Best Parks & Green Spaces in Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa
1. Zoo Lake Park
Tranquil urban park with a scenic lake, perfect for picnics, boating, and birdwatching.
- Peaceful Atmosphere: Relaxing ambiance that provides an escape from the city's hustle
- Boating Opportunities: Offers boat rentals for a serene experience on the lake
- Birdwatching Spot: Home to various bird species, making it an ideal location for bird enthusiasts
2. Emmarentia Dam
A popular recreational spot featuring a dam, park, and botanical gardens.
- Botanical Gardens: Home to a variety of indigenous flora, offering educational tours
- Beautiful Dam and Walkways: Scenic dam with walking paths, perfect for enjoying the surroundings
- Events and Concerts: Hosts various events and concerts throughout the year
3. Johannesburg Botanical Garden
Beautiful 124-hectare garden showcasing over 20,000 species of plants and trees.
- Rare and Indigenous Plants: Features a wide variety of rare and indigenous plant species
- Historical Glasshouse: Includes an impressive Victorian-era glasshouse showcasing ferns and tropical plants
- Wildlife Sanctuary: Home to a small wildlife sanctuary with various bird species and small mammals
4. Melville Koppies Nature Reserve
A peaceful nature reserve offering hiking trails and stunning city views.
- Hiking Trails: Offers diverse trails suitable for all levels of hikers
- City Viewpoints: Features viewpoints offering panoramic views of the city
- Historic Sites: Contains several historic sites, including San rock art and early gold mining relics
5. Craighall Park
A lush park with sports facilities, playgrounds, and a scenic lake.
- Sports Facilities: Includes multiple sports fields, tennis courts, and a skatepark
- Scenic Lake: Features a serene lake perfect for picnics and leisurely walks
- Children's Playground: Offers fun-filled playgrounds for children of all ages
6. Johannesburg Zoo
One of Africa's oldest zoos with over 2,000 animals representing 850 species.
- Animal Variety: Features a wide variety of African and exotic animal species
- Educational Programs: Offers educational programs, workshops, and guided tours
- Endangered Species Conservation: Dedicated to the conservation of endangered species
7. Johannesburg Bird Sanctuary
A protected haven for a variety of bird species, including indigenous and migratory birds.
- Birdwatching Opportunities: Offers excellent opportunities for birdwatching
- Wetland Conservation: Contributes to the conservation of important wetlands in Johannesburg
- Educational Programs: Provides educational programs and guided tours for visitors
8. Braamfontein Spruit
A popular green belt with walking and cycling trails, perfect for exercise and relaxation.
- Walking and Cycling Trails: Offers various trails suitable for walking or cycling
- Urban Green Space: Provides a much-needed green space in the heart of the city
- City Connectivity: Connects various parts of the city, making it an essential urban corridor
9. Delta Park
A large park with diverse habitats, including grasslands, wetlands, and forests.
- Varied Habitats: Features a variety of habitats supporting diverse wildlife
- Wetland Conservation: Contributes to the conservation of valuable wetlands in Johannesburg
- Botanical Garden: Includes a botanical garden showcasing indigenous plant species
10. Johannesburg Planetarium
An astronomical observatory with a domed theatre for stargazing experiences.
- Stargazing Experiences: Offers captivating stargazing experiences through its powerful telescopes
- Educational Programs: Provides educational programs about astronomy and the universe
- Dark Sky Observations: Features a dark sky observatory for optimal stargazing conditions
11. Rietvlei Nature Reserve
A large wetland reserve with diverse wildlife, including zebras, wildebeest, and hippos.
- Wildlife Viewing Opportunities: Offers excellent opportunities for viewing diverse wildlife
- Wetland Conservation: Contributes to the conservation of valuable wetlands in Johannesburg
- Photography Opportunities: Provides numerous photography opportunities for wildlife and landscape enthusiasts
12. Woodstock Farm Animal Sanctuary
A sanctuary providing a home to rescued farm animals, offering educational experiences.
- Animal Welfare: Dedicated to the welfare of rescued farm animals
- Educational Programs: Offers educational programs about animal care and welfare
- Interaction Opportunities: Allows visitors to interact with the rescued animals under supervision
13. The Wilds of Africa Animal Sanctuary
A sanctuary for big cats and other wildlife, offering educational experiences.
- Big Cat Conservation: Dedicated to the conservation of endangered big cats
- Educational Programs: Offers educational programs about wildlife and conservation efforts
- Interaction Opportunities: Allows visitors to learn about big cats through interactive experiences
14. Kloofendal Nature Reserve
A serene reserve with walking trails, a river, and a museum.
- Walking Trails: Offers various walking trails suitable for all levels
- Historic Museum: Includes a museum showcasing the history of Johannesburg and its mining industry
- River and Picnic Sites: Features a beautiful river and picnic sites for relaxing and enjoying nature
15. Gold Reef City Park
A theme park and casino complex with attractions, rides, and a gold mine museum.
- Theme Park Attractions: Offers thrilling attractions for visitors of all ages
- Gold Mine Museum: Provides an educational experience about Johannesburg's gold mining history
- Casino and Entertainment Complex: Includes a casino, restaurants, and live entertainment venues