SANBI Turns Tourism Month into a Green Adventure

September is Tourism Month in South Africa, and this year the South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) is inviting locals to rediscover the country’s natural beauty. For the entire month, visitors get unlimited access to all 12 national botanical gardens with a new Passport to Nature programme.

The Gardens on Offer

South Africans will be able to explore:

• Kirstenbosch in Cape Town, famous for its Table Mountain backdrop

• Walter Sisulu in Johannesburg, known for its waterfall and eagle nests

• Harold Porter along the coastal fynbos of the Overberg

• Hantam, Karoo Desert and Kwelera for arid and coastal plant life

• The Lowveld, Pretoria, Free State, KwaZulu-Natal, and Thohoyandou gardens

Each visit earns a stamp in the Passport to Nature booklet, which also shares biodiversity facts. Collect enough stamps and visitors qualify for rewards like tote bags, seed hampers, and even behind-the-scenes tours with experts.

Why This Matters

SANBI’s marketing director, Nontsikelelo Mpulo, said the campaign is about more than outings. “Tourism Month is about discovering the hidden treasures of our country and how deeply nature is connected to our wellbeing,” she explained.

Research supports her point. The World Health Organization has found that regular time in nature reduces stress, lifts mood, and strengthens social ties. In a country where urban life often feels overwhelming, the gardens are being framed as both leisure spaces and wellness hubs.

Public Reaction and Cultural Context

South Africans have taken to social media to welcome the campaign, with many praising the affordability of a “passport-style” membership that encourages families to travel. Some users joked about turning it into a “collect them all” challenge, while others highlighted the educational benefits for children.

The timing is also important. Domestic tourism has been struggling since the pandemic, and SANBI’s initiative positions local travel as an economic driver. Every garden visit supports jobs in conservation, education, and hospitality.

A Fresh Way to See South Africa

The Passport to Nature campaign pushes South Africans to treat local spaces with the same excitement usually reserved for overseas trips. From birdwatching in the Lowveld to a picnic at Kirstenbosch, SANBI is encouraging citizens to make travel part of everyday life.

As the country faces rising costs and urban pressure, this initiative offers a rare mix of affordable leisure, education, and wellness. For many, it may also rekindle pride in South Africa’s natural heritage.