Harold Porter Botanical Garden — a SANBI-run institution protecting ten hectares of coastal fynbos and the famous disa kloof.
About this experience
A guided walk through one of the most spectacular pockets of the Cape Floral Kingdom — the disa kloof, the leopard kloof waterfalls, and ten hectares of rolling coastal fynbos pressed between mountain and sea.
Harold Porter was a Cape Town architect who in the 1930s bought this stretch of coast specifically to protect its disas — the scarlet Pride of Table Mountain orchid that flowers in the spray of the kloof waterfall every January and February. The garden was bequeathed to SANBI in 1958 and is still run as a serious botanical institution rather than a tourist attraction.
A glimpse of the day
Imagery courtesy of Harold Porter Botanical Garden.
Your day, hour by hour
- 0:00Garden entrance
Meet your specialist guide at the SANBI garden gate in Betty's Bay.
- 0:30Disa Kloof trail
Walk into the kloof along the stream, past tree ferns and (in January–February) the scarlet Pride of Table Mountain disas in flower.
- 1:30Leopard Kloof waterfalls
A series of short ladders up to a granite pool fed by the kloof waterfall.
- 2:30Coastal fynbos loop
Drop back down across the fynbos terraces with the Atlantic at your feet.
- 3:00Tea garden (optional)
End at the SANBI tea garden for a light lunch before transfer back.
Highlights
- ✓3-hour guided walk
- ✓Waterfall + disa kloof
- ✓Year-round wildflowers, January disa bloom
- ✓Tea-garden lunch optional afterwards
What's included
- +Garden entry
- +Specialist guide
- +Bottled water
What to bring
- ·Closed shoes (paths can be slippery)
- ·Rain shell in winter
- ·Sunscreen, sunhat
Things to know
- 📍 Meeting point: Harold Porter Garden entrance, Betty's Bay
- 🗓 Best season: January for disas · spectacular Aug–Oct
- 🥾 Fitness: Moderate · some uneven steps and stream crossings
- 👶 Minimum age: 6 years
- ♿ Accessibility: Tell us about any mobility needs or disabilities at checkout — we'll share them with the operator in advance so they can prepare.
- 💳 Payment: Secure card payment, instant confirmation
Frequently asked questions
How do I confirm my booking?+
Pay securely by card and you'll receive instant confirmation by email with a booking reference, an add-to-calendar file, and the operator's contact details.
What's the cancellation policy?+
Free cancellation up to 48 hours before your departure for a full refund. Inside 48 hours the booking is non-refundable, but you can change the date or transfer the booking to another person — manage it any time from the Manage Booking page.
What if the weather is bad?+
If your operator cancels for safety or weather, you'll be offered a free reschedule or a full refund — no questions asked. Light rain or wind usually does not affect departures.
Are children welcome?+
This activity has a minimum age of 6. Younger children unfortunately can't be accommodated for safety reasons.
Where do we meet?+
Harold Porter Garden entrance, Betty's Bay. Full meeting instructions, a map link and the operator's mobile number are included in your confirmation email.
Can I pay in cash on the day?+
No — all bookings are pre-paid by card to secure your seats. This is what allows us to give you instant confirmation.
Cancellation & changes
Free cancellation up to 48 hours before departure for a full refund. Inside 48 hours, the booking is non-refundable but can be rescheduled or transferred to another guest. Manage your booking any time at /manage.
Disclaimer of liability
overberg.activities operates as a booking aggregator. The activity is provided by Harold Porter Botanical Garden, an independent operator. By booking you accept that all outdoor activities carry inherent risk and that you participate at your own risk. The operator's own safety briefings, waivers and indemnities apply on the day.
You must disclose any medical conditions, pregnancy, mobility limitations, or recent injuries at the time of booking (in the field provided) so the operator can assess suitability. Misrepresenting your fitness, age or medical status may void the booking and any insurance cover.
Full terms and the complete disclaimer of liability are available on our Terms & Conditions page.