Surrounded by grey skyscrapers, flashing neon lights, speedy pedestrians, and hooting cars, your nerves can quickly set on edge if it’s your first visit to the fast-paced life of Gauteng. Luckily, you don’t have to be overwhelmed for long as there are numerous green havens to escape to.
1. Walter Sisulu National Botanical Gardens
The Walter Sisulu National Botanical Gardens has been voted as the best place to get back to nature in Gauteng for the 9th consecutive year. Covering 300 hectares and home to diverse species of rocky Highveld grassland, it has an indigenous nursery, fern garden, water-wise garden, succulent rockery, and manicured lawns that are ideal for picnics. Completing the feeling of serenity is the Witpoortjie waterfall and free-roaming wildlife species like antelope, jackals, reptiles, and birds such as the rare Verreaux’s Eagles.
Cost: R35 per adult, R25 per pensioner, R22 per student (with card), R12 per child aged 6 to Grade 12, free per child under 6.
Malcolm Road, Roodepoort |GPS: -26.087659, 27.839763 | Open daily, 08:00-17:00 | +27(0)86 100 1278| sisulugarden@sanbi.org.za
2. Johannesburg Botanical Gardens and Emmarentia Dam
Overlooking the still waters of Emmarentia Dam and home to a rose garden with over 4500 varieties, Johannesburg Botanical Gardens is the youngest garden in South Africa. You’ll easily forget that this reserve is set in the midst of the city. You can wander through a variety of spaces including a herbarium, Shakespeare Garden, Chapel Garden, and even a well-stocked library. In summer, the Botanical Gardens are the venue of choice for the Summer Sunset Concerts that host many local and international music sensations. It is also a popular photography venue for newlyweds.
Cost: Free
Olifants Road, Emmarentia | GPS: 26.157443, 28.002142 | Open daily, 07:00 – 19:00 | +27 (0)11 712 6600|snyembe@jhbcityparks.com
3. Gardens of the Golden City
Fragrant frangipanes, dusky orchards, rich red roses, and lime green aloes are some of the plant species you can expect to see when you visit the Gardens of the Golden City society. This non-profit group of gardening aficionados take turns hosting open gardens throughout the year, and most offer tea and cake at a small additional fee. The donations received from visitors are given to charities around Johannesburg. Stay updated with the Gardens of the Golden City on Facebook.
Cost: R20 per person, free per child under 12
Open seasonally, 10:00 – 17:00 |+27 (0)82 689 0930 | info@gardensofthegoldencity.co.za
4. The Irene Dairy
Found between Johannesburg and Pretoria, the farm village of Irene is a haven for families and friends seeking a country escape. The Irene Dairy is a great spot for families as children can pet and play with baby calves, ducks, and chickens as adults picnic beside the dam or visit The Deck or Barn restaurants – just remember to bring along your credit or debit card, since they do not accept cash payments. The nearby Rietvlei Nature Reserve, and Irene and Centurion golf courses are also ideal for those seeking time out in nature.
Cost: Free
Nellmapius Drive, Irene | GPS: -25.878453; 28.213578 | Open daily, 08:00 – 18:00 | +27 (0)12 667 4822 | barn@ireneestate.co.za
5. Ludwig’s Roses
Ludwig’s Roses in Pretoria has hundreds of roses neatly set out in rows for visitors to walk between. Amble through sweet floral scents and take in the hues of pastel pinks and butter yellows, rich reds and oranges, all vying for your attention. Popular varieties to see include rambling roses, tea roses, climbing roses, pillar roses, and heritage roses.
Cost: Free
61 Haakdoornlaagte, Pretoria | GPS: -25.577024, 28.288271 | Open daily, 08:00 – 17:00 | +27 (0)12 544 0144 | events@ludwigsroses.co.za
After spending a day wandering through various gardens, why not head back to an accommodation that offers equally beautiful scenery where you can unwind in peace.
What other gorgeous gardens in Gauteng can you share with us?
Main image credited to Ash Manor (C) LekkeSlaap
