If you've been planning a weekend project and wondering whether the old nursery on Lynnwood Road survived the last few years of change, here's the short answer: Safari Garden Centre in The Willows is not only open, it's still one of the better reasons to spend a Saturday morning in Pretoria East.
Safari Garden Centre: A Pretoria East Institution That's Still Going Strong
Yes, Safari Garden Centre is still open, and if you've been driving around the area wondering whether it survived, rest assured it has. This stretch of Pretoria East, tucked near The Willows, has changed a fair amount over the years, but Safari Garden Centre has stayed put as the reliable weekend anchor for anyone with a garden project on the go.
What keeps people coming back isn't just the plant selection, though the indigenous plants and potted specimens are worth the trip alone. It's the whole experience: the waterfall features running through the display areas, the landscaping supplies stacked and ready, gardening tools you can actually pick up and test, and outdoor furniture arranged so you can picture it on your own patio. The spacious layout, restaurant, and children’s play facilities also make it a practical family outing.
Beyond the nursery itself, there's a function venue on site that's become a popular choice for gatherings, plus an on-site restaurant where visitors can stop for breakfast, lunch, or coffee while the children use the play facilities. If you're spending the day in the area, it's worth pairing your visit with a look at what's happening in the nearby Silver Lakes area, or extending the drive slightly to see what makes Brooklyn worth exploring too.
Parking is straightforward and plentiful, which matters when you're loading up bags of compost. Trading hours run through the weekend, so it's best to check ahead before making the trip, especially around public holidays.
For lunch or a proper sit-down meal once the trolley's empty, Lynnwood Road has a couple of solid options right on your route. Karoo Cafe at Karoo Yard is open seven days a week for café-style and farm-inspired meals. Fermier Restaurant, tucked into the same property, offers a considerably more formal eight-course dinner from Tuesday to Saturday and accepts guests by reservation only.
None of this makes Safari Garden Centre in The Willows feel like a museum piece. The stock still turns over with the seasons, so spring visits mean fresh indigenous plants and summer-ready pots, while autumn brings a different mix of hardier stock and bulbs. If you'd rather round the day off with dinner instead of coffee, the team behind our Restaurant Spotlight on Gerry & Co in Pretoria East put together a good case for staying local rather than heading back into town.
Whether you're replanting the veggie patch before the first proper summer rains or just after a new patio set before the festive season crowd arrives, Safari Garden Centre remains the practical, unpretentious choice it's always been.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Safari Garden Centre located in Pretoria?
Safari Garden Centre sits in The Willows, on Lynnwood Road in Pretoria East, an easy drive from Silver Lakes and Woodlands.
Is Safari Garden Centre in The Willows still open?
Yes, Safari Garden Centre The Willows is still trading and remains a popular weekend stop for plants, garden decor, and outdoor furniture.
What are the trading hours of Safari Garden Centre?
Trading hours are 09:00 to 17:00 seven days a week, but it's worth checking ahead before you drive out, particularly around public holidays when hours sometimes shift.
Does Safari Garden Centre have a restaurant for families?
Yes. There's an on-site restaurant where visitors can stop for breakfast, lunch, or coffee while the children use the play facilities
What plants and gardening supplies does Safari Garden Centre sell?
Expect a strong range of indigenous plants, potted specimens, landscaping supplies, gardening tools and outdoor furniture, all arranged so you can see how pieces might work at home.