Walter Sisulu National Botanical Garden — Attraction in Johannesburg Ward 97

Walter Sisulu Botanical Garden is a peace of heaven in the heart of Johannesburg. The beautifully manicured gardens and natural habitat offers a tranquil peace of nature within the reach of anybody looking for a walk in nature. The entrance fees are very reasonable and families may enjoy picnics under the canopies of indigenous trees laying their blankets on lush green lawn. Important to keep to the rules with no alcohol or music allowed. There are yoga groups that you may join for a small fee or just enjoy the various gardens created. In winter months the aloe garden is magnificent and all through the summer months the rose garden offers a variety of beautiful roses planted in beds according to their colour. The waterfall is spectacular especially after good summer rains and definitely worth a visit the only waterfall of this magnitude in Johannesburg. And whilst you enjoying the spray of water blowing on your face keep a lookout for the breeding pair of Verreaux Eagles (Black eagles). The only breeding pair in an urban area known and they have been successfully breeding here and rising chicks for many years. Bring your binoculars and come and watch them. Then there is the hike up and over the mountain. Please beware that walk is not easy. It has fairly steep areas where you have to climb up and down rocks. You need to be fairly fit and mobile and wearing the correct shoes. Slobs and sandals will just not do. Also avoid the hottest part of the day to attempt this route. The high field heat can be vicious. Sun-scream, a hat and carrying water is absolutely necessary. At the end of your walk settle down the restaurant and enjoy some refreshments. Walter Susulu Botanical Gardens will leave you with...

Aaaw what a sight. This place is absolutely beautiful. It's clean and did I mention how beautiful it is. I was so impressed. It would be nice if they had bin stations though. I saw at the end of the day, some people left dirt where they were picnicking. I guess I can't blame them much cos the bins are only outside in the parking lot. We had to walk all the way there to throw away dirt.

But that was just a minor glitch.

There is so much green, so many trees. Everyone has a tree to sit under. The grass is green and lush and well maintained.

I have no words for the Waterfall. It's breathtaking. We took pics at every nook and corner, surrounded by beautiful nature.

What a wonderful family fun idea. We even went on the train, which is meat for kids (I think), but I couldn't resist 😂.

The ice-cream lady could be a bit friendlier. She served us like we owed her something. But then again, maybe by the time we got there at 11h30, she had had her fill of people and smiling about. She could learn a thing or two from the guy that drove us around on the train. He was cheerful and friendly, he made jokes with us and the kids, he welcomed us onto the train, and thanked us and wished us well when we got off. He gave us the perfect end to our day at Walter Sisulu Botanical gardens.

The entry fee to this place is actually not bad. R20 for scholars, R60 for adults, I'm not sure what the pensioners pay, either free or R30. Still a good price.

There were security personnel on sight, some people needed to be reminded to put on their masks, and they were reminded respectfully.

I would go there...

Absolutely wonderful! I’m giving this a 5 star rating because there’s hardly anywhere safe you can relax in Jhb and this place is it.

The gardens are super clean and immaculate. Some great photo opps. There is ample shade for everyone who want to picnic.

What I love are two rules of theirs: no alcohol and what litter you bring in, you take out yourself. There are no bins. So ensure to bring some bags to take all your trash out with you.

There are staff who can take your picnic luggage for you on push carts for R20 each way. You can take a walk through their market with different assortments of hobbies, crafts and food. A sweet little train will take you from the entrance to the waterfall at R20 one way. We did not eat at the restaurant but it is situated in a lovely shaded area.

You are not allowed to picnic at the waterfall area- which is a good rule in my opinion. But the waterfall is not to be missed! I was rather blown away at how beautiful it is. Bring binoculars to try spot the majestic eagles and diverse bird life. I had the luck of spotting a darling little sunbird.

I was also lucky enough to be visited by a very confident and friendly tortoise (please always be respectful of the animals).

What I also enjoyed is that everyone was respectful of everything. There was no loud obnoxious music or screaming or loathsome behaviour; it’s just a lovely spot to take...