Best Outdoor Activities in Johannesburg

This is one of the most popular gardens in the province, situated west of Johannesburg, with a magnificent waterfall and resident Black Eagles. The gardens are well patronized by plant lovers, birders, the general public who come to enjoy the tea garden and those who patronize the Sunday Picnic Concerts. A ring road runs through the lush area and is an easy walk of about an hour. A telescope is set up to grant a glimpse of the eagles. The nursery sells a variety of indigenous plants, and children enjoy the vast lawn areas where people can enjoy a picnic or simply relax.

The Cradle of Humankind is a pre-historic site like no other on Earth. Spread across over 18210.85 hectares (45,000 acres), the site is listed as a World Heritage Site because of the findings. The land is a maze of limestone caves where scientists have found many fossils and remains dating back to prehistoric times. The site has an abundance of dolomite, a type of rock formation, that helps with the formation of caves and fossils. Here excavations have found proof of human evolution and life. Among the 200 and more caves, there are around 13 sites where significant fossils have been found. Among the findings are tools made and used by humans at that time and remains of extinct animals. Some of the fossils are approximately 3 million years old and this site is said to have some of the oldest fossils ever found. The Mrs. Ples and Taung remains were found here at this site. Both the remains are significant findings and nothing like it has ever been found before.

Experience the forest from a whole new angle with Acrobranch, one of a number of outdoor adventure parks, which offers a number of exciting activities like canopy walks, bungee jumping and zip lines. Located in the James and Ethel Gray Park, this particular facility has one of Africa's longest zip lines which makes its way through the forested canopy of the park. Zip down the rope from tree to tree across their various zip lines or show off your climbing skills on their various obstacle courses which include everything from monkey bars to Tarzan swings. Separate obstacle courses are also available for kids and teenagers.

Probably the most frequented open-space area in the suburbs of Johannesburg, Zoo Lake has a restaurant, paddle-boat facilities as well as waterfowl in abundance. The restaurant is housed within buildings at the heart of the property and a bowling club lies to the right. Concerts are often hosted here and an annual, ‘Jazz at the Park' concert is becoming a recognized event. ‘Artists under the Sun' is a regular affair providing artists an opportunity to showcase their works by the lakeside. Weekends are always hectic and everyone and their dog seems to find some amusement there. No entrance fee. Dogs on leashes only. Plenty of parking.

Boogaloos Skate Park was established by the Boogaloos group which began as a retail store for sports and skating goods more than two decades ago. One of the most well-designed skate parks in the country, the park on Charmaine Avenue is a great place to go to try out some moves. With enough obstacles to challenge seasoned skaters, these parks are perfect for tournaments. Skate sessions at the park span three hours each.