Media strolls through the garden
The aim was to showcase the enormous diversity the garden has to offer.
MBOMBELA – There is only one place where you can take a stroll through a tropical rainforest, enjoy a picnic in a garden, have a warm meal, practise your love for birdwatching and appreciate the most beautiful scenery – and best of all, it’s right here in the heart of the city. The South African National Biodiversity Institute (Sanbi) hosted a media tour in the Lowveld National Botanical Garden on Thursday morning, under the leadership of Avhatakali Mamatsharaga, curator of the garden.
The aim was to showcase the enormous diversity the garden has to offer. Its character has been shaped by the two rivers that cut through it, namely the Crocodile and Nels rivers. Before they converge in the garden, they form spectacular waterfalls which can be viewed from the Cascades and the Nels River viewpoints. When the level of the Crocodile is low, interesting geological formations and potholes are visible. In full bloom the clivias at the garden’s main entrance are a stunning colourful sight that welcomes visitors.
Walking through the enchanting African rain forest the suspension bridge takes one across the Crocodile River. The African rainforest contains fascinating vegetation from the coastal belt as well as the Limpopo Province.
The garden plays a critical role in the conservation of rare and endangered species and was the first in the world to establish a cycad gene bank.
It has a fine collection of these amazing plants. The garden also boasts one of the largest collections of South African fig trees. The mythical baobab tree is famous for its unique shape and medicinal properties. Various plant species have been introduced into the garden. These include South African coastal species and a unique collection of plants from the rapidly disappearing tropical forests of central and east Africa. The riverside trail gives visitors a chance to experience the relatively undistributed natural vegetation that once covered most of the Mbombela region.
Various media houses had the opportunity to experience the beauty of this garden via a guided tour led by
Lou-Nita le Roux, the interpretation officer. She said about 138 plant species as well as a wonderful array of birds and various mammals, reptiles and amphibians have been recorded along the trail. “We want to provide the public with ‘bite-sized’ experiences,” says Le Roux. She believes that the biodiversity of the garden surpasses that of any other national botanical garden in the country.
They love to keep things interesting for visitors and keep up with the latest trends, which includes a Braille trail for the blind. This amazing trail makes it possible for the blind to enjoy a walk completely independently. After a very interesting tour guests enjoyed a delicious, proudly South African lunch at Kuzuri Restuarant. “We are also very excited to announce that the second entrance will soon be upgraded,” Mamatsharaga concluded.
