Superb collection of trees, not that well maintained but still worth the visit.
Establishment of an Arboretum on the banks of the Berg River was suggested by the then Town Treasurer of Paarl, Mr A E Short, in 1957. During October of that year, the Paarl Arboretum was inaugurated by Prof H B Rycroft, then Director of the National Botanical Gardens. In the following 30 years the Arboretum was slowly developed and it’s only due the efforts of the late Mr A M J Scheltens during the 1959 – 1971, that the Arboretum today is in its present form. On 1 October 1987 during the Paarl 300 Festival, the Paarl Arboretum was fully opened to the public by the Minister of Environmental Affairs, Mr. G Kotze. The Arboretum is situated on the eastern bank of the Berg River, is 2.8 km long and occupies approximately 31 ha. Divided into 6 “continents” a unique feature is that trees and shrubs are grouped according to continents of origin. In excess of 2 600 trees and shrubs and some 650 different species can be observed. The continents from the entrance gate, together with approximate species are: Europe 81, Africa 153, South America 48, Asia 185, North America 93 and Australasia 113. A layout and relief plan of Arboretum can be found at the entrance gate. Between continents and shelters, detailed wall plans showing tree position in individual continents can be viewed. Trees have, where possible, been numbered on plans and labels with their official tree numbers, both indigenous and exotic. Trees not yet using official numbers have been given an internal number “A”. Enjoy your visit! Please Note No fires are permitted Dogs must be kept on leashes and under control at all times No vehicles, motorcycles or bicycles are permitted. No flora or fauna are to be interfered with in any way No camping is permitted Do not litter Visiting hours: Monday – Sunday 08:00 – 20:00 October – March 09:00 – 17:00 April – September
