Categories > Guides and Tips
A Guide to Walter Sisulu Botanical Gardens, a Blooming Paradise
There’s nothing more refreshing than taking a nature trip. When it comes to these kinds of getaways, Walter Sisulu Botanical Gardens always comes to mind.
I went there last weekend to escape the city, and it didn’t disappoint. The view was nothing but extraordinary, and there were plenty of activities too!
To have the same tranquil experience as I had, keep this guide handy on your trip.
Things to Know
Location: Malcolm Rd, Poortview, Roodepoort
Ticket Prices:
- Adult: R100
- Student: R50
- Children Above 6 Years: R25
- Children Below 6 Years: Free
Contact: +27(0)86 100 1278
Where to Buy Tickets: webtickets
| Reminders: The garden is a conservation area. Bringing alcohol, bats, braais, and pets is not allowed. Skating and playing frisbees are also prohibited. The snack shop inside the botanical garden is only open on weekends. Pack enough food and water before exploring the gardens, especially on weekdays. |
Background
Walter Sisulu Botanical Gardens was first called Transvaal National Botanic Garden. When it first opened in July 1942, guests needed special arrangements to visit it.
But in 1987, the 300-hectare garden opened its doors to the public. It also changed its name to Witwatersrand National Botanical Garden.
By March 2004, it had become Walter Sisulu Botanical Gardens, a tribute to the late ANC leader Walter Sisulu, who was instrumental in helping lead South Africa to democracy.
For nine consecutive years, this nature reserve was voted “The Best Place to Get Back to Nature in Gauteng.”
How to Get There
By Bus: Metrobus has a stop near Walter Sisulu Botanical Gardens. Take the bus number M47 and alight at Hendrik Potgieter Rd.
By Taxi: The base fare is R6.10 with an additional R9.80 per kilometer. Pin the drop-off location at Walter Sisulu Botanical Gardens.
By Car: There is a parking lot at the garden’s entrance.
Best Time to Visit
It’s best to visit Walter Sisulu Botanical Gardens during spring and summer when the flowers are in full bloom. These seasons also mean plenty of activities, such as the Spring Fair and Merrell Summer Day Run.
Things to Do
Take a walk in themed gardens
Media from: sisulu_garden
Take a walk through the themed gardens, like the Cycad Garden, People’s Plants, Succulent Rockery, Waterwise Garden, Fern Trail, Geological Garden, and Butterfly Garden.
These gardens are full of South African plants. You can see many of the 600 plant species in the reserve, including clivia and succulents like fairy crassula.
I personally love the Butterfly Garden because of the diverse species of butterflies living there. I saw a citrus swallowtail, a pygmy skipper, a striped policeman, and a spotted joker, to name a few.
Hike the Geo Trail
Media from: sisulu_garden
If you love hiking, try the Geo trail that starts at the bottom of the Witpoortjie Waterfall. This trail is a 3.9 km loop surrounded by beautiful protea trees.
Though the trail is short, it took me 2.5 hours to finish because it goes by the Witpoortjie Waterfall. I enjoyed the hike a lot, especially when I spotted some Vervet Monkeys and Chacma Baboons along the way.
| Tip: Take a guided night tour to witness the nocturnal animals living in the reserve. |
Reach the top of Witpoortjie Waterfall
Source: richstays
You can climb the 70-meter Witpoortjie Waterfall. To get to the top, take the GeoTrail for a great view of the 300-hectare garden.
The view from the top is amazing! You can see the lush plants around the waterfall. If you’re patient, you might even spot some beautiful birds that live in the garden.
Spot Verreaux’s Eagles
Media From: sisulu_garden
One of the main attractions in the garden is a pair of Verreaux’s eagles. These black eagles live on the cliffs near the Witpoortjie Waterfall.
While I rested at the top of the waterfall, I was lucky to see these majestic birds flying in the sky. They have a wingspan of about two meters and striking black feathers. I was fortunate to catch them while they were hunting for dassies to eat.
| Tip: If they’re not in the sky soaring, scan the cliffs, as they are probably nesting. |
Bird Watching at Sasol Dam
Media From: into_the.wilderness
There are 225 bird species living in the reserve. Some of them can be spotted at Sasol Dam. Follow the trail heading to the dam to witness different bird species.
There is a bird hide near the dam for birdwatching. I was lucky enough to see two Golden-Tailed Woodpeckers and a Pied Crow. You can also find small mammals here, like black-backed jackals and small antelopes.
| Tip: Bring a pair of binoculars. |
Relax at the Sisulu Circle
Media From: sisulu_garden
At the heart of the garden is the Sisulu Circle, which features a statue of Walter Sisulu. This circle was created to honor his contributions to South African history. There is also an interactive water fountain where children can play.
The circle has benches where you can sit and reflect, surrounded by the beauty of the garden. While I was there, I realized that this place symbolizes Sisulu’s work for freedom and equality. It was touching to discover that the garden’s openness to everyone represents the inclusivity he fought for.
Enjoy music at the amphitheater
Media From: sisulu_garden
Head to the amphitheater for a free concert! Walter Sisulu Botanical Garden occasionally hosts events for visitors to enjoy.
On my last visit, international singer Jamie Fine was there performing for her “If Anything’s Left Tour.” The concert also had guest appearances from local artists Martin Bester, Soné, Scallywag, HunTer Leite, and Nicole Carlse.
Visit the SANBI website to check upcoming events at the gardens.
Where to Eat
Eagle’s Fare
Location: Along Witpoortjie Waterfall
Contact: 010 109 2196 or 082 671 8382
Website: https://www.eaglesfare.co.za/
Inside the botanical garden, you’ll find a restaurant called Eagle’s Fare, which features the stunning Witpoortjie Waterfall as its backdrop. This restaurant has been serving hungry visitors since 2004.
Eagle’s Fare offers a menu that includes breakfast, burgers, salads, snacks, and desserts. If you need a boost of energy before starting your adventure, try the Fledglings Indulgence for R85. It’s made with pan-fried ox liver, bacon, gravy, creamy scrambled eggs, and fried onions.
They also offer a Sunday buffet lunch for R198 for adults and R99 for children aged 5 to 12. One of my personal favorites is thei
