Even though Gauteng is known for its city skylines, there are many nature escapes in the area. Nature reserves include the Wilds Nature Reserve and Moreleta Kloof Nature Reserve. There are also stunning botanical gardens in the area and here are my top 3.
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Here is a list of three Botanical Gardens you can visit in Gauteng:
Walter Sisulu National Botanical Garden
The Walter Sisulu Botanical Garden is located in Roodepoort in Gauteng and this is probably the most popular one. This is mainly because of the beauty that is situated in the corner of the garden – the waterfall.
There are many activities to keep young and old busy. It has been named one of the best places to get back to nature in Gauteng for several years in a row.
Basic Information:
Cost: (2022)
- Adult: R70
- Pensioner: R70 (and free on Tuesdays)
- Student: R40 (must be able to show a valid student card)
- Scholar: R20
- Children under 6 years: Free
Kindly note that they do not take cash.
Operating Time:
- Monday to Sunday from 8 am to 5 pm
Pet friendly: No
Location: Malcolm Road, Roodepoort
NOTE: Drones are not allowed, so they will check your bags before entering the gardens.
Activities to do at Walter Sisulu
Explore the gardens
The Walter Sisulu Botanical Garden is home to a stunning array of indigenous plants, with several themed gardens showcasing South Africa’s diverse flora. Wander through these gardens and encounter vibrant seasonal flowers, fascinating plant species, and serene green spaces. The well-maintained paths make it easy to enjoy a leisurely walk while soaking in the natural beauty.
My suggestion would be to start either on the West or East side and then take your time marvelling at the beautiful surroundings.
Visit the Waterfall
The iconic Witpoortjie Waterfall is one of the garden’s main attractions. You will find the waterfall tucked away within the landscape on the left side of the garden. This majestic waterfall cascades down 70 meters of rock. The area around the waterfall offers breathtaking views and is a popular spot for photography and relaxation.
Try to visit after the rainy season, as the waterfall is at its prettiest during this time.
Go hiking
The garden offers hiking trails for visitors who love a bit of adventure. The Geological Trail is one of the popular options, leading you to higher ground where you can take in panoramic views of the garden, surrounding mountains, and the waterfall. This trail starts right at the waterfall and also got its name because of the wonderful views you’ll see from the hill. The trail is approximately 3.5 km long and will take about two and a half hours to complete.
There are various other trails available as well, varying in difficulty, so this makes them suitable for different fitness levels.
Have a picnic
Pack your favourite snacks or grab a meal to go from the cafe and find a perfect picnic spot under the shade of the trees. The gardens are full of tranquil areas with picnic benches and open lawns, offering the ideal environment for a relaxed, scenic lunch with friends or family.
There are trolleys to hire at the entrance of the garden for R20 (2022). You can load all your belongings onto the trolley and the friendly guys will make sure it gets to your desired spot.
Grab lunch at the restaurant
For those who prefer a more formal meal, the garden’s restaurant, Eagle’s Fare, offers a range of delicious dishes. The restaurant is tucked away among the tall standing trees with both indoor and outdoor seating. You can enjoy your meal while looking out over the beautiful garden scenery. It’s a great spot to refuel after exploring or to simply relax and take in your surroundings.
Hide out at the bird hide
If you’re a bird enthusiast, the bird hide at the Walter Sisulu Botanical Garden is a must-visit. You’ll find it tucked away in a quiet corner of the garden. It offers the perfect vantage point for observing a variety of birds. This botanical garden is known to have abundant wildlife and about 240 bird species have been recorded on site.
So head towards the right side of the gardens where you’ll find the beautiful wooden bird hide known as the Sasol Dam Bird Hide that overlooks the dam. It’s a peaceful spot where you can connect with nature and enjoy some birdwatching in a serene setting.
Pretoria National Botanical Gardens
Pretoria Botanical Gardens is situated in the eastern part of Pretoria in Brummeria. It is wedged between Pretoria Road and Cussonia Road. There is plenty to do here and boasts 76 hectares of nature.
Basic Information
Cost: (2022)
- Adult: R55
- Pensioner: R55 (and free on Tuesdays)
- Student: R35 (must be able to show a valid student card)
- Scholar: R20
- Children under 6 years: Free
Kindly note that they do not take cash.
