Searching for Sunshine

Spring is in the air so gravitate towards Johannesburg's Public Gardens and catch some rays.

Big Bad Winter has finally migrated North and left us to thaw out and live again. The sun is warmer and the layers of thermals and boots have been replaced by shorts and slops. It's just beautiful. So if you're searching for a piece of this beautiful sunshine, head out to one of Johannesburg's well maintained and spacious public gardens over the weekend and grab it.


Emmerentia Dam and Johannesburg Botanic Gardens

This garden is one of Johannesburg's favourites. It makes for  a beautiful setting, boasting rows of trees, a large rose garden, and pathways through which Jo'burgers can stroll, meet up, chill and play. Emmerentia Dam is situated within the park and people canoe and sail on it. They also fish and of course- feed the ducks. Its has been hailed Johannesburg's best dog walking park, so bring them along as well as your other friends.


Numerous concerts and fun days take place in these Botanic Gardens too. Its really is an ideal venue. If it's ultimate Zen and harmony you're after, then this garden can hand it to you. Yoga sessions are held in the soothing and beautiful rose garden section. Click here to find out more.


Address: Olifants Road, Emmarentia, Johannesburg, (just off Beyers Naude Drive)
Phone: 011 782 7064
Web: click here

Walter Sisulu Botanical Gardens

These gardens are immaculately maintained and this is why you won't mind paying the small entrance fee to enter them. It's a place you can go to and just breathe. It is also one of the only places in Johannesburg where you can view a Black Eagle pair in their natural environment. These majestic birds have set up permanent residence above the waterfall within the gardens and are on full display to visitors. You may even be lucky enough to see their chicks too.


These gardens are lush and green all year through. It's magical to picnic there in these tranquil surroundings. Sunday concerts are scheduled almost every week, making it a place to relax and be entertained simultaneously.


Address: Malcolm Road, Poortview, Roodepoort, Gauteng
Phone: 011 958 1750
Web: click here

Delta Park

This huge park lies adjacent to the suburbs of Blairgowrie and Victory Park. It spreads over 13 hectares of grassland and woodland, and three tree-lined dams. It's the perfect place to take your dogs for a walk as you can choose one of the many walking routes through it. Within its boundaries it holds a bird sanctuary, bird watching hides as well as an environmental information centre. Over the weekends it is populated by families and friends groups who visit it for the sheer love of being outdoors.


Address: No 3 Road, off Rustenburg Road, Victory Park, Johannesburg
Phone: 011 712 6600
Web: click here

There are numerous gardens and parks, just waiting for Joburgers to go out and walk, picnic and relax in them. If you feel like you need a little space, they are there to welcome you in and not ask any questions. If you just need some sun on your face, they can offer you a site to get that too. So go out there and claim a little sunshine in one of our city's green spaces.

Other gardens and parks include Zoo lake, Rhodes Park in Kensington, Pioneer Park in Wemmer Pan, Rose Park in Lenasia, the Wilds on Houghton Drive and many others dotted around the city and it's surrounds. Pick one.

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What Others Said

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Sam said
on 01 September 2010

When the grass gets green and the tree thick, the botanical gardens are the most beautiful and peaceful place. I love them.