Karoo Desert National Botanical Garden, South Africa

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The first thing likely to strike you when you are inside the Karoo Desert National Botanical Garden is the sight of the Quiver tree as it soars into the air, dwarfing all other succulent species around it. This beautiful desert tree is in its natural habitat here. Taste one of its young buds and you will immediately recognise the taste of asparagus. If you would like to grow one in your garden, seeds are available at the garden's shop.



The Botanical Garden in the Karoo is situated 3 km north of the town of Worcester, some 120 km from Cape Town.

To experience the best of the Karoo Desert Botanical Garden, make sure you are here in spring (August to end of October), when the multitudes of vygies (mesembs) are flowering. The scenery is dazzlingly colourful as these small plants show off their best colours.



Don't forget to take away a memento the local people and their culture. The Khoisan Kookskern inside the garden will acquaint you with the various plants used by the Namakwaland people, whether for medicine, cooking or other uses. For a taste of the entire legendary Karoo, follow the Karoo Trail and experience each illustrated region.



Apart from the nearly 70 species of birds around, you will be able to spot the Cape Grey duiker, among other mammals.

Spend some time touring the Garden Maze to familiarise yourself with the vast collection of succulent desert plants or attend a slide show to appreciate the whole range. Before you leave, you can buy one of the botanical books from the shop as souvenir.



There is a 1 km-long Braille Trail that provides unsighted people with information about all the species.