When people speak about Johannesburg, it’s not often in the context of spaces to enjoy natural beauty. Living in Joburg is not all concrete and malls, there are great opportunities explore the outdoors. The Walter Sisulu National Botanical Gardens is a beautiful and budget friendly way to enjoy time in nature with family and friends.
Where is the Walter Sisulu Botanical Gardens?
The Walter Sisulu National Botanical Gardens is a 300 hectare botanical reserve in Roodepoort, west of Johannesburg. This national botanical garden is managed by the South African National botanical institute and is not to be confused with the Johannesburg Botanical Gardens in Emmarentia. I took my mom here for her birthday last month and for a week after, I’d over hear her on the phone saying, “no, not that one… it’s a different one. Wait, let me ask my daughter again.” The botanical gardens are on opposite ends of the city. So, we’ve made a mental know to make that our next outing. .
The Walter Sisulu Botanical Gardens is open everyday from 08:00 to 17:00. The entrance fee is R70 for adults and R20 for children. Entry is free for Pensioners on a Tuesday.
Things to do at the Walter Sisiulu Botanical Gardens
The first thing you’ll want to do is just explore. Take a walk through the carefully curated spaces. There’s a succulent rockery, cyad garden, water garden and various pathways along the water or higher up in the more mountainous areas. The Walter Sisulu NBG Geological Trail is a moderate 3.9 km hike that starts at the Witpoortjie Falls.
Find a picnic spot. There is ample space to find a spot under a tree to throw down your picnic blanket and enjoy the surrounds. In the summer, the gardens host concerts in the amphitheatre.
The garden has a lot wildlife and with a breeding pair of Verreaux’s Eagles nesting on the cliffs, birding is very popular in the area. We saw a number of kitted out birders by the waterfall. Just sitting on the benches and listening is a great way to experience the birds. We saw a squirrels in the trees, a tortoise along the stream and of course the metal artwork in the trees and around the gardens.
Walter Sisulu Botanical Gardens Restaurant
The Eagle’s Fare is the restaurant inside the botanical gardens. You’ll easily see in on the way to the very popular waterfall. The restaurant has plenty of seating space inside and under the trees outside. I took my mon there for lunch after exploring the botanical gardens on her birthday. She loves gardens, so every inch of this space is right up her alley. We had a plate of waffles and fruit and it came with an apple cut in the shape of a swan.
Sisulu Circle Memorial Garden
Sisulu circle memorial garden is located near the entrance of the gardens. The memorial was opened in 2018 and is an interactive, engaging space. There’s a a water feature accommodating children’s play, a lawn space, bronze statue and a botanical interest wall. At the base of the bust, you’ll find notable dates n the life of the struggle stalwart arranged in a circle.
If you are looking for other easy walking options for a weekend, try Modderfontein Reserve or the Hennops trails near Hartebeespoort.