Operating Time:
- Monday to Sunday from 8 am to 6 pm (no entry after 5 pm)
Pet friendly: No
Location: Cussonia Road, Pretoria
Activities to do at Pretoria Gardens
Wander through the gardens
The Pretoria Botanical Garden offers a peaceful escape from the city, with beautifully landscaped gardens showcasing various plant species. Wander along the paved paths through the aloe garden, and the medicinal garden, or explore the lush green lawns dotted with various species of trees and flowers. Each season brings new colours and blooms, making every visit unique.
Have a picnic
Bring along a blanket and your favourite snacks to enjoy a leisurely picnic amidst the gardens’ natural beauty. There are plenty of shaded spots under large trees and wide, open lawns perfect for spreading out and enjoying a meal with friends or family. The garden’s tranquil atmosphere makes it a great place to unwind and connect with nature.
You can also hire a trolley at an additional cost at the entrance/parking area of the garden. All your things will be carried to your picnic spot.
Go hiking
Although there aren’t really dedicated hiking trails at the gardens, the gardens are big enough to ensure you get your daily step count in. With pathways winding up and down, you will definitely get a workout in whilst exploring.
Grab lunch at the restaurant
The onsite restaurant, Milkplum Cafe, offers a relaxed setting where you can enjoy a meal after exploring the gardens. Situated under the trees, the menu offers light meals, refreshments, and treats. It is a great way to recharge before heading back into the gardens. The outdoor seating lets you soak in the garden ambience while you dine.
We had a basket, which had samoosas, chicken strips, spring rolls, and chips. I would highly recommend it!
Join the Parkrun
Every Saturday at 7 am, the Pretoria Botanical Gardens hosts a 5km Parkrun, a free, timed run that welcomes participants of all fitness levels. It’s a wonderful way to stay active while enjoying the garden’s beautiful scenery, Whether you’re running, jogging, or walking, the Parkrun offers a supportive community experience, perfect for locals and visitors alike.
Johannesburg Botanical Garden
Johannesburg Botanical Gardens is the only one that is not a National Botanical Garden, but we still had such a lovely stroll through the gardens. It is especially popular for the Emmerentia Dam, and there are many musical concerts held here every year. One popular one is the ‘Liefde by Die Dam’ concert.
We were however prohibited from taking our camera in with us, as you are only allowed to take photos with your cellphone (although we couldn’t see any signs indicating this). So keep that in mind when visiting.
Basic information
Cost: (2022) FREE!
Operating Time:
- Monday to Sunday from 6 am to 6 pm.
Pet friendly: Yes
Location: Olifants Road, Randburg
Activities to do at Johannesburg's Gardens
Enjoy the gardens
The Johannesburg Botanical Gardens are a lush green oasis in the city. They feature sprawling lawns, vibrant flower beds, and various themed gardens. Take a leisurely stroll through the well-manicured paths and enjoy the seasonal blooms and towering trees. The gardens are perfect for a peaceful walk or simply soaking in the beauty of nature.
Various pathways lead through the gardens. Walks can vary from 30 minutes up to 2 hours. This area is also popular for your furry friends and we’ve seen many along the way.
Enjoy the serenity at the Emmarentia Dam
Located within the botanical gardens is the Emmarentia Dam, which is probably the main reason why people visit the botanical garden. The Dam adds a serene element to your visit. Find a quiet spot by the water, relax on a bench, or spread out on the lawns to enjoy the calming view of the dam. The surrounding greenery, birdlife, and tranquil waters offer a peaceful retreat from the bustling city.
Go cycling
The expansive grounds of the Johannesburg Botanical Gardens are ideal for cycling enthusiasts. Bring your bike and explore the garden’s wide open spaces and scenic pathways. Cycling here offers a great way to cover more ground while enjoying the picturesque surroundings, making it an active and fun way to experience the gardens.
Enjoy canoeing, sailing or kayaking
Emmarentia Dam is not just for gazing at – it’s also a popular spot for water sports. You can become a member of the Dabulamanzi Canoe Club which will give you access to canoeing, sailing and kayaking on the Emmarentia Dam. The calm dam waters make it perfect for both beginners and experienced water sport lovers. This is a great activity for the family.
You can find out more on their website.
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