Nothing says home quite like the jacarandas. They're an integral part of Joburg summers, and with the blossoms in season between late September and November, now's the perfect time to head out for a look. Take a second to listen to the cicadas humming as the heat rises off the lavender-lined streets, now coated in fresh blossoms that the bees fly lazily between.
Modderfontein
Modderfontein is an urban forest. Driving through from Edenvale into the mud fountain town, you travel along a road bordered with pine trees and giant oaks until jacaranda trees take over the scenery. Covering the streets in purple confetti, these trees, originating in Brazil, romantically hang over the Modderfontein surrounds. Take a trip down to the dam to see them in full bloom, marvel at them from Oke's Coffee Shop, or hike up one of the trails for a better view.
Melville Koppies
With rolling views, you’ll be able to see the purple blanket that adorns Joburg in summer. Though it’s not the highest location, it definitely does the job. The Koppies also offer a lot more, with the indigenous flora currently in bloom. Stop in at sunrise for an unforgettable experience, and bring your dogs along to explore the number of marked pathways available.
Kensington
Kensington spans 52 streets, making it one of Joburg's largest suburbs. Lucky for us, it's also jacaranda central. Take a drive up Highland Road, travelling through a blanket of fallen flowers. There are a number of historical sites to visit here, too, including the Scottish War Horse Memorial and Jeppe High School for Boys. From these viewpoints, you can see the vast covering of the jacarandas and get Instagram-worthy shots of the Joburg skyline.
Photo Credits: @amateurphootogfromsa.
Four Seasons Hotel The Westcliff
If hiking isn’t your scene, then why not opt for a sophisticated setting at the Westcliff? High tea at Four Seasons Hotel is an unforgettable experience offering a decadent sweet and savoury smorgasbord, plus stunning views from the Westcliff ridge. Take in the jacarandas from a position of complete luxury, with a plate of Petit Fours in hand.
Photo Credits:@fsjohannesburg.
Rosebank
A stroll down this jacaranda-lined Tyrwhitt Avenue in Rosebank is an otherworldly experience, set to a soundtrack of the oyster-shaped pods cracking beneath the soles of your shoes. These trees are integral to the history and heritage of the area. While you're here, stop by the Keyes Art Mile to experience an array of world-class galleries, restaurants, and boutiques.
Northcliff Hill
This is the second-highest point in Joburg, overlooking the CBD to the right and northern suburbs to the left. Northcliff Water Tower has long been known as one of the most romantic spots in the city, so take your sweetheart to see the spring blossoms and burnt orange sunset. Be sure to take a picnic blanket and some champers along, or do a fancy dinner at the Northcliff Boutique Hotel.
Photo Credits: @darshana.bhowan
Observatory Ridge
Observatory Ridge is the highest point in Joburg, which looks out over Houghton, Orange Grove and beyond. At 1,808 metres above sea level, Observatory Ridge offers a view of the sprawling expanse of our beautiful city and features a commemorative British Indian Army monument erected over 100 years ago. Get yourself that perfect eagle's eye view of the jacarandas in bloom, while also taking in some history.
Carlton Centre
Joburg is one of the world's largest man-made forests, but you don't need to be out in nature to experience it. The inner city offers fantastic views of concrete intersecting greenery. Once the tallest building in the Southern hemisphere, Carlton Centre offers a 360-degree panoramic view from the 50th storey. Just R30 will get you to The Top of Africa viewing deck, giving you the perfect spot to capture the jacaranda trees.
The Jacaranda Run
Date: 18 October 2025
Immerse yourself in the breathtaking purple-covered streets of Linden with 10 and 21km routes, offering a scenic journey through the blooming Jacarandas, handpicked by the local community.
Found out more about this event here.
Despite the fact that they’re now considered invasive and can no longer be planted, Jacarandas boast an impressive 200-year lifespan. We'll be able to view them for a long time yet, so get your camera ready and head out for some violet adventures.
Photo credits: @clareappleyard
Have you been to any of these viewing spots? Let us know what you think of them!
