roam a fenced area near the entrance.
Highlights:
  • 🐠 Snorkel among coral reefs in Blue Bay Marine Park
  • 🥾 Hike to the summit of Le Morne Brabant
  • 🏝️ Relax on the turquoise shores of Trou-aux-Biches Beach
Marrakech
A vibrant maze of colors and spices
8.0
Jardin Majorelle in Marrakech surrounds a cobalt blue villa with a lush garden of cacti and bamboo. The painter Jacques Majorelle began the garden in the 1920s. Yves Saint Laurent later bought and restored it. Bright pots and fountains stand out against the deep blue walls.
Highlights:
  • 🧖‍♀️ Relax in a traditional hammam and experience Moroccan spa culture
  • 🏛️ Wander through the serene courtyards of Bahia Palace
  • 🕌 Lose yourself in the vibrant souks of Jemaa el-Fnaa
Nairobi
Where urban life meets wild adventures
6.4
Nairobi National Park is a wildlife park at the edge of a major city. Visitors can see lions and rhinos with the skyline behind them. Its open grassland lies only about seven kilometres from the city centre. Many travellers visit on a short morning game drive before other plans.
Highlights:
  • 🐘 Visit the David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage and meet baby elephants
  • 🦩 Feed endangered giraffes at the Giraffe Centre
  • 🦒 Go on a safari at Nairobi National Park
Stellenbosch
Wine, Heritage and Mountain Views
7.5
The botanical garden of Stellenbosch University opened in 1902 and is among the oldest of its kind in South Africa. Its greenhouses hold rare succulents and desert plants including ancient welwitschia. Paths wind beneath tall trees and past a pond. It offers a quiet break from the wine estates nearby.
Highlights:
  • 🥾 Hike Jonkershoek Nature Reserve trails for stunning views
  • 🏛️ Explore historic Dorp Street's Cape Dutch architecture
  • 🍷 Tour the famous Spier Wine Farm and taste award-winning wines
Durban
Sunny beaches and rich culture
7.1
Durban Botanic Gardens opened in 1849 and is one of the oldest botanical gardens in Africa. Its orchid house and collection of cycads draw plant lovers. Paths wind past ponds and tall old trees. Visitors can enjoy tea on the lawn or a concert on Sunday afternoons.
Highlights:
  • 🚶‍♀️ Stroll the Durban promenade and enjoy the ocean views
  • 🐠 Explore uShaka Marine World and its giant aquarium
  • 🏖️ Swim and surf along Durban’s famous Golden Mile beaches
Rabat
A Hidden Gem with Royal Flair
6.6
The Andalusian Gardens in Rabat sit within the walls of the Kasbah of the Udayas. Paths run between orange trees and beds of flowers. Blue and white walls frame the view over the river and the sea. Visitors can rest under palms and sip mint tea in the old cafe.
Highlights:
  • 🕋 Marvel at the unfinished Hassan Tower minaret
  • 🕌 Visit the stunning Mausoleum of Mohammed V
  • 🏰 Explore the historic Kasbah of the Udayas and gardens
Zanzibar
Turquoise Waters and Spice Perfume
7.4
Jozani Forest on Zanzibar is a national park with mahogany trees and a boardwalk through mangroves. It shelters the red colobus monkey, which lives only on Zanzibar. Visitors can watch the monkeys leap between branches high above. Guides explain the plants and wildlife on short walks.
Highlights:
  • 🐒 Visit Jozani Forest to see rare red colobus monkeys
  • 🤿 Snorkel in the clear waters of Mnemba Atoll and spot vibrant marine life
  • 🏰 Explore Stone Town's narrow streets and historic sites
Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens
Nature’s Cape Floral Kingdom Showcase
Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden was founded in 1913 on the eastern slopes of Table Mountain. It protects the rich plant life of the Cape including proteas and fynbos. A curved walkway called the Boomslang lifts visitors into the treetops. On summer evenings people bring picnics for concerts on the lawns.
Highlights:
  • 🍽️ Relax with a meal at Moyo Restaurant Kirstenbosch
  • 🌿 Explore the rare and ancient Cycad Garden
  • 🌳 Walk the Boomslang Tree Canopy Walkway for views
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