Johannesburg Botanical Garden

Attractive mix of natural and botanical gardens with famed reservoir.

from 8915 Google reviews

1 of 3

About the garden

Situated in the vibrant city of Johannesburg is the home of the renowned 7.5-hectare Emmarentia Dam and the beautiful Johannesburg Botanical Gardens. Once a bare sports field and golf driving range with no trees, the 81-hectare space has been transformed into a luscious grassy haven dotted with a delightful combination of exotic and native plants and over 56,000 trees.

View 10,000 Roses in the Rose Garden, which are particularly stunning in spring, discover culinary, cosmetic and African medicinal varieties in the Herb Garden and experience the desert in the Succulent Garden – host to plants from the Aloe, Euphorbia, Emblem and Sansevieria families, plus South Africa’s only indigenous Cactus. Meanwhile, the unique Shakespeare Garden is not to be missed; it contains herbs such as Mint, Camomile and Lavender each referred to by a quote from Shakespeare’s plays.

Before you leave, stroll past Californian Redwoods, English Oaks and Silver Birches in the Arboretum and relax in the tea pergola. Visitors can also take part in kite-flying competitions.

The park is fenced and gates at all the entrances are staffed by security guards.

How long is a typical visit?

The average visitor spends 1 - 2 hours (Quarter Day) at Johannesburg Botanical Garden.

Opening times

Year Round Every Day 06:00 - 18:00

Useful details

Garden area

200.07 Acres

Dog walking

Yes - Dogs on leads. Dogs allowed in a specific area of the garden.

Cafe or restaurant

Food and drink facilities include a food stall.

Family

Yes - Children of all ages.

Wheelchair access

Mostly accessible (many paths flat and paved).

Shops

None

City of Johannesburg Metropolitan Municipality, 2195

Check local coronavirus guidance before you visit

Weather forecast

Find the garden

Johannesburg Botanical Garden

City of Johannesburg Metropolitan Municipality

2195

Public Transport

N/A.

Open in Google Maps

Things to see

No features yet for this season

Google reviews

4.4
from 8915 Google reviews

Karissa Mannaru

7 months ago

Exquisite trees and lawns. Shady nooks. The dam's undulating waters and the geese and birds take the mind away from stress. Clean and neat (patrons keep it that way please). A Johannesburg treasure. Go for a walk, a trot or a bike ride. A glorious place to enjoy good weather and where social distancing is easy. Keep it clean, it deserves admiration and respect!

John Mann

a year ago

Took the Doggo for a walk, but he wasn’t having it when we left.

Ann Katz

a year ago

Beautiful gardens, neat and clean. What was good was seeing security with dogs patrolling the vast grounds. Unfortunately the ponds at the rose garden was drained and only a few rose bushes were in bloom but nevertheless, it was beautiful. A definite must for the family picnic or a romantic stroll.

Annalize Steenekamp

a month ago

A lovely place for a walk with the dogs. Natural beauty and an ideal park outing. A pity the City of Johannesburg puts limited funding and effort into consistent garden maintenance as it, as beautiful as it is, has so much more potential. Perhaps a good opportunity for Corporate Social Responsibility programs to invest in.

K T

a year ago

So beautiful and well maintained. So busy on weekends! Lovely space for kids and adults to walk, ride bikes, play, and take in some nature. I do wish they switched all the garden water features on instead of leaving them empty and unused. Lovely place overall! Kids play ground jungle gym needs some maintenance.

Contact the garden

0117126600

jhbcityparksandzoo.com/services-facilities/botanical-gardens/about

facebook.com/pages/Johannesburg-Botanical-Garden/136777673012316

jcp@jhbcityparks.com

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