Walter Sisulu National Botanical Garden – Roodepoort, West Rand, Johannesburg

The Great Outdoors on Your Doorstep

The sight and sound of rushing water of the Witpoortjie Waterfall, gushing from a height of 70 metres is totally invigorating for any city-dweller and nature lover. The Walter Sisulu National Botanical Garden is home to a pair of breeding Verreaux’s Eagles which are the proud symbols of this haven of biodiversity! Should one be so lucky as to view the pair or one of the pair that makes one’s journey to the Garden even more rewarding than anticipated watching their regal ownership of the air currents above blue skies is an almost spiritual, uplifting experience while the spray of the waterfall dampens the surrounding air at the base of this magnificent natural treasure.

Over a weekend the Botanical Garden welcomes many visitors to the grounds but as the grounds are so large and expansive and well treed you don’t feel crowded and can find a private place under a shady tree to picnic or walk the various paths and trails. One feels the full extent of being one with nature as one explores these paths and examines the vast array of indigenous plants, plants that are rarely found in one’s back yard or other parts of Johannesburg. My sentiment is shared by many as the Garden has been voted “Best Picnic Spot to Get Back to Nature” no less than six times. It is a photographer's delight and whether you have top of the range photographic equipment or an entry level digital camera you will find plenty of nature’s bounty to capture.

Bird & Butterfly Garden

 
The Dell

Reflection Pond

 
Lily of the Valley

Where Eagles Soar

What’s On – Old Mutual Music in the Gardens

12 May - P J Powers
26 May – Zonke Dikana

28 July – Mi Casa

1 Sep – Prime Circle

15 September - Mafikizolo

www.ticketbreak.co.za  or ticket sales on the day at the gate

Eagle’s Fare Restaurant

A family picnic is the ideal weekend retreat but if you feel like treating yourself to the buffet lunch at the Eagle’s Fare Restaurant or their relaxed outdoor patio menu this is a great way to spend a Sunday! They also have Astronomy evenings which sound rather intriguing!

Tel: 082 671 8382 / 083 414 9843 www.eaglesfare.co.za

Named After

Walter Max Ulyate Sisulu (18 May 1912 – 5 May 2003) was a South African anti-apartheid activist and member of the African National Congress (ANC), serving at times as Secretary-General and Deputy President of the organisation. He was jailed at Robben Island, where he served more than 25 years. He married Albertina in 1944, Nelson Mandela was best man at their wedding. The couple had five children, and adopted four more.