About Hantam National Botanical Garden
Established in 2007, the Hantam National Botanical Garden lies on the Bokkeveld Plateau just outside the town of Nieuwoudtville. Hantam National Botanical Garden is regarded as one of the world's most special biodiversity treasures, and forms the first National Botanical Gardens in the Northern Cape Province, and the ninth National Botanical Garden in South Africa.
Did you know? During flower season the garden is a feast of flowers and this is one of the loveliest places to explore the bulbs on the Bokkeveld Plateau during spring.
Today's Hantam National Botanical Garden used to simply be a farm, called Glenlyon, owned by Neil McGregor. It is quite a wonderful story that, simply told, involves Neil's relationship with the biodiversity on his farm and his return to a style of farming that allowed the balance of nature as it was to return to the farm.
Several exciting projects took place here and as far back as 1960, Neil began a flower bus ride around the farm, keeping other cars off his land, whilst allowing people to view the delights of the flowers when left to do their own thing.
The BBC and Sir David Attenborough discovered the farm during the early 1990s and the director of Kew Gardens was heard to comment that 'this farm is a botanical treasure of international importance'. The farm was eventually sold to SANBI in 2007.
Today one can do a series of nine walks across its length of over 6 000 hectares on several portions of land. Almost 40% of the flora is bulbs but there are also large patches of renosterveld fynbos and succulent karoo. Peak season is between August and mid-October but if it is a good year, bulbs will be in evidence as early as the first rains in March / April.
Need to Know
WhereHantam National Botanical Garden, Oorlogskloof Road, Nieuwoudtville, Upper Karoo, Northern Cape, South Africa
WhenOpen every day. Best from August to mid-October
Telephone+27 (0)27 218-1200
OvernightStay in Nieuwoudtville Accommodation, Northern Cape
Disclaimer
Please note, business details can change. While we endeavour to ensure all information provided by the service provider is correct at the time of publication, we do not assume any liability caused by errors or changes, such as price, cost, time, and location. Please check with the provider that the activity/business is still offered as described, before making any travel plans.
Feedback?
If this is your attraction, you can let us know if anything on this page is outdated or contains inaccuracies, by email. We regret, we do not have any other information, please contact the provider if you have questions.
Additional Reading
South Africa's 10 National Botanical Gardens- Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden
- Free State Botanical Garden
- Harold Porter Botanical Garden
- Walter Sisulu Botanical Garden
- Pietermaritzburg Botanical Garden
- Pretoria National Botanical Garden
- Lowveld National Botanical Garden
- Karoo Desert Botanical Garden
- Hantam National Botanical Garden
- Kwelera National Botanical Garden
In the vicinity
Hotels & other accommodation options in Nieuwoudtville

Papkuilsfontein Guest Farm
Soak up the peace and tranquility of this beautiful farm. Papkuilsfontein Farm, on top of a lovely plateau, nestles between the West Coast and Na...

Papkuilsfontein De Lande
Papkuilsfontein De Lande offers accommodation nine kilometers north of Papkuilsfontein. The generous proportions of this typical Karoo style farm...

Linda se Dop
Linda se Dop is a contemporary hotel overlooking Nieuwoudtville in the heart of the Namaqualand. The elegant boutique hotel offers an outdoor poo...
Things to do in the area

Oorlogskloof Rameron Pigeon Trail
Start: Groot Tuin, Oorlogskloof Nature ReserveFinish: Groot TuinDuration: 4 – 7 days, 53 kmFitness: moderately fitOur tip: pack a field guide to ...

Oorlogskloof Papkuilsfontein MTB Route
Explore the rocky, rugged terrain, gorges and gravel roads that run all through the Oorlogskloof Nature Reserve. Joining the reserve is the Papku...

Oorlogskloof Rock Pigeon Hiking Trail
Start: Groot Tuin, Oorlogskloof Nature ReserveFinish: Groot TuinDuration: 55 km over 5 daysFitness: fit, the course has been designed to tax the ...
Accommodation convenient to Hantam National Botanical Garden
FIND / South Africa Accommodation / Northern Cape Accommodation / Upper Karoo Accommodation / Nieuwoudtville Accommodation