Walter Sisulu National Botanical Garden Travel Guide: Top Sights in

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Walter Sisulu National Botanical Garden- Travel Tips What to See, How to Plan & Tours: Natural Scenery; South Africa; 5 Reviews

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Suggested Duration: 3 hours

Walter Sisulu National Botanical Garden, located near Johannesburg in western Roodepoort, spans approximately 300 hectares and was officially established in 1982 as the Transvaal National Botanic Gardens. Opened to the public in 1987 under the name Witwatersrand National Botanical Gardens, the reserve includes a varied landscape featuring the Roodekrans ridge with its distinctive quartz and shale layers, as well as conserved bankenveld vegetation. The garden offers visitors facilities such as a restaurant, gift shop, and a bird hide overlooking a small dam, creating a space that balances natural beauty with accessibility. It has been acknowledged among the world's most beautiful botanical gardens, with a history of attracting visitors well before its formal designation. A notable feature of the garden is its long-standing role as a breeding site for Verreaux's eagles. Records date back to the 1940s, and as of 2023, a young eagle pair named Makatsa and Mahlori continue to breed on a nest near the waterfall over the Roodekrans ridge. This pair has successfully raised multiple chicks since 2020 and is expected to remain active for decades. The presence of these eagles adds a unique ecological and cultural dimension to the garden, highlighting its role not only in plant conservation but also in supporting native wildlife within an urban setting.

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Reviews of Walter Sisulu National Botanical Garden

Kefentse Motlakwe

5
Reviewed: 2025-06-17

We all loved it here. The kids had so much fun. We had a lovely picnic and the kids were able to run freely. The garden is well kept and there's a waterfall. The hiking trails are not so strenuous, so even kids can partake. There's restaurant and a play area.
tebogo mabusela

4
Reviewed: 2025-06-09

What a gorgeous, peaceful and serene place to visit.... The landscape is out of this world and well maintained... The hiking trails are a bit challenging and hard so make sure you dress well and get proper hiking boots... Otherwise you are going to love and enjoy it.. There's an element of safety as well because few security men Patrol the trails, meaning you can hike alone... The picnic area is so tranquil and peaceful you can even sleep if you want to.... I'm definitely going back there❤️🙌🏾
Patience Seopela

5
Reviewed: 2025-06-07

Garden of Eden 😍 except there's no apple tree at the center😂. Beautiful scenery, friendly staff and amazing backdrops for photos. Entrance was R80, digital cameras are welcome & Drones aren't. Can't wait to visit again ❤️
Djameel Hossen

5
Reviewed: 2025-02-18

My experience at Walter Sisulu National Botanical Garden was absolutely delightful! The garden is a true oasis of natural beauty, offering peaceful surroundings and a stunning variety of plant life. The landscapes are meticulously maintained, with beautiful walking trails and breathtaking views that make it a perfect spot for a relaxing day out. The highlight was definitely the impressive waterfall, which added a serene and tranquil atmosphere to the visit. I was also impressed with the well-designed picnic spots and the overall peaceful vibe of the place. It’s an ideal place for nature lovers, families, or anyone looking to escape the hustle and bustle. I would highly recommend it and will definitely be coming back!
Siphelele Dyantyi

5
Reviewed: 2025-02-11

I had a lovely birthday picnic here. Beautiful scenes and flora, very peaceful too and a gorgeous waterfall to top everything off. A 23rd Birthday to remember. The entrance was R100 and a trolley is R50 to put all of your stuff on and push it around everywhere instead of walking with everything. Golf carts are available as well.