Johannesburg has more than 2 300 parks and over 10 000 hectares of green, nature experiences to comfort and inspire. Johannesburg City Parks invites you to explore the nature areas of Johannesburg with family and friends, enjoy our parks, and let nature restore body and spirit by walking Johannesburg's trails.
The locations listed here fall under the responsibility and management of Johannesburg City Parks.
- For group or event bookings, tours or other information, contact the JCP Events Department at (011) 728-1999 or mail jcp@jhbcityparks.com.
Download Maps
Johannesburg Walking Trails 1Johannesburg Walking Trails 2
The full-colour maps are free and are available from the facility manager at the parks, or you can request one by phoning (011) 712-6600 or email jcp@jhbcityparks.com.
Top 25 Walking Trails:
Albert's Farm, Northcliff
A cityscape merges with a small piece of undeveloped park. Here there are beautiful restful walks through indigenous grasses and an artesian spring feeds a small dam. These walks can take from 30 minutes to 1 hour. Walk in groups during weekdays.
More information: www.footprint.co.za
Getting there: Take Long Road in Newlands to West Road, to end of 8th Street (corner 6th Road West) Greymont
Avalon Cemetery, Soweto
Located just off the main Johannesburg railway line, Avalon Cemetery is the site of the graves of many apartheid heroes. There is no specific trail to follow, but historical graves are marked with heritage site markers. The cemetery can be tied in with a visit to other historical sites in Soweto.
More information: www.joburg.org.za
Getting there: From Bara Taxi Rank off Potchefstroom Road, turn left at Tshabuse Street across from Chiawelo Clinic, and follow road to Soweto Mountain of Hope. Turn to right for 20 - 30m, pass railway bridge to cemetery entrance.
Braamfontein Cemetery
This is one of Johannesburg's first cemeteries. In its lay-out the history of the city are illustrated and created – Jewish, Chinese, Christian sections and others. Enoch Sotonga, the man who wrote the national anthem, N’kosi Sikelele, lies here. Passive resistance heroes mix with Boer War graves. For safety walk with group.
More information: Contact the Parktown & Westcliff Trust on www.parktownheritage.co.za
Getting there: Off the M1 highway on Smit Street, turn to Graf Street to enter the cemetery.
Braamfontein Spruit Trail (Emmarentia), Section 1
A wild, natural river system in the heart of a bustling metropolis, a distraction from city life and a remedy for the aches that go with this. It is, however, not fenced or regularly patrolled and is best walked in groups of 5+ people. Good for the energetic mountain biker or runners. Walks take from 1 to 4 hours depending upon your energy levels, vigour and stamina.
More information: www.footprint.co.za/
Getting there: Park at Emmarentia Dam off Thomas Bowler and walk along the western side of the dam, crossing over Oliphant’s Road to join up alongside the spruit.
Braamfontein Spruit Trail (Craighall Park), Section 2
A waterfall in the middle of a suburb; the Craighall waterfall is a lovely sight when the sound of water is required to sooth the aches of head and heart. This section runs from Delta Park to the Sandton Field and Study Centre. The spruit is not fenced or patrolled, however, sections of it are well-used on the weekends. It is best walked in groups of 5+ people, and again, depending upon energy, the walks take from 1 to 4 hours.
More information: www.footprint.co.za/
Getting there: Park at Delta Park in Blairgowrie near the Conservation Centre and begin by walking past the Florence Bloom Bird Sanctuary towards the spruit.
Braamfontein Spruit Trail (Bryanston), Section 3
Further out of the city, but still within its precincts, this section runs from the Sandton Field and Study Centre (or Riverside Shopping Centre for a shorter walk) to Witkoppen Road. The spruit is not fenced or patrolled, and it is best walked in groups of 5+ people with walks from 1 to 4 hours.
More information: www.footprint.co.za/
Getting there: Park at the Sandton Field and Study Centre off Louise Avenue in Sandhurst Ext 4. Access is off William Nicol Drive onto Mattie Avenue, left on 12th Avenue. Alternatively, park at the Riverside Shopping Centre off Bryanston Drive.
Brixton Cemetery
This historic cemetery has in it the graves of many South African Asian passive resistance fighters who lived in the times of Gandhi, and a Hindu Crematorium that is a national monument. Peaceful, large trees and gravestones will accompany you as you take a trip into this world of non-violent resistance. Walk with a group.
