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.
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.
Dating back to the 19th-Century, Joubert Park is regarded as one of the city's oldest gardens. Credited to Volksraad i.e. the parliament of the former South African Republic, the most important feature of the park is the Johannesburg Art Gallery. Apart from that, the garden also has life-size chessboards, making it popular with people who love playing the game.
Take a break from the busy city life and enjoy an family-outing at Emmarentia Dam. Spread across 18.53 acres (7.5 hectares) of land, this dam is popular picnic spot amongst tourists and locals alike and is equipped with barbecue facilities for you to enjoy a hearty meal with your loved ones. The dam is surrounded by several botanical gardens and boasts of splendid vistas. Besides, this spot usually sees flocks of migratory birds and is popular destination amongst the avid bird-watchers and photographers. Emmarentia Dam has a canoe club nearby where you can enjoy water-sport activities and also houses a tea room for you to relish a quick bite with some refreshments. Even your furry-friend can accompany you here as this is a well-known dog-walking area.
Victoria Lake is frequented not only by water sport fanatics, but also the general public who come to enjoy the rolling lawns. Kids have a whale of a time in the playground and the lake area provides an essential green lung close to the heart of Germiston. Situated close to the Rondebult Bird Sanctuary as well as inner-city museums and art centers, the lake provides an opportunity to picnic and let the children run to their hearts' content. There is no entrance fee and secure parking is available.
Catch the predatory Nile Crocodile at its menacing best, at this fantastic park located in Fourways. The sprawling park provides a natural habitat to a host of reptiles including numerous species of snakes, giant spiders and other creepy crawlies. Visitors even get an opportunity to get up close and hold baby crocodiles; under close supervision of course. Facilities at the park include the Boma restaurant serving food and beer as well as a shop offering unique crocodile souvenirs and other related products like crocodile oil lotion and meat products. Definitely not for the squeamish, the park provides a fascinating insight into the much feared as well as loved kingdom of reptiles.
Take a break from the busy city life and enjoy an family-outing at Emmarentia Dam. Spread across 18.53 acres (7.5 hectares) of land, this dam is popular picnic spot amongst tourists and locals alike and is equipped with barbecue facilities for you to enjoy a hearty meal with your loved ones. The dam is surrounded by several botanical gardens and boasts of splendid vistas. Besides, this spot usually sees flocks of migratory birds and is popular destination amongst the avid bird-watchers and photographers. Emmarentia Dam has a canoe club nearby where you can enjoy water-sport activities and also houses a tea room for you to relish a quick bite with some refreshments. Even your furry-friend can accompany you here as this is a well-known dog-walking area.
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.
Catch the predatory Nile Crocodile at its menacing best, at this fantastic park located in Fourways. The sprawling park provides a natural habitat to a host of reptiles including numerous species of snakes, giant spiders and other creepy crawlies. Visitors even get an opportunity to get up close and hold baby crocodiles; under close supervision of course. Facilities at the park include the Boma restaurant serving food and beer as well as a shop offering unique crocodile souvenirs and other related products like crocodile oil lotion and meat products. Definitely not for the squeamish, the park provides a fascinating insight into the much feared as well as loved kingdom of reptiles.
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.
Spread over an area of 16 hectares, this splendid inner city park is a haven for nature lovers. The Wilds offers the city's outdoor enthusiasts a chance to leave behind the city's urban landscape without having to venture beyond the city's limits. Paved paths make their way across the reserve, leading you past tranquil gardens, shimmering pools and babbling waterfalls. The hilly terrain offers splendid views of the city and makes for a moderately challenging hike. Bird watchers will find much to capture their fancy as they make their way across the park. The Wilds is also home to some hard to find indigenous flora and plant species. Although the park is popular amongst local dog walkers, it is best to explore this verdant wonderland in a group. The park is split down the middle by Houghton Drive, however a number of walkways connect the two sides to one another. Look for the sundial that marks the highest point of The Wilds. The spot also offers some splendid vistas to admire. Certain areas of the Wilds are available on hire for weddings and corporate events.
Victoria Lake is frequented not only by water sport fanatics, but also the general public who come to enjoy the rolling lawns. Kids have a whale of a time in the playground and the lake area provides an essential green lung close to the heart of Germiston. Situated close to the Rondebult Bird Sanctuary as well as inner-city museums and art centers, the lake provides an opportunity to picnic and let the children run to their hearts' content. There is no entrance fee and secure parking is available.