Located in the suburb area of Emmarentia, Johannesburg Botanical Garden was founded in 1964. The garden which has a large rose garden is managed by Johannesburg City Park. In the east side of this garden, there is an Emmarentia Dam which shares its extensive land. One of the main attractions in Johannesburg Botanical Garden is the Rose Garden with more than 10000 roses.
Johannesburg Botanical Gardens Tours
The Shakespeare Garden
In his play, Shakespeare mentioned some plants including mint, chamomile, marjoram and lavender. In this Shakespeare Garden, those plants are planted. Every plant is given a label includes the quote referring to specific plant. Johannesburg Botanical Garden holds a Shakespeare festival every year in the Shakespeare with music, song and comedy to celebrate his birthday. There is an amphitheater which used by the audience to sit while watching the performances.
Research
Johannesburg Botanical Garden is opened for the researcher who wants to hold their research here. Since this Botanical Garden has more than 3.500 collection of pressed plant specimen, both exotic and native plants, researcher can use them as an object for the study. Moreover, there is library of extensive horticultural reference that opens for researcher.
The Rose Garden
Since this garden is famous for its large rose garden, visiting the Rose Garden is the thing that should not be missed. In 1964, The Rose Garden was established by the curator Patric Chambers. This garden is filled with more than 10.000 roses in seven incline terraces. Every year, the garden will be cleared and planted with the newest roses. The Rose Garden is surrounded by Japanese flower, together with its rose. The garden's view is very wonderful to see. Furthermore, some people have their pre wedding picture in this garden. Would you like to have your pre wedding pictures here?
Watching Summer Sunset Concerts
It has been proven that Summer Sunsets Concerts can take many people to visit Johanesburg Botanical Garden. It is called as a 'weekly humdinger of a party'. This concerts feature many local and international artist. It is the same with the Summer Concerts that is held in Kirstenbosch in Cape Town. While enjoying the garden, you also have the opportunity to see the international artists and their performances.
The Chapel Garden
If the Rose Garden can be used to take pre wedding picture, The Chapel Garden is more than that. This garden is used to accommodate wedding. The wedding is can be from any culture around the world. Moreover, The Chapel Garden is the affordable wedding venue in Johannesburg.
Succulent Garden
Although it is a garden, you can experience the desert at Johannesburg Botanical Garden. In 2006, this Succulent Garden was opened by City Parks MD Luther Williamson. It is created to provide view like a desert with a dry river and using sand of silica.
How to Get Tickets?
There is no entrance fee for visiting Lion Park. You have to pay if you are going to join some tours held by the park or the park's activity.
How To Get Around?
You can take a stroll around the Johannesburg Botanical Gardens. There is a pave path that becomes the perfect area for walking.
What Should I Wear?
In the low season, when the weather is warm and dry, you can wear casual clothes such as denim, skirt, trousers or cool t-shirt. It is to avoid you will feel hot when you are getting hotter around the garden. However, since you are going to visit the garden which has many flowers, wearing dress can be a good choice. It will make your style look chic, put some accessories to it such as wool beach cap. Do not forget your camera.
Best Time to Visit
You can visit Johannesburg Botanical Garden from March to May and September to November. During these low season months, the park is less crowded, cheapest prices and the weather is fairly warm and dry.
Currency
Rand
Will I Need a Guide?
No, transportation is easy and you can find everything in this site.
How To Get There?
Johannesburg Botanical Garden is only 15-minute drive north from city center of Johannesburg. You may also use public transportation since there is a bus stop near the entrance of Johannesburg Botanical Garden. You can use car also, there is a safe parking from different access points in Thomas Bowler, Orange and The Braids roads. The main entrance is in Olifants Road.
Additional Info
There are some tour companies that offer a city tour include Johannesburg Botanical Garden tour. Tours at Johannesburg Botanical Garden usually together with Emmarentia Dam tours. The city sightseeing tours are also available.