More information: Contact the Parktown & Westcliff Trust on www.parktownheritage.co.za .
Getting there: Enter via Krause Street in Pageview off Bartlett Road.
Delta Park, Blairgowrie
A beautiful multi-use park that contains one of country’s best environmental centres, a bird sanctuary and scout training grounds. For bird watchers this is a lovely spot. Walk in groups.
More information: www.delta.org.za or www.footprint.co.za/
Getting there: Enter park through Road No 3 off 1st Avenue in Linden, or park at corner Pitcairn Rd and Penelope Avenue.
Dorothy Nyembe Park, Soweto
This is a picturesque park in Mofolo North. It has amenities, including an environmental centre, bird hide, various dams, amphitheatre and walking trails of 30 to 45 minutes. It is fully fenced.
Getting there: Off Roodeport Road onto Main Road directly into park for parking.
Gillooly's Farm
For the fit and energetic, a steep koppie walk along the Linksfield Ridge, where on a clear day you can see forever; the Magaliesburg Mountains, maybe even heaven. As it is steep and requires energy as you climb. A walk may range in time from between 1 to 3 hours. The walk starts in Ekurhuleni Municipality at Gillooly's Farm.
More information: www.footprint.co.za/
Getting there: Off Boeing Street West to Gillooly's Farm next to driving range.
Golden Harvest, Northgate
Near the Northgate Dome is a pristine 55 hectare park with rolling walks around a dam and indigenous bushveld. At the koppie an ancient iron smelting area reminds us that Johannesburg is enveloped by history. Walks may take 30 minutes to 1 hour. It is completely fenced with a guard at the gate with an entrance fee.
More information: www.footprint.co.za/
Getting there: Off Hans Strijdom Drive to Olievenhout Avenue, Maple Road to the entrance.
Harvey Park, Cyrildene
A 360 degree panoramic view of Johannesburg and a steep climb. For 1 hour you can follow a circular trail which may link to Gillooly’s farm in the west. It is best to walk in groups.
More information: www.footprint.co.za/
Getting there: Off Friedland Avenue in Cyrildene to Beryl Street. Continue and park past boom.
Johannesburg Botanical Gardens, Emmarentia
Popular, well-used park in Emmarentia of over 100 hectares with walks from 30 minutes to 2 hours. Pleasant for family picnics, with tearoom, several dams and gardens to visit. Best walked in groups during weekdays, with dogs allowed in the southern part of park.
Getting there: Emmarentia lies between Beyers Naude and Barry Hertzog. Parking in main car park off Oliphants Road, or along Thomas Bowler near The Botanical Gardens.
Klipriviersburg Nature Reserve, Kibler Park
A 644 hectare nature reserve with lovely hiking trails through the koppies. This reserve features an historical farmstead, excellent birding and wildlife, which include blesbok, zebra and duiker. You may decide to take it easy and walk for 30+ minutes alongside spruit, or, for the enthusiastic there are longer walks of up to 3 hours which range across koppies in a nature reserve. It is fully fenced and there is a guard at the gate.
More information: www.footprint.co.za/
Klipriviersburg walking trails: View Map
Getting there: Off the Columbine Avenue exit from the M1 to Ormonde Drive and Frandolph Drive. Park in cul de sac by guard house and start walk by Silent Pools
Kloofendal Nature Reserve
Lovely reserve with varying nature walks of 30 minutes to 3 hours. Wildflowers, geological sites and scorpions; this area combines pristine bushveld with grasslands and features views of the northern parts of the city. There is an amphitheatre, dam area and bird hide. A historical mine tour can be set up by arrangement. It is fully fenced with guard at gate.
More information: kloofendalfriends@yolasite.com
Kloofendal walking trails: View Map
Getting there: Galena Avenue between Ouklip & Topaz in the suburg of Kloofendal. GPS 26°07’39.09”S & 27°52’50.22”E.
Melville Koppies east, west and reserve
Beautiful pristine koppie, owls that call to their young, butterflies that sway in the breeze, church singers praying and giving thanks; all right in the middle of the city. 150 hectares of land to wander for up to 3 hours. A visit to a national heritage section that features an ancient Iron Age furnace is fascinating. A tour of services to the African Independent Churches can be arranged. There are three sections to the koppie; walks can be taken as one, or together. There is controlled access to the Nature Reserve, which is open on specific days each month.
