Set in the heartland of Joburg, Emmarentia Park has two major attractions for visitors. The Johannesburg Botanical Gardens, and Emmarentia Dam. The 81 hectare Botanical Gardens date all the way back to 1866. The beautiful gardens are administered by Johannesburg City Parks. The gardens are considered to be one of Johannesburg's vital green lungs. No entrance fee is required which makes this an affordable outing!

The Johannesburg Botanical Gardens

The are seven distinct gardens - the Herb Garden, the Hedge Garden, the Succulent Garden, the Shakespeare Garden, the Rose Garden, the Chapel Garden and the Arboretum (a collection composed exclusively of trees). The Shakespeare Garden is home to a variety of herbs, that the English playwright referred to in his works. Alongside the herb garden, are the Rose Gardens. They are planted with an impressive 4500 rose bushes!

Looking for an affordable wedding venue outdoors? Well, look no further! The Chapel Garden launched in 2007 and is one of Joburg's most affordable wedding venues. The Chapel Garden was designed to accommodate weddings from different cultures and also provides a stellar background for photographs. The seasonal Linden Market, is held at the park and takes place once every three months.

Emmarentia Dam

Emmarentia Dam is ideal for watersports such as canoeing and sailing on smaller boats due to its 7.5 hectare water body. If you've ever had the opportunity of visiting then you'll know that the dam is home to many aquatic birds! The park provides a lovely opportunity for a family picnic, under its shaded trees! Emmarentia dam offers rowing enthusiasts the opportunity to enjoy their sport within the city. The dam attracts a variety of bird life, while on the wide spaces to the north west of the dam people walk their dogs, jog along the pathways, or simply chill out.

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