OPEN FROM 6TH SEPT TO 12TH OCTOBER.
Benvie Gardens offer a truly immersive experience. The layout encourages slow, thoughtful wandering—pausing to admire reflections on the water or the shifting light through tall conifers. Benches and open spaces offer perfect picnic spots, so visitors are welcome to bring a basket and stay awhile. Benvie is more than just a garden—it’s a living legacy. Its mature trees and carefully maintained paths speak to over a century of quiet devotion and a love of the land
Designed as a circular walk, the garden invites visitors to stroll beneath a towering canopy of exotic trees from around the world. These majestic giants form a backdrop for sweeping lawns, tranquil ponds and a dazzling display in Spring of flowering Azaleas, Azalea Mollis, and Clivia. In October the Rhododendrons show off.
The trees reach up to the sky and you feel as if you are in another world. The garden consists of a wide selection of species and impressive trees that make you feel very small because of their size and stature. If you contemplate the life of a tree and how stoic, steadfast and sure it stands for so many years (some of these trees are over a hundred years old) it makes you consider your life and its brevity. There is something very contemplative about spending time around these majestic monuments. –Sprout, Landscape Architects.
This is a garden with many exotics. Hydrangeas, Camellias and other shade loving plants give a show under the trees.
Established by John Geekie over 130 years ago and still cared for by his descendants, 6 generations later! This 30-hectare arboretum has become one of the most celebrated gardens in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands.
Geekie because a successful businessman and was able to realise his dream of recreating his garden in Scotland by purchasing the farm “Nooitgedacht”. He imported seeds, seedlings and plants from around the world. (Dundee, Scotland, Georgia, USA, and the nucleus of the azaleas from Durban’s Botanical Gardens.)The imported stock travelled by boat to Durban Harbour and was then taken by rail to Merrivale before finally being driven by ox wagon up to Benvie.
Benvie Gardens, located in the lush Karkloof region, is a standout birding location. Known for its incredible forest and grassland habitats, Benvie offers both tranquility and diverse birdlife. This is a birding haven and considered one of KZN’s top birding spots. (which rather quashes the nonsense, in this writer’s view, of all needing to be indigenous.) It has the most dense population of the rare Orange Ground Thrush in SA. Other species to look out for include Forest Buzzard and a range of crane species. The garden has feeders to attract birds, making it easy for visitors to observe several species up close.
Described in superlatives, including “breath taking sanctuary”.
Directions: Take the Karkloof Road from Howick. Travel for 33km and that point turn right on the York/New Hanover Road. There is a Benvie sign there. Travel down the York Road for 3km and follow the Benvie signs. Plants will be available for sale. Do not access from the Greytown side.
Karkloof Rd, Howick, 3290, Sou...
Karkloof Road, Howick, South A...
P526, Karkloof Rd, 3299...