More information: www.footprint.co.za/
Getting there: For Reserve, park at Marks Park across Judith Road and access from North Gate. Other areas, park on streets. For East side, park end of Zambesi Road in Emmarentia or Kloof Street in Melville. For West side, park on 3rd Avenue off Arundel in Westdene.
Norscot Koppie, Douglasdale
Serene, small reserve of 22 hectares with rocky koppie where birds, duiker, blesbok,
klipspringer, dassies and people mingled without conflict. There are several dams and a bird hide where one can sit and feed the soul. It is completely fenced with well-marked trails.
More information: www.footprint.co.za/
Getting there: Off Witkoppen Road to Alexander Avenue, with parking on left side.
Rhodes Park, Kensington
A pretty community park that hosts a sport facilities and large duck filled dam. There is also a tea room for the hungry, tennis courts for the sporty and a community centre for the social.
Getting there: Off Langerman Drive in Kensington – park near tennis courts.
Rietfontein Nature Reserve, Witkoppen
In the centre of condominiums you can find nature in this small 25 hectare reserve. Home to duiker, steenbok, springbok, rocky koppies and myriad of birds. For walks, booking is required. A guide will impart his knowledge of what is lovely in the city. Rietfontein is perfect for children, as there is an educational centre and outdoor environmental classes.
For bookings contact Johannesburg City Parks.
Getting there: Off Witkoppen Road, north into Hokham Roadand park inside reserve at main gate on right. By booking only.
Thokoza Park/Moroka Dam, Soweto
An attractive park with a dam, wetlands, various bridges and short trails in the middle of what used to be the sprawl of a Johannesburg township. It is well used by the community and has links to the historic Regina Mundi Catholic Church. Walks take 20 to 45 minutes.
Getting there: Off Potchefstroom Road in Soweto just past the Roodeport Road. Easily visible from the road. Enter parking on the right.
Walter Sisulu National Botanical Gardens, Roodepoort
The South African National Biodiversity Institute manages this 300-hectare garden as one of eight botanical gardens nationwide. It consists of a network of paths in a safe and tranquil environment, over 220 species of birds, including the magnificent Verreaux's (Black) Eagle and indigenous gardens. Here you can walk for a long as you like, or just sit and contemplate the beauty of the gardens. For the more energetic there is also the 3.5 km JCI Geological Hiking Trail, which, although fairly short, is quite strenuous, as it ascends to the top of the Witpoortjie Waterfall. Walk in groups on the trail.
More information: www.sanbi.org or www.footprint.co.za/
Getting there: Off Hendrik Potgieter Road in Ruimsig, turn (into) onto Doreen Road (and then turn first right into) to Malcolm Road. (Take the sharp right hand bend at the end of Malcolm Road) and park inside the Gardens.
The Wilds, Houghton
A stunning koppie with old original stone paths where you can forget the city, unless you raise your eyes and look at the magnificent views of the Hillbrow Tower and Ponte. At the top of the koppie rests a sundial and a greenhouse; time waits for only the sun. Walks of 30 minutes to 1 hour. It is close to the city centre so walking in groups is recommended.
More information: www.wildswalk.co.za
Getting there: Park off Joe Slovo Drive in Houghton by bridge.
Wemmer Pan, La Rochelle
Seagulls where there is no sea, mine water run off where there is no mine. A pleasant circular walk of one to two hours around Wemmer Pan, or if you fancy yourself a water person, try canoes or dragon boats.
Getting there: Off M2 south (or N17) to Wemmer Pan Road down to Turf Road and into Wemmer Pan, which lies between Santarama Miniland and Pioneer Park.
Westdene Dam
Children feeding ducks, crakes and coots, wetlands that shimmer in the sunlight. A pretty, short, 30 minute walk along the dam with or without a dog.
Getting there: Park off Lewes Road by restaurant and walk across street.
Zoo Lake, Parkview
This popular pretty park provides a home to Egyptian geese, boating lovers, families picnicking, body conscious walkers and keen bowlers. Walks may take from 30 minutes – 1 hour.
More information: www.footprint.co.za/
Getting there: Off Jan Smuts, park by Moyo Restaurant off Westwold Drive down the Prince of Wales Avenue.
