Nature & Outdoors Attractions
Cresta Shopping Centre
Cresta Shopping Centre is an enormous functional yet glitzy shopping extravaganza. It’s also a great hangout and meeting spot for families and... Read more
Overview
While Johannesburg and Pretoria are described as built-up and “concrete jungles” there is a great amount of open and unspoilt space in the province providing green lungs and natural settings in which city people can relax and unwind.
Bird watching is a popular hobby and the bird sanctuary at Marievale, located in the floodplain in the small town of Nigel east of Johannesburg, is one of the province’s prime spots. Suikerbosrand Nature Reserve - situated in Heidelberg - also protects magnificent fauna and flora including the sugarbush, the most common vegetation after which the reserve gets its name.
The Walter Sisulu Botanical Garden, located in Roodepoort, is managed by the South African Biodiversity Institute (SANBI). This 300 hectare open space supports a range of 600 naturally occurring plant species and 220 varieties of birds. A number of reptiles and small mammals, including antelope and jackal, can also be sighted. Picnicking in the garden is popular and this is a wonderful day outdoors.
The Rhino and Lion Nature Reserve is situated in the heart of the World Heritage Site’s Cradle of Humankind in the west of Johannesburg. This privately-owned game park offers visitors sightings of over 30 game species, including buffalo, lion, white rhino, cheetah, hippo, crocodile and more than 20 antelope species. The reserve has a breeding centre where wild dog have been successfully reared.
Out in nature in Gauteng one can easily forget the urban make up of much of the province. There are many initiatives to protect and preserve the natural, rugged veld typical of our rocky grassland that forms part of the physical identity of the Highveld. Make sure you get into the outdoors to experience this for yourself.
Featured Nature & Outdoors attraction
Melville Koppies
Located about 5km from central Johannesburg, and adjacent to the suburb of Melville, the entirely indigenous Melville Koppies Nature Reserve is the last remaining area of the city in the condition it was before the advent of mining to the city in the late 19th century.
Austin Roberts Bird Sanctuary
If you’re planning a relaxed family day trip to Pretoria, the Austin Roberts Bird Sanctuary in the scenic suburb of Muckleneuk makes for a perfect picnic destination.… Read more
Bill Harrop’s hot air ballooning
Bill Harrop’s Original Balloon Safaris prides itself on offering an “elegant, eccentric adventure in space and time”, whether it’s hovering at treetop height to wave to a local farmer or soaring high among the… Read more
Bird gardens at Montecasino
Montecasino in Fourways, northern Johannesburg, is renowned for its gaming and entertainment facilities. The complex also houses a variety of exquisite boutiques and fine restaurants that serve sumptuous local and international cuisine. But… Read more
Bronkhorstspruit Dam Nature Reserve
With more than 200 bird species recorded in this nature reserve, it’s the ideal place to witness the diversity of nature. Sometimes referred to as “Bronkies”, it not only appeals to birders, but also anglers who are interested in the fish living in… Read more
Bunny Park
If you’re keen to soak up some sunshine and enjoy a restful day out with the family, why not pack a picnic basket, stick a blanket in the car and head to the Bunny Park, on Johannesburg’s East… Read more
CSIR International Convention Centre
The CSIR International Convention Centre is situated in the eastern suburbs of Pretoria, within walking distance of the Gautrain… Read more
Dinokeng Game Reserve
Dinokeng – the “place of rivers” – is a 280 000ha region in northern Gauteng that is rich in natural, cultural and historical heritage sites. The region, which includes the Rust de Winter and Roodeplaat dams and the towns of Cullinan, Rayton,… Read more
Faerie Glen Nature Reserve
The Faerie Glen Nature Reserve in Pretoria is a popular 128ha oasis in urban surroundings, boasting idyllic scenery, an incredible abundance of birdlife and a series of nature trails and walks. The reserve transitions between bankenveld (grassland)… Read more
Fountains Valley Resort
The Fountains Valley Resort, just outside Pretoria, is a popular recreational facility. Many years ago the resort site was placed under the stewardship of the Nature and Conservation Department, as the ground is the source of the Apies River, which… Read more
Garden World – a world of things to see and do
The beautiful lawns of Garden World in Muldersdrift, lined with rose bushes and magnificent trees, have always been hugely popular for weddings. The setting is exquisite both outside and inside, where the reception area is set up around a sparkling… Read more
Gillooly’s Farm
Take a break from the hustle and the bustle of Johannesburg and enjoy the tranquillity of the countryside on your doorstep. Gillooly’s Farm is just what you need after a hectic week in the concrete… Read more
Groenkloof Nature Reserve
The Fountains Valley of Pretoria, home to the Groenkloof Nature Reserve, has long captured the imagination of those who visit the area. After fleeing from King Shaka in the early 1820s, Zulu general Mzilikazi decided to make the area his home,… Read more
Ingwenya Country Escape
Located in the scenic area of Muldersdrift in Gauteng, Ingwenya Country Escape is the epitome of African luxury. The lodge boasts a lavish African Spa, several conference venues, three restaurants and a chapel for romantic… Read more
Irene Country Lodge
This charming haven is tucked away in the historic village of Irene, between Johannesburg and… Read more
Johannesburg Zoo
The Johannesburg Zoo was opened in 1904 to house, breed and provide medical care for wild animals. Today, it is home to more than 2 000 animals, among them the rare white lion (the zoo was the first in the world to breed a white lion… Read more
Klipriviersberg Nature Reserve
The 650ha Klipriviersberg Nature Reserve, just 11km south of downtown Johannesburg, is an oasis of calm amid the bustle of the city. Among the largest nature reserves in the Johannesburg metropolitan area, Klipriviersberg (meaning “stone river… Read more
Kloofendal Nature Reserve
Kloofendal Nature Reserve, an ecotourism and cultural heritage spot, is located in the Roodepoort suburb of Kloofendal, on Gauteng’s West Rand. Set 25km from central Johannesburg, the 110ha reserve provides a retreat from city… Read more
Krugersdorp Game Reserve
The Krugersdorp Game Reserve is a small, intimate reserve that offers visitors a true African safari experience. Located on Johannesburg’s West Rand, the reserve caters for those who want to view game and four of the Big Five without the hassle of… Read more
Lama-Lama Game Reserve and Conference Centre
Those of us living in the big cities often imagine game reserves to be a good four or five hours away by car, but the truth is that in Gauteng you are never too far from being immersed in natural surroundings. Lama-Lama Game Reserve and Conference… Read more
Ludwig’s Roses
Ludwig Taschner left his home country of East Germany in 1960 and established his now famous rose farm, Ludwig’s Roses, shortly after his arrival in South Africa more than 40 years ago. As a young man Ludwig had worked in nurseries in West Germany,… Read more
Marievale Bird Sanctuary
Marievale Bird Sanctuary lies in a floodplain outside the small town of Nigel, to the east of Johannesburg. The sanctuary, which has two lakes, a large wetland and Highveld grasslands, is a designated Important Bird… Read more
Melville Koppies
Located about 5km from central Johannesburg, and adjacent to the suburb of Melville, the entirely indigenous Melville Koppies Nature Reserve is the last remaining area of the city in the condition it was before the advent of mining to the city in the… Read more
Muldersdrift
Muldersdrift is a popular escape from fast-paced Johannesburg and Pretoria. Situated only half an hour away from the noise and stress of city life, Muldersdrift is a country oasis forming part of the Crocodile Ramble, a scenic tourist route running… Read more