Dlamini BlessingJohannesburg is a city of contrasts. Skyscrapers and mine dumps sit alongside sprawling parks and nature reserves. The city is often called the world’s largest man-made forest, with over 10 million trees. For picnickers, this means an embarrassment of riches.
Whether you want a quiet spot under a jacaranda, a lakeside afternoon with the family, or a rugged bush experience without leaving the city limits, Johannesburg has it all.
This guide ranks the top 20 picnic spots in Johannesburg for 2026. We cover facilities, safety, best times to visit, and what makes each spot unique.
Top 20 Picnic Spots in Johannesburg: Complete Guide
How The Spots Were Selected
We considered:
– Accessibility and safety.
– Facilities: toilets, braai areas, play parks.
– Natural beauty and ambiance.
– Crowd levels and best times to visit.
– Unique features like dams, hiking trails, or wildlife.
1. Johannesburg Botanical Garden and Emmarentia Dam
Location: Emmarentia
Entry fee: Free
Facilities: Toilets, braai areas, benches, walking trails
Best for: Families, couples, dog walkers
The Johannesburg Botanical Garden is the city’s premier picnic destination. With 81 hectares of manicured gardens, rolling lawns, and the adjacent Emmarentia Dam, there is space for everyone.
What makes it special:
– The rose garden is world-class, with over 4,000 rose bushes.
– The dam offers paddle boating and fishing.
– Multiple lawn areas mean you can always find a quiet spot.
– The delta park across the dam is perfect for dog walking.
Facilities:
– Public toilets near the restaurant.
– Designated braai areas with grids.
– Benches and tables throughout.
– Parking is plentiful but fills up on weekends.
Best time: Weekday mornings for solitude. Sunday afternoons for people-watching.
2. Delta Park
Location: Victory Park
Entry fee: Free
Facilities: Toilets, braai areas, walking trails
Best for: Dog owners, joggers, nature lovers
Delta Park is one of Johannesburg’s largest green spaces, covering 100 hectares along the Braamfontein Spruit. It is less formal than the Botanical Garden but equally beautiful.
What makes it special:
– The Braamfontein Spruit runs through the park, creating natural wetlands.
– Extensive walking and cycling trails.
– Designated off-leash areas for dogs.
– Bird hide for birdwatchers.
Facilities:
– Public toilets at the main entrance.
– Braai areas with grids.
– Plenty of open lawn.
– Parking at multiple points along the park.
Best time: Early morning for walks. Late afternoon for sunset picnics.
3. James and Ethel Gray Park
Location: Melrose
Entry fee: Free
Facilities: Toilets, benches, walking trails
Best for: Couples, small groups, views
This park sits on a hilltop in Melrose, offering one of the best views of the Johannesburg skyline. It is smaller than the big municipal parks but has a charm all its own.
What makes it special:
– Panoramic views of the city and the Magaliesberg.
– The park is built around a series of rocky outcrops.
– Perfect for sunset picnics with a glass of wine.
– Popular for small wedding ceremonies.
Facilities:
– Public toilets.
– Benches and shaded areas.
– Walking paths.
– Limited parking.
Best time: Late afternoon for sunset.
4. Zoo Lake
Location: Parkview
Entry fee: Free
Facilities: Toilets, restaurant, paddle boats, playground
Best for: Families, romantic dates, weekend outings
Zoo Lake is Johannesburg’s most famous picnic spot. It has been a city institution for over a century. The lake, the lawns, and the towering trees create a classic park experience.
What makes it special:
– The lake itself, with paddle boats for hire.
– The Zoo Lake Restaurant for when you forget the picnic basket.
– Mature oak and plane trees provide ample shade.
– Bustling weekend atmosphere with musicians and vendors.
Facilities:
– Public toilets.
– Restaurant and coffee shop.
– Paddle boat hire.
– Children’s playground.
– Plenty of parking but arrives early on weekends.
Best time: Any day, but weekends are lively.
5. Marks Park Sports Club
Location: Emmarentia
Entry fee: Free
Facilities: Toilets, braai areas, sports fields, playground
Best for: Active families, sports lovers
Marks Park is primarily a sports club, but the surrounding lawns and braai areas are open to the public. It is a great spot for families who want to combine a picnic with tennis, bowls, or swimming.
What makes it special:
– Tennis courts, bowling greens, and swimming pools available for hire.
– Large open lawns for picnics.
– Designated braai areas with grids.
– Children’s playground.
Facilities:
– Public toilets.
– Braai areas.
– Sports facilities (fees apply).
– Ample parking.
