Five unusual things to do in Johannesburg during the holidays
Visit these places during the holiday season
Tight budget? Don’t worry, you can still enjoy the holiday season and have some change left to buy something cold to drink.
Here are some places to visit that won’t cost you an arm and a leg:
1. Take a stroll through the bird gardens at Montecasino. There are beautiful walkways past countless exotic birds, a cycad garden, frog room and the longest snake in the world. There are other unusual mammals as well, like the sloth and lemur. There is a walk-through aviary filled with bright pink ibises and over 60 other bird species, as well as a bird show. Visit https://www.montecasino.co.za for more information.
2. Cool off at the Zoo Lake Swimming Pool. You can have picnics there or use it as a base to celebrate birthdays. The pool is beautifully maintained and kept looking fresh, so, enjoy the summer still left and pay a visit to this pool.Visit https://www.inyourpocket.com/southafrica/johannesburg/directory/swimming-pools for more information.
3. The Walter Sisulu National Botanical Garden was founded in 1982 and is one of South Africa’s eight botanical gardens. Situated in Roodepoort, it is a perfect place for a picnic while you watch the waterfall. You can watch the Veereaux’s eagles perched on top of the waterfall (using binoculars), use the various walking and hiking trails or undertake the self-guide JCI Geological Trail. A guided tour of the gardens can also be arranged. Visit https://www.sanbi.org/gardens/walter-sisulu for more information.
4. Mellville Koppies is a 50-year-old nature reserve – the last of Johannesburg’s remaining ridges according to Gauteng Tourism. The reserve boasts 180 bird species and a variety of small mammals such as slender and yellow mongoose, civets, genets, scrub hares and hedgehogs. You can either go on a walk through the park on your own, or join a guided tour (the latter is more advisable). Visit https://www.mk.org.za for more information.
5. Spend the day walking in nature using the Hennops Hiking Trail, approximately 45 minutes from Sandton. There are two main trails, as well as a shorter one that is suitable for children – with enough scenery to soak up and a swimming pool to cool off after your hike. There is a range of landscapes to soothe the soul – from lush riverside gorges to rocky plateaus, giant aloes and easy-going grasslands strolls – it is a beautiful day out and not too difficult or strenuous. Visit https://www.hennopstrails.co.za/hiking-trail/ for more information and view some photographs.
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