KwaZulu Natal Pietermaritzburg KwaZulu Natal Botanical Garden

KwaZulu Natal Botanical Garden

January 30, 2012

The then Pietermaritzburg Botanical Garden was opened in 1874 with the aim of growing plants for distribution in the colony of Natal, collecting indigenous plants for exchange and collecting rare and beautiful plants. Today the National Botanical Institute is the present custodian of the Gardens and aim to conserve living plants that are representative of the East Coast Region of South Africa.

Over 150 species of birds and countless insect species inhabit that extensive indigenous vegetation that that also includes several wetland areas. A special feature is the fascinating “Useful Plants Garden” that displays plants that are used for medicinal purposes, crafts and foods by the Zulu people. Given the numbers of people that visit the gardens, birds are often relaxed providing excellent opportunities for photography.

Location

Address

KwaZulu Natal Botanical Garden

Closest Town

Pietermaritzburg

Getting There

The Gardens lie in the suburbs of Pietermaritzburg with the access being via Mayors Walk Rd. Access is well signposted.

Photography

Best Time to Photograph

Bird photography is best undertaken early in the mornings, while insects and many of the flowering plants are better photographed during midmornings as temperature increase. The Garden does offer guided night tours on occasion and these are particularly interesting for seeing and photographing nocturnal species.

Type of Photography

Birds
Flowers
Insects

Best Time of Year

Summer
Spring

Photographic Tips

Given the variety of habitats that are contained in the gardens it is well worth first wandering quickly through the gardens to determine where there is the biggest variety of flowering plants and where the various wetlands are. This will help identify where photographic time is best spent and where birds are congregating. The wetland areas always attract a wide variety of birds and insects, while the forest patches provide opportunities for spider and insect photography. Many of the birds breed through spring and early summer and so be aware of unnecessary disturbance near the nest.

Recommended Gear

Insect photography is best undertaken by using a telephoto lens with extension tubes, while mid-range telephoto or macro lenses are best for photographing flowers and plants. Walking slowly through the Gardens with the camera and long telephoto lens mounted on the tripod offers the easiest way to photograph birds, which often move quickly.