If you are a nature lover, you will love the Serene natural area. It offers trails and picnicking opportunities. There is also wildlife and indigenous plants to discover. There are also eagles to spot. The gardens are open daily from 8 am to 5 pm.
Roodekrans Ridge
The Serene Natural Area is ideal for birdwatching, picnicking, and hiking. The area is home to numerous indigenous plants and wildlife. There are also trails and picnic tables available for visitors. A picnic lunch is a must when visiting this park.
The Walter Sisulu National Botanical Garden is a 300-hectare botanical reserve. It is home to various plants and animals, including Verreaux’s eagle. The park also has a gift shop and restaurant where visitors can purchase various indigenous plants native to South Africa. The garden is recognized as one of the world’s most beautiful botanical gardens.
Located on the Roodekrans Ridge in the West Rand, the Walter Sisulu National Botanical Garden is a lush oasis. It’s a popular picnic destination and is a great spot for watching Witpoortjie Waterfall. Visitors can also see Verreaux’s eagles soaring overhead. The park also boasts the four Big 5, a thriving bird population, and an impressive bird aviary.
The garden is located 30km from Johannesburg. The garden was first called the Transvaal National Botanical Garden and opened to the public in 1987. In 2004, the garden was renamed Walter Sisulu Botanical Garden. Sisulu was a South African politician and political leader who was a staunch advocate for democracy.
Roodekrans Ridge is part of the Garden of Eden nature reserve, home to several species of reptiles, antelope, and the occasional jackal. The garden is also home to a variety of walk trails. You can also go bird watching in the Sasol Dam and bird hide, where you can observe 226 different species of birds. Regardless of the season, Roodekrans Ridge is a serene picnic spot.
Witpoortjie Waterfall, located in reserve, is a scenic feature of the garden. Named by visitors in the late 19th century, this waterfall flows over three and a half kilometers into a natural pool at its bottom. There is a 3.5-km hiking trail that leads up to the top of the waterfall. Afterward, the trail continues around the reserve. The trail is not easy, so be prepared for some uphill climbs.
Cycad Garden
Visitors to the Cycad Garden at Walter Sisulu Botanical Gardens can see a variety of rare plants. The Cycad, or succulent plant, is native to southern Africa and is one of the most beautiful types of plants. The gardens feature several unique varieties, including the rare Wood’s Cycad. This cycad is the oldest living species in the world and is known as the “loneliest man in the world.” It is the last living specimen of its species and is considered the world’s most valuable cycad.
The Walter Sisulu Botanical Garden is one of the South African National Biodiversity Institute’s eight botanical gardens. The grounds cover approximately 270 hectares of natural vegetation. The centerpiece is Witpoortjie Falls, and the garden contains several other attractions, including the Waterwise Garden, the Cycad Garden, the Succulent Rockery, and a greenhouse. The gardens are located near the Humankind World Heritage Site Cradle, just 45 minutes from Johannesburg.
The gardens were opened to the public in 1987. The gardens were originally known as the Transvaal National Botanical Garden. Still, they were renamed in 2004 to honor Walter Sisulu, a leader of the ANC in the struggle for democracy in South Africa. The gardens are situated amidst the Rocky Highveld Grassland and a waterfall called Witpoortjie.
The Cycad Garden at Walter Sisululu Botanical Gardens is a popular attraction for visitors of all ages. The lush green lawns and rare bird species highlight this 300-hectare garden. The garden is free to visit, and the large and ample car park.
Succulent Rockery
The Succulent Rockery at Walter Sisu Botanical Gardens is a place of wonder. Surrounded by various succulent plants, the rockery is a natural sanctuary that attracts many birds, particularly during winter. The rock garden is accessed by a natural stone cobble path that connects various rock garden displays. Some parts of the rock garden are wheelchair accessible, while others are accessed via steps.
The People’s Plants Garden is located off the main path and is a great place to see different succulents. In addition, the Geological Garden has some very interesting rocks on display. There are also numerous educational information boards in various garden areas, including the Waterwise Garden and the Succulent Rockery.
The park is on 300 hectares and features a wide range of habitats. It features a Succulent Rockery garden and several other gardens, including a cycad garden, medicinal garden, water garden, fern trail, and bird and butterfly gardens. The park is home to more than 200 birds and small mammal species.
The Walter Sisulu Botanical Garden is a popular Johannesburg destination and one of the country’s eight national botanic gardens. Founded in 1982, the gardens have more than 300 acres of lush lawns and rare bird species. Despite their small size, the gardens are popular and attract visitors from far and wide.
The Succulent Rockery at Walter Sisu Botanical Gardens is home to some of the most interesting plant species in the country. You can view these amazing plants up close in their garden or hire a professional to show you the ins and outs of the succulent rockery. The garden is open to the public daily. Admission is free for children under six. Guided tours can be booked ahead of time. Information regarding prices and availability can be found on the website.
Eagles
If you want to witness a beautiful, majestic sight, visiting the Walter Sisulu Botanical Gardens is a must. The gardens are home to a pair of Black Eagles, also known as Verreaux’s Eagles. These magnificent birds have nestled at the Witpoortjie Waterfall gardens for the past thirty years. Recently, the eagle pair successfully reared a sub-adult chick and were encouraging the youngster to find its own home. They were also performing spectacular flying displays over the gardens against Roodekrans cliffs.
It has been several weeks since the eagles at Walter Sisulu Botanical Gardens hatched an egg. A member of the Black Eagle Project, Johann van den Berg reported that there had been a recent mating pair, but the Eagles have not laid any eggs yet. However, she reported that there is photographic evidence of an eagle pair bringing prey to their nest. The young female is still developing sexually and may fledge as early as September.
Eagles at the Walter Sisulu Botanical Gardens are a popular attraction during the breeding season. Black eagles lay their eggs in April/May, and the resulting chicks are incubated for 45 days. They will fledge in 97 days.
A visit to the Walter Sisulu Botanical Gardens is a great way to return to nature. Located 30km from Johannesburg, it is a beautiful oasis of greenery. It has been voted the top place to visit to return to nature in Gauteng for nine consecutive years.
The Walter Sisulu Botanical Garden is home to a Verreauxs’ eagle pair. This species breeds in KwaZulu-Natal province, and they nest in savanna and forest habitats. It is important to protect wildlife and protect its habitat.