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Whether you're clinking glasses on a checkered blanket, swaying to live music amid the flowers, or stealing kisses during a romantic movie night, these green spaces have got you covered. Here's what's happening at the South African National Biodiversity Institute's (SANBI) gardens around the country this Valentine's Day.
Joburg and Pretoria
PICNIC UNDER THE STARS AT WALTER SISULU NATIONAL BOTANICAL GARDENPack a picnic, grab your favourite person, and get ready for a dreamy night under the stars. Lounge on the lush lawns of Joburg’s beloved Walter Sisulu National Botanical Garden and soak in the magic of this green oasis after dark. Expect romance, fresh air, and twinkling skies.
Fri, Feb 14 from 17:00 – 22:00. Entrance is R100 p.p. Book here.
VALENTINE'S DINNER AT PRETORIA NATIONAL BOTANICAL GARDEN
Treat your sweetheart to a swoon-worthy evening under the stars at Pretoria National Botanical Garden's on-site restaurant, Milkplum Café. With live music setting the mood, an indulgent à la carte menu, and a complimentary glass of bubbly to kick things off, romance is practically guaranteed.
Fri, Feb 14 from 18:00 – 22:00. Entrance is free.
HALF-PRICE ENTRANCE AT NATIONAL ZOOLOGICAL GARDEN (PRETORIA ZOO)
Looking for a budget-friendly adventure? Home to more than 4,800 animals, Pretoria Zoo is giving couples a wild deal with 50% off the entrance fee on Valentine's Day. Fun fact: Once vultures find their partner, they mate for life – that could be you and your date.
Fri, Feb 14 from 08:30 – 17:30. Entrance is R100 per couple at the gate.
Further afield
LIVE MUSIC AT KAROO DESERT NATIONAL BOTANICAL GARDENEnjoy a live performance by Coffee Snobs in the Karoo Desert National Botanical Garden – home to a wide variety of arid and semi-arid plants. Enjoy the music with views out over the Hex River mountain range.
Fri, Feb 14. Gates open at 18:30, the show starts at 19:30. Tickets are R200 p.p. Book here.
OUTDOOR CINEMA AT FREE STATE NATIONAL BOTANICAL GARDEN
Roll out a picnic blanket and bring your favourite snacks to the breathtaking Free State National Botanical Garden as it present Opulence in The Garden Valentines Movie Night, setting the scene for romance under the stars.
Fri, Feb 14. Gates open at 17:00, the movie starts at 19:30. Tickets are R300 per couple or R200 p.p. Book here.
ACROBRANCH ADVENTURE AT KWAZULU-NATAL NATIONAL BOTANICAL GARDEN
Ditch the roses for ropes and the chocolates for challenges at Acrobranch at the KwaZulu-Natal National Botanical Garden – where romance meets adventure. Whether you're a daring duo or a fearless friend group, this is nature’s take on couple’s therapy.
Snag 40% off your adventure with the promo code ACROLOVE40 from Fri, Feb 14 – Sun, Feb 16. Book here.
Love isn't confined to one day only – bookmark our guide to South Africa's botanical gardens for something sweet to do in the great outdoors, wherever you are.
