Attraction
Apartheid Museum
The Apartheid Museum beside Gold Reef City tells the story of the rise and fall of apartheid through film, photographs, documents and a striking race-classified entrance.
Johannesburg Botanical Garden
Johannesburg Botanical Garden in Emmarentia has terraced rose gardens, herb and succulent gardens and wide lawns that run down to Emmarentia Dam.
At a glance
- Type
- Botanical garden and park
- Area
- Emmarentia, Johannesburg, South Africa
- Official site
- jhbcityparksandzoo.com
Good to know
- Rose garden
- Herb garden
- Emmarentia Dam
- Parking
- Picnic lawns
Why we recommend it
Johannesburg Botanical Garden is one of the city's most popular green spaces, spread across a gentle slope in the suburb of Emmarentia, west of Parkhurst and Greenside. The land was once part of the Braamfontein farm, and the dam that sits beside the garden was named after Emmarentia, the wife of landowner Louw Geldenhuys. Part of the land was given to the city in 1933, the rose garden was laid out in 1964, and the botanical garden itself was approved by the council in 1968.
The rose garden is the most visited part, with thousands of roses on terraces that step down the hillside, along with pools and fountains. Spring and early summer, roughly from October to December, are the best months to see the roses in flower. The herb garden includes plants used in cooking and cosmetics, as well as a section devoted to plants used in African traditional medicine. Elsewhere you will find a Shakespeare garden, cycads, succulents and an arboretum of large trees.
Emmarentia Dam lies immediately to the east and shares the open grounds. Its banks are a favourite with dog walkers, runners, picnickers and families, and canoeists and rowers use the water. On sunny weekends the lawns fill up with groups spreading out blankets, so it is a good place to see the city at leisure.
The garden is managed by Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo and is generally open from early morning until early evening; check the City Parks website for current times. There is parking on site. There are no long hiking trails, but the network of paths makes for an easy walk of an hour or two, and the ground is fairly gentle, though some terraces involve steps.
It suits families, couples and anyone needing a break from sightseeing. Bring a picnic, a hat and sunscreen, as there is little shade on the open lawns at midday. Greenside, a few minutes away by car, has plenty of cafés and restaurants on Gleneagles Road and Greenway, so you can combine a morning walk with breakfast or lunch. Most visitors arrive by car or ride-hailing app.
Johannesburg Botanical Garden FAQs
Is there an entry fee?
The garden is a public park managed by Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo; check its website for current details.
When do the roses flower?
Spring and early summer, roughly October to December, are the best months.
What else is there apart from roses?
A herb garden with African medicinal plants, a Shakespeare garden, cycads, succulents and an arboretum.
Can I walk around the dam?
Yes. Emmarentia Dam lies beside the garden and its banks are popular for walking and picnics.
Is there parking?
Yes, there is parking at the garden.
Is it good for children?
Yes. The open lawns and dam make it a popular family picnic spot.
Where can I eat nearby?
Greenside, a few minutes away, has many cafés and restaurants.
Are there hiking trails?
No long trails, but there is a network of easy paths.