Joburg Zoo

Pack a picnic basket and spend the day at the Joburg Zoo in Parkview with your family and friends during this month of love. Situated in the leafy suburb of Joburg, the zoo boasts a collection of over 2 700 animals and 320 species. Entrance fee to the zoo is as little as R110 adults and R65 kids (3 – 12 years of age) .

On offer: it’s the exciting animals of the Amazon exhibit which has a fresh water walk-through aquarium. The availability of golf carts makes it easier for visitors to navigate and explore the 54-hectare facility. And best of all, the Big 5 are right on your door step!

Click here for more information about the Joburg Zoo.

Klipriviersberg Nature Reserve (KNR)

This nature reserve is a popular destination for avid hikers, sprawling across 680 hectare open veld and koppies. It is home to over 150 bird species, 600 plant species, it also has a rich archaeological site, boasting of the highest concentration of identified Iron age sites in Witswatersrand. Entrance fee to this nature reserve is FREE.

Click here for more information about the Klipriviersberg Nature Reserve.

Thokoza Park

Situated in Soweto, Thokoza Park is popular for its lush green lawns, large decade old trees and paved footpaths. It’s a 45-hectare space with a heritage site where Nelson Mandela planted a tree and unveiled a mural. The picturesque spot offers facilities for family picnics or braais and also hosts many events, including art exhibitions and lively jazz concerts. And for the younger guests, there is a children's playground and lots of ducks to feed.

Click here for more information about Thokoza Park.

The Wilds

The Wilds is a 16-hectare nature reserve on the outskirts of Houghton, set against lovely koppies with well- developed indigenous gardens. It provides pristine natural environment, with running waterfalls and fountains. Even in winter, The Wilds is evergreen, with wild red aloes to provide colour against  the city's wintry grey skies. Given its stature as a nature reserve, events here are limited to ensure that the natural flora and fauna are protected. Entrance fee is free. Open daily.

Click here for more information about The Wilds.

Photo sourced from Friends of The Wilds on Facebook.

Kloofendal Nature Reserve

Kloofendal Nature Reserve is a cultural heritage and ecotourism facility in Roodepoort suburb of Kloofendal. The 128-hectare park was one of the first nature reserves in Joburg and offers urbanites a retreat from city life. The reserve is open every day of the week including public holidays from 06:00 to 18:00. It is fully fenced and the security, is on duty every day.

Click here for more information about Kloofendal Nature Reserve.

Johannesburg Botanical Gardens

The 81-hectare Johannesburg Botanical Gardens forms one of Joburg’s vital green lungs. Consists of large, grassy, open spaces scattered with trees and used by runners, picnickers and dog walkers. Visitors enjoy its special gardens – the Shakespeare garden, the rose garden, the her garden, a hedge demonstration garden and the main arboretum, which houses family groupings of plants and trees in South Africa and the rest of the world. Gardens overlook the Emmarentia Dam. The park is fenced and gates at all the entrances are staffed by security. Free entrance.

Click here for more information about the Johannesburg Botanical Gardens.

For More Information

For more information about Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo, visit www.jhbcityparksandzoo.com.

You can contact them on 011 712 6600.

Don't forget to follow Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo on their social media platforms – Facebook, Instagram and Twitter – for the latest news, information, events and more.