Autumn in Johannesburg offers an array of stunning landscapes and unique settings, from sprawling parks to historic landmarks, that provide the perfect canvas for capturing the essence of the season. Whether you’re an amateur shutterbug or a seasoned professional, you’ll find an abundance of breathtaking spots to take your best autumn photographs in Johannesburg.
Emmarentia Dam
Emmarentia Dam is always a picturesque location, whether it’s summer, winter, autumn or spring. Not only is the dam itself calming and inviting, but the botanical garden next door is also something any photographer ought to take advantage of at least once or twice in their life. In autumn and winter, if you arrive before sunrise, you get the opportunity to take stunning dew and fog photographs. Sure, it’s quite nippy, but the outcome is so worth it.
Location: Olifants Road, Emmarentia, Johannesburg.
Toadbury Hall
This beautiful countryside estate in Muldersdrift has a natural wood that explodes in colour every Autumn. No wonder so many brides choose it for their autumn weddings! Book a picnic or meal at their restaurant and take your camera along to capture the beauty.
Location: Plot 64 Beyers Naude Ext, Lanseria, Krugersdorp.
Delta Park
Delta Park is the perfect place to shoot if you’re looking for a juxtaposition of the man-made city and mother nature in the city. On one hand you have the waterfall, small wildlife and birdlife and on the other is the Johannesburg buzz, views of the skyline and geographical contours that blend the two worlds quite seamlessly. Why not take your pets along for a photo shoot?
Location: 77 Craighall Road, Victory Park, Randburg.
Walter Sisulu Gardens in Autumn
This is another scenic place in Johannesburg with a waterfall and stunning plant life. With its abundance of flora, we recommend you go early for the dew and sunrise images. Or you could go in the late afternoon for golden and sunset images, with the chance of catching its resident nesting eagles in full flight. Absolutely breathtaking.
Location: Malcolm Road, Poortview, Roodepoort.
Rietvlei Zoo Farm
This is another awesome spot to go to for the photography opportunities and the potential road trip and/or weekend getaway. The Alberton located farm offers other fun activities, so you can really take full advantage of this and capture some great shots you would have otherwise would have missed on your own.
Location: Malcolm Road, Poortview, Roodepoort.
Zoo Lake in Autumn
Although Zoo Lake is more popular for braais and socialising, when you go there to observe and appreciate nature, there are some hidden gems worth capturing and exhibiting. As with most of these venues, it’s best to arrive before sunrise to capture the serenity of nature before the Johannesburg buzz begins.
Location: : Zoo Lake, Jan Smuts Avenue, Randburg.
Nirox Sculpture Park
Located just a short distance from the iconic Sterkfontein Caves lies the captivating Nirox Sculpture Park. Operated by the Nirox Foundation Trust, a registered non-profit organisation dedicated to fostering the arts, this unique destination offers much more than meets the eye. As you wander through this picturesque sanctuary, you’ll be greeted by the beauty of autumn leaves adorning the landscape and the gentle ripples of lily pads on the water—a truly enchanting experience for art enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.
Location: R540 Kromdraai Road, Kromdraai, Krugersdorp.
Hartbeesport Dam
Situated within a day’s road trip from many major cities, this picturesque destination offers a wealth of natural beauty waiting to be immortalised through the lens. One of the highlights of a visit to Hartbeesport Dam is the opportunity to explore not only the vast expanse of the dam itself but also the charmingly deserted streets nearby. For those seeking to fully immerse themselves in the autumnal atmosphere, turning this outing into a weekend getaway is highly recommended. With plenty of accommodation options available in the area, visitors can extend their stay and make the most of their time exploring and capturing the essence of the season.
Whether you’re a seasoned photographer or a budding student of the craft, the nature spots mentioned, promise an abundance of inspiration and breathtaking vistas, making it an ideal destination for your next autumn photography excursion.
