Before we get to the fun stuff, let's dive head-first into the history behind Emmarentia as a suburb. We'll make it quick – promise. So, the majority of the northern suburbs were once part of a farm called Braamfontein. A piece of the farm was bought by a guy called Lourens. He was married to a dame named Emmarentia. Has the penny just dropped? The guy bought the portion in the hopes that one of the gold reefs would trail onto his property but after digging up most of the place, he realised he'd simply bought a plot of land with a dam in the middle... well, back then it was a waterhole for cattle.
Anyway, Emmarentia Dam is actually made up of three different dams – of which two smaller ones flow into the bigger. It is a prime fishing and canoeing spot and is part of the Johannesburg Botanical Gardens. It's a fun place to have picnics, feed the ducks and go for a jog. Every now and then the park will be invaded by young, free-spirited, guitar-swinging musicians who will jam in some leafy corner.
Come and enjoy 7.5 hectares of botanical beauty; make it a day to take the dogs to the park and hang out with your friends, family and complete strangers who are keen on doing the same thing as you — relaxing. There's a little food stall/cafeteria but it's nothing to write home about so if you're not in the mood for a toasted cheese and tomato on white bread then maybe grab something at the Emmarentia strip up the road or pack your own delicious picnic basket.
Anyway, Emmarentia Dam is actually made up of three different dams – of which two smaller ones flow into the bigger. It is a prime fishing and canoeing spot and is part of the Johannesburg Botanical Gardens. It's a fun place to have picnics, feed the ducks and go for a jog. Every now and then the park will be invaded by young, free-spirited, guitar-swinging musicians who will jam in some leafy corner.
Come and enjoy 7.5 hectares of botanical beauty; make it a day to take the dogs to the park and hang out with your friends, family and complete strangers who are keen on doing the same thing as you — relaxing. There's a little food stall/cafeteria but it's nothing to write home about so if you're not in the mood for a toasted cheese and tomato on white bread then maybe grab something at the Emmarentia strip up the road or pack your own delicious picnic basket. 
