Johannesburg: Parks and Rec
Head out to these outdoor spaces in and around Johannesburg to get your nature fill for the weekend. Luckily, Joburg has a lot more going on than Pawnee, Indiana… With so much green in the city, Johannesburg parks won’t have you in your car for more than 40 minutes so you can make the most of your weekend.
I’m a big fan of picnics, so plan to get some take-away nibs you can hike with. Or bring your own fruit, chips, and sandwich nibs on your putter with you to these Johannesburg parks.
Want to go a little further out of town (and stay within Gauteng’s borders)?
Check out the Rustig Hiking Day Trip and the Sable Hiking Day Trip.
Klipriviersberg Municipal Nature Reserve
My favorite spot goes first!
A quick twenty minutes from Johannesburg, you’ll forget all about the city at Klipriviersberg Municipal Nature Reserve. The reserve has several trails that connect to each other, which makes it a perfect place to visit again and again in any season.
Your trail can be short and sweet or take hours and leave you exhausted… We’ve done both!
The Silent Pools are the perfect place to loop back to the parking lot. You can also park at the pools if you’re just up for a short excursion.
Bring your own nibs and water, though is also a small canteen with picnic tables at the main entrance.
Entrance is free and parking is secured.
The Wilds Nature Reserve
The Wilds in smack in the middle of Joburg. It should take you 10-20 minutes to reach the park, depending on where you live. The park has great walking trails and space for picnics.
You’ll spot several outdoor sculptures from local artist Delaney. He has spearheaded much of the rejuvenation of The Wilds over the years.
There are two ‘hills’ to climb on either side of the park to get a view of Joburg. The park is separated by Houghton Drive and you can get to one side or the other from a bridge over the street once you enter the park.
There is a little free library (where you bring and take books) by the entrance. I’ve spotted some good titles so plan to exchange your unwanted books here.
There is a small canteen selling drinks and snacks. As usual, I would opt for bringing my own picnic.
Entrance is free and parking is secured.
Walter Sisulu National Botanical Gardens
Just about 30-40 minutes from Johannesburg, the botanical gardens have hiking trails, picnic spots, and great views.
See Ruimsig Waterfall. Come prepared for a 4km hike for a waterfall viewpoint trail that starts at the waterfall. Black Eagles circle above the waterfall. I thought they would be difficult to spot, but we saw at least 4 flying around. Next time I’m bringing my binoculars as there were several other fun-looking birds to observe.
Walk to the bird hideout and catch a glimpse of the local fauna. Is it just me or are the Ibis in the gardens much calmer (and less noisy) than our Ibis in Joburg…?
There is a restaurant on site but you may want to bring your own picnic.
(p.s. the best things in life are those you steal from your sister… like this handy coffee mug)
The entrance fee is R50 for adults and the kiosks take both card and cash.
Ground: The Venue
Ground is a wedding venue, restaurant, and hiking trail destination. There are 5 routes that vary between 3-9 km.
You’ll get great views of Johannesburg once you huff and puff up the hill to start the trail off.
I haven’t been for the Ground Picnic option but it looks SO cute. Check with the venue to learn what options are available due to COVID-19 regulations.
Entry for hiking is R 60. There are other picnic option packages available.
Johannesburg Botanical Gardens
Take your bike and your books to Johannesburg Botanical Gardens. The gardens are huge and you can spend the day in different locations. The Rose Garden gives me Italian vibes.
Parking
Emmarentia lot will bring your closer to marshes, pools, and the dog park.
Thomas Bowler lot is generally in the center of the park, for access to everything.
Emmarentia Dam Lot is nearest to the dam waterfront.
Entrance is free. Bring your own picnic.
Zoo lake
When we first moved to Joburg in December 2020, we spent a lot of time walking to Zoo Lake and running around. Catch a glimpse of the HUGE catfish in the water and observe the birds on their island. There are plenty of benches and green space to lounge.
Delta Park & the Spruit
Delta Park is a large park within Joburg. The trails also connect to the Braamfontein Spruit Trail, loved by hikers, runners, and bikers. The Braamfontein Spruit is the longest stream in Joburg. There is cool street art painted along the sides of the trails. You can also find horses near the Ratray Dam Wall.
(p.s. these pictures are from winter so it’s not as green!)
There are separate trails for bikers (but watch out for pedestrians that aren’t paying attention to the signs). You can easily do a 5km hike/walk within the park. If you want to go even further, the trails connect all the way to the Johannesburg Botanical Gardens!
Start your day at nibs at the Fussy Vegan, My Deli, or grab a bagel from Bagels Etc (located in Mr. Pants Wine Bar on the weekends). There is a lot of parking at Delta Central. This is also where Fresh Earth market is located.
End your hike or bike ride at Mad Giant Taproom at Delta Central or Gerakaris Family Wines (in Craighill Park).
Kloofendal Nature Reserve
Kloofendal Nature Reserve is around 30 minutes outside Joburg in Roodeport. There are three short hiking trails between 500 meters and 3.5km. The trails all connect easily so you can make your hike as long or short as you’d like. Kloofendal is on the site of an old mine and also has a little dam. The best time to visit is during the blooming protea season around the end of February and early March.
There is a “planet walk,” an amphitheater, and several shaded picnic benches as well. The entrance to the hiking area is behind the fence gate. We thought the fence was closed so we walked around but no, just go right up to the fence gate and there is a walking path.
