Even though Gauteng is known for its city skylines, there are many nature escapes in the area. These include nature reserves, like the Wilds Nature Reserve, Moreleta Kloof Nature Reserve, and then also the stunning botanical gardens in the area.
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Here is a list of three Botanical Gardens you can visit in Gauteng, and all the activities you can do here.
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, and 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
NOTE: Drones are not allowed, so they will check your bags before entering the gardens.
Activities to do at Walter Sisulu
Explore the gardens
There are many walkways that lead you through the garden. I suggest starting either on the West or East side and then taking your time marveling at the beautiful natural surroundings.
Visit the waterfall
This is probably the main attraction of the Gardens. Known as the Witpoortjie Falls, you will find it standing tall on the left side of the garden, as you enter. Try to visit after the rainy season, as the waterfall is at its prettiest during this time.
Go hiking
You’ll find a moderate hiking trail leading up the hill. The starting point is right at the waterfall and is known as the Geological trail. This trail 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. That is if you take plenty of rest and photos along the way.
Have a picnic
There are trolleys for hire at the entrance of the garden for R20. You can load all your belongings onto the trolley and the friendly guys will make sure it gets to your desired spot. Wander around the garden and find yourself a perfect spot among the many beautiful trees.
Grab lunch at the restaurant
The restaurant located in the gardens is called Eagle’s Fare. Tucked away among the tall standing trees, you can choose to either sit inside or outside.
Hide out at the bird hide
The garden is home to many wildlife and about 240 bird species have been recorded on site. Located on the right side of the garden you’ll find the bird hide, away from all the other busy activities. It’s a short walk that’ll lead to a beautiful wooden bird hide known as the Sasol Dam Bird Hide, overlooking the dam.
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
Activities to do at Pretoria Gardens
Wander through the gardens
Wander through the gardens on the paved trail that gives you access to all the beautiful diverse flora. The garden is divided into two sections. The north area is the warmer area and the south section is colder. Each garden was given a different theme, which makes it completely different from the other.
Have a picnic
You can hire a trolley at an additional cost at the entrance/ parking lot of the garden. All your things will be carried to your picnic spot where you can lounge in the sun or shade for the rest of the day.
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 restaurant at the Botanical Gardens is called Milkplum Café and they have delicious milkshakes. We grabbed a quick lunch under the trees before we headed back home. We decided on a basket, which had samoosas, chicken strips, spring rolls, and chips – highly recommend it!
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 to take 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
Activities to do at Johannesburg's Gardens
Enjoy the gardens
There are various pathways that 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 Emmerentia Dam
This is probably the main reason why people visit this botanical garden. Tucked away on the left of the garden, there are nice walkways with enough space to sit and enjoy the views.
Go cycling
This area is also popular among cyclists. We’ve seen quite a few cyclists enjoying the scenery with their bicycles.
Canoeing, sailing and kayaking
If you become a member of the Dabulamanzi Canoe Club, you can go canoeing, sailing, and kayaking on the Emmerentia Dam. This is a great activity for the family.
You can find out more on their website.
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