Joanna James
While the city of Johannesburg has plenty to explore from important historical monuments to modern and intriguing sights. However, there comes a time when the city’s hustle and bustle can become overwhelming which is when a step into nature’s soothing embrace becomes a welcome alternative. Luckily, amidst the rapid decline of green spaces within urban landscapes in the continent, Johannesburg still maintains an impressive array of parks and outdoor spaces that provide a welcome respite from the busy city.
This vast expanse of well-maintained greenery comprises around 104 hectares of grassland and woodland, making it a perfect green escape for those staying at nearby hotels in Sandton or those living within walking distance. Delta Park is an extension of the Braamfontein Spruit Course and is quite popular among many including dog walkers, mountain bikers and joggers. The park is also home to the Florence Bloom Bird Sanctuary, so it isn’t surprising to encounter a few individuals patiently looking to spot various bird species. The park is also a welcome space for children with several swings and an educational centre.
Lying adjacent to the Melville suburb and around 20 minutes from the NH Johannesburg Sandton, this intriguing green space is situated on a series of wild and rocky koppies or hills, thus providing visitors with spectacular views of the Johannesburg city skyline. Deemed as a nature reserve in 1959, this park is also recognised as a national monument. The park also contains a massive area that includes Indigenous veld and a historic Iron Age furnace, making it a protected World Heritage Site. Because of its vast area, the park is separated into three sections and is thus best explored as part of a guided tour, of which there are plenty.
This 18-hectare private garden is one of the city’s most beautiful green spaces and is attached to the Brenthurst Estate, which is one of the Oppenheimer family’s homes. The gardens are more than 100 years old and consist of avenues lined with oak trees, well-manicured lawns, indigenous enclaves, miniature forest areas and a Japanese-style garden. As such, visitors will have a diverse range of green spaces and sights to enjoy for a truly tranquil escapade within the city.
This quiet park is somewhat of a hidden treasure in the city as many of Johannesburg’s residents are unaware of its existence. Located in high-rise Sandton, the Mushroom Park is also known as the Hyundai Sky Park for the nearby Hyundai hot air balloon rides. The park is known for providing a quiet, peaceful resting space filled due to its abundance of large trees, sprawling lawns, ponds, paved walking paths, picnic benches and tables and a children’s play park.
Open since the 1800s, this is another of the city’s best botanical gardens located close to several of the Roodepoort suburbs. The garden is renowned for its stunning waterfall, walking paths, lawns, a variety of plants and even an indigenous nursery. The park is also famously home to a pair of breeding Verreaux’s Eagles that nest high up in the cliffs near the waterfall, prompting many to visit the park for a glimpse of the birds. Additionally, one can also explore more than 600 plant species, 220 bird species and several small reptiles and mammals that call the Garden home.
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
