Disclaimer: Entry costs to the venues, parks and trails may change at any given time. Costs were correct at the time of writing (September 2022). Also, opening times may change at any given time, too. Keep your doggos on their leads unless the venue stipulates they may come off their lead. Ensure your dogs are socialised and well-behaved to avoid fights. Clean up after your pooch when they do their business (no one likes stepping on a fresh landmine). Stick to the venues rules and regulations when it comes to dogs on their property. Be respectful. Please take care when attending any park in and around the city, there is always the risk of crime so we therefore advise that you go in a group. Some of these parks will do guided tours, contact them if you are interested.
Click here for Dog Friendly Parks in Joburg East
Walkhaven
Walkhaven gets the number one spot for dog friendly parks because they really cater strongly to our four legged friends.
With a dedicated pet friendly restaurant (The Walkhaven Kitchen), bar (The Dog Box) as well as a top notch kennel (Jurassic Bark Kennel), Walkhaven just can’t be beaten for a dog loving family’s day out of the house.
The farm itself boasts 22 hectares of grassland and is a stone's throw from the Cradle of Humankind. A must for dog lovers!
Address: Plot 77, Zwartkop, JohannesburgOpen Hours: Seven days a week 08:00 to 17:30Cost: Day visitor fees to the park R45 per adult and R30 per child or pensioner.Click here for more information.
Verity Park
Next, is Verity Park. Located on 6th Avenue, this park is conveniently situated in the middle of Parkhurst - or 'Barkhurst' as it's known for how many residents there own dogs.
It's a great little green square where you can enjoy some fresh air, walk the dogs, or get in exercise after a long day at the office.
Other than being a lovely outdoor area to take the dogs, get active and socialise with family and friends, it also offers playground equipment to keep the kids entertained. There are also benches if you just want to relax and take in all the sights and sounds.
Address: 6th Avenue, Parkhurst, SandtonOpen Hours: Open all day, seven days a weekContact: 011 442 9559
Delta Park
Tucked away on the cusp of Blairgowrie and Victory Park, about 10km north-west of the city centre, lies Delta Park, a peaceful and spacious area of some 104 hectares – one of the city’s biggest ‘green lungs’ and dog friendly parks.
Its long walking paths spread like veins across the plain's surface, trodden by weekend runners and cyclists. Delta Park is pet-friendly and dogs don't need to be kept on a leash – although, it is best practice to be mindful of others before you let your dog run free.
Your fur friend is sure to enjoy the massive swathes of open grass where they can run and play, as well as the shady paths and walkways.
Delta Park has many ponds, streams and dams, so be prepared for a wet puppy if your dog loves water.
Address: 77 Craighall Road, Victory ParkOpen Hours: Open all day, seven days a weekContact: 011 888 4831
Golden Harvest
Situated behind Northgate Shopping Centre in the northern suburb of Northwold is Golden Harvest – a beautiful space where dogs can roam relatively unhindered.
The park is large – some 55 hectares – and features some untouched indigenous bushveld and plenty of dams.
Visitors visit to walk, fish, mountain bike and take a stroll around the main dam. There are also several play areas featuring kids equipment that the little ones can play on.
The park is great if you have large or very energetic doggos that need some serious exercise to get rid of their excess energy.
Address: 1 1st Road, RandburgOpen hours: 06:00 to 18:00, seven days a weekContact: 011 712 6600
Emmarentia Park
Set in the heartland of Joburg, Emmarentia Park has two major attractions for visitors. The Johannesburg Botanic Gardens, and Emmarentia Dam.
The wide spaces to the north west of the dam is the most popular area for dogs, and has been called "the best dog walk in Johannesburg".
Here, you'll encounter puppers wading into the water, catching balls and running free. Relax on a bench or under a tree on the grass while your dog runs and sheds some excess energy.
Address: Thomas Bowler Street, Roosevelt ParkOpen Hours: Open seven days a week, from 08:00 to 18:00Contact: 011 782 1193
Marais Steyn Park
This park isn’t spectacular by a long shot but has a nice stretch of land for your dogs to exercise and caters to those of you living east of the city.
There is a lot of bird life around a small wetland for those of you into a little bird watching. There is also a skating bowl, which happens to be one of Joburg’s best kept skateboarding secrets which the kids will enjoy.
Address: Corner Cork Avenue and Beech Avenue, EdenvaleOpen hours: Open all day seven days a week
The Wilds
Arguably Joburg’s most beautiful park, The Wilds was declared a National Monument and sits in the very centre of urban Johannesburg.
This jaw-dropping park is open for walking tours during the summer months and you can take your dog along for a stroll, provided they're on a leash.
Address: Parking is available on the corner of Houghton Drive and St. Patricks, Houghton.Open Hours: The park is open during business hours weekdays and weekends but the best way to visit the park is by organising a tour.Contact: 011 643 2313
Sandton Field and Study Centre
A huge fenced-off piece of land with the added bonus of security where dogs can run wild to their hearts content. Horses inhabit the land across from the park which always has the dogs inquisitive and enjoying themselves.
This park is situated close to the Sandton CBD.
Address: Off Rivonia Road, SandtonOpen Hours: Call for more infoContact: 011 783 2442
Faerie Glen Nature Reserve, Pretoria
This one is for our readers from Pretoria, but is also possibly one of the best places for a dog walk in Gauteng.
The land is tidy and absolutely massive with bridges to cross streams and lots of walking tours to choose from. Dogs are required to be on a lead but with the size of the area you may get away with letting them off for a quick run.
You'll need a dog permit to walk your doggos here. Click here for more information.
Address: General Louis Botha Road, Faerie Glen, PretoriaOpen Hours: 06:00 to 18:00, all weekContact: 072 275 0614
More Dog Friendly Parks
Gillooly's Farm: Gillooly's Farm is a winner when it comes to walking your dogs (thanks to Larry in the comment section for reminding me). Read the comment below for his personal experience regarding this. 011 453 2207.
George Lea Park: In Hurlingham, they allow dog walks.
Hugh Wyndham Park: In Dunkeld, they allow dogs and offers a great spot for picnicking.
Cheltondale Park: Near Norwood Mall, this park is popular with resides in the area for dog walking. There's also a children’s play area.
Have you been to any of these dog friendly parks? Rate and review your experience below!
Remember that our “Top Picks” are not paid for and are compiled at the discretion of the journalist. We only write about what we love.
