Johannesburg has a host of parks and gardens; such as Pieter Roos Park which gives children the opportunity to play in the Botanical Gardens, home to some of the finest plant collections in the world.
Joubert Park Joubert Park is the citys oldest park. Wolmarans, King George and Twist streets border the park and it provides flatland residents with a quiet and tranquil place. It is one the busiest and most vibrant parks in the city centre, with around 20 000 people using the park each month. Joubert Park is also a home to the Johannesburg Art Gallery and the Conservancy.
Cnr Wolmarans and King George Streets, Johannesburg
Wemmer Pan/Pioneer Park If you are looking for a park, which offers something for just about everyone, Wemmer Pan is well worth a visit. The highlighted musical fountain fills evenings with a touch of magic, boat cruises are a great way to spend weekends, and an adventure park is ideal for children.
Rowing competitions and flower shows are held in the park during summer. This is a lovely spot for a picnic or a braai, although you're advised to bring along a portable braai stand. There is also a kiosk and restaurant.
Cnr Rosettenville Road and 11th Street, La Rochelle
James & Ethel Gray Park Named after the early Johannesburg historians, this little park in Birdhaven just south of glamorous Melrose Arch, was originally a bird sanctuary.
It is still home to an assortment of birds. The Sandspruit River flows through its 36 hectares, creating an attractive, tranquil atmosphere. Landscaping incorporates both indigenous vegetation and neat lawns and boasts meandering walkways and new ablution facilities. It is completely fenced.
Athold Oaklands Road, Abbotsford
Rhodes Park A marvellous mix of stepping stones and railway sleepers leads you through the park - along the lanes, over the waterfalls, through thickets and past beautiful ponds. Adding to this special appeal is a small amphitheatre, where theatrical performances are occasionally hosted.
Cnr Cumberland and Ocean streets, Kensington
River Park River Park was developed in 2002 as part of the special projects for Alexandra Renewal Project (ARP). The park, which covers about 47 265m, is mostly used by children.
River Road, East Bank, Alexandra
Rose Park This lovely garden,featuring an attractive fountain and large-scale screen, provides a pleasant respite for Lenasia residents. The 5-hectare Rose Park boasts lighting, benches, bins and palisade fencing. There are two mini soccer pitches and play areas with equipment for children, such as a jungle gym, swings and a roundabout.
Rose Street, Lenasia
Pieter Roos Park Attracting adults and children alike, the park has playground equipment and swings in a designated kids playing area and a one-kilometre jogging track for runners. Morabaraba and chess boards are engraved on benches; there are two football fields with Astroturf for five-a-side and seven-a-side soccer matches; a wheelchair-friendly maze; and a number of small flower beds.
For many local children and students the spacious green oasis along Empire Road a stones throw from the polluted streets of Hillbrow is a haven after classes and lectures; they crowd its lawns daily.
The Wilds Meandering footpaths and walkways lead you through this beautiful area with its abundance of indigenous shrubs, plants and trees. The stream works its way down the hill via a number of water features and falls to the two dams below. Interesting green houses display frost-sensitive plants and succulents.
Houghton Drive, Houghton
Where to StayAccommodation in Johannesburg Metropole are found in areas such as
Sandton,
Johannesburg City,
Randburg,
Roodepoort,
Benoni and
Kempton Park near OR Tambo Int Airport.
Other Things to DoSee
Johannesburg Nature Reserves. Johannesburg offers a host of attractions and activities, and offers the visitor many
things to do.
