Activities
Bird watching
The park is home and host to some of Joburg’s best-loved garden birds and many water fowl too. Children delight in feeding the ducks and geese.
Jogging
Emmarentia Dam is probably the top spot to go running in Johannesburg. It has various well-marked, paved tracks. The scenery is magnificent, the area is big enough to test the most ardent fitness nut, and there are usually plenty of people - just avoid the less populated areas. Parking is available inside the park, and there are car guards on duty. Only downside: it's out in the west, perhaps a little out of reach of the major hotels.
Canoeing, sailing and kayaking
The Dabulamanzi Canoe Club, known as Dabs, uses Emmarentia Dam for training purposes and its members include professionals as well as casual rowers. Contact the club directly on (011) 486-0979 or visit its website for more information.
Walking
There are paved paths as well as other tracks that are perfect for walking. Walks range from 30 minutes to 2 hours. Best walked in groups during weekdays.
Fishing
Many casual anglers spend their weekends fishing for carp and barber from the banks of Emmarentia Dam.
Societies
Many botanical and horticultural societies are hosted at the Johannesburg Botanic Garden.
Getting there
The gardens are open from sunrise to sunset, and there is safe parking from different access points in Thomas Bowler, Orange and The Braids roads. The main entrance is in Olifants Road.
Download a map to the gardens [Jpg, 247kb]
Do's
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Picnic in designated areas
- Dogs on leash in designated areas
- Passive recreation
- Park vehicles in parking area
- Book events for groups of 15 or more people
- Feed ducks in designated areas only
- Cycle in designated areas only
- Book for organised photo or film shoots and events
Dont's
- No open fires, braais or gas braais
- No gazebos
- No fireworks
- Don't remove labels from plants
- Don't dump objects in ponds
- No alcohol
- No cars inside garden
- No loud music
- No illegal vending
- No dogs in dams or water fountains
- Don't pick flowers or leaves
- No littering
- No ball games in theme gardens
- Don't break branches of trees or shrubs
- No angling allowed inside park