Best time: Weekends when the sports clubs are active.
6. Emmarentia Dam Grasslands
Location: Emmarentia
Entry fee: Free
Facilities: None (wilderness area)
Best for: Nature lovers, photographers, quiet seekers
Adjacent to the Botanical Garden, the Emmarentia Dam grasslands are a wilder, less manicured alternative. The area is left to grow naturally, attracting birds and small wildlife.
What makes it special:
– Wild, natural feel within the city.
– Excellent birdwatching.
– Fewer crowds than the Botanical Garden.
– Beautiful light for photography in late afternoon.
Facilities:
– No toilets or braai areas.
– Parking along the road.
Best time: Weekday afternoons.
7. Melville Koppies
Location: Melville
Entry fee: R30 (guided tours)
Facilities: None
Best for: Hikers, history buffs, nature enthusiasts
Melville Koppies is a nature reserve and heritage site, not a traditional picnic spot. But for those who want to combine a picnic with a hike and a lesson in Johannesburg’s geological and human history, it is perfect.
What makes it special:
– 200 hectares of untouched koppies.
– Iron Age furnace sites and San rock paintings.
– Panoramic views of the city.
– Guided walks on Sundays.
Facilities:
– No toilets or braai areas.
– Limited parking.
Best time: Sunday mornings for guided walks. Picnic after the hike.
8. Johannesburg Zoo
Location: Parkview
Entry fee: R120 adults, R75 children
Facilities: Toilets, restaurants, benches
Best for: Families with young children
The Johannesburg Zoo allows picnics on their lawns. It is a great way to combine a day with the animals with a relaxed family lunch.
What makes it special:
– Picnic next to the animal enclosures.
– Shaded lawns throughout the zoo.
– Multiple restaurants and kiosks.
– Play areas for children.
Facilities:
– Public toilets.
– Restaurants.
– Benches and tables.
– Ample parking.
Best time: Weekdays to avoid crowds.
9. Walter Sisulu National Botanical Garden
Location: Roodepoort
Entry fee: R50 adults, R25 children
Facilities: Toilets, restaurant, braai areas, hiking trails
Best for: Families, couples, birdwatchers
Technically in Roodepoort, but close enough for Joburgers to claim it. The Walter Sisulu Garden is one of South Africa’s most beautiful botanical gardens.
What makes it special:
– The Witpoortjie Waterfall, spectacular after rains.
– Breeding pair of Verreaux’s eagles on the cliffs.
– Extensive landscaped gardens and natural areas.
– Designated braai areas with grids.
Facilities:
– Public toilets.
– Restaurant and coffee shop.
– Braai areas.
– Hiking trails.
– Ample parking.
Best time: Weekday mornings for peace. Weekends are busy but vibrant.
10. Klipriviersberg Nature Reserve
Location: Kibler Park
Entry fee: Free
Facilities: Toilets at entrance, hiking trails
Best for: Hikers, historians, nature lovers
Klipriviersberg is a 680-hectare nature reserve on Johannesburg’s southern edge. It offers a true bush experience without leaving the city.
What makes it special:
– Extensive hiking trails through grasslands and koppies.
– Abundance of wildlife: zebra, blesbok, and over 200 bird species.
– Remains of Iron Age settlements and Anglo-Boer War sites.
– Panoramic views of the city.
Facilities:
– Toilets at the main entrance.
– Picnic tables near the parking area.
– No braai facilities.
Best time: Early morning for hikes. Picnic at the designated tables after.
11. Modderfontein Reserve
Location: Modderfontein
Entry fee: R40 adults, R20 children
Facilities: Toilets, braai areas, hiking trails
Best for: Families, mountain bikers, birdwatchers
Modderfontein Reserve is a hidden gem in the East Rand. It offers 275 hectares of grassland and wetland, with excellent facilities for picnics.
What makes it special:
– Well-maintained picnic sites with braai grids.
– Extensive mountain biking and hiking trails.
– Bird hide overlooking a wetland.
– Educational centre for children.
Facilities:
– Public toilets.
– Braai areas with grids.
– Picnic tables.
– Ample parking.
Best time: Weekends are popular. Arrive early.
12. Beaulieu Lake
Location: Kyalami
Entry fee: Free
Facilities: Benches, walking trails
Best for: Couples, quiet afternoons
Beaulieu Lake is a small, private lake in the Kyalami estate area. It is open to the public and offers a serene setting for a quiet picnic.
What makes it special:
– The lake itself, with waterfowl and weeping willows.
– Benches and small lawns around the water.
– Peaceful atmosphere, away from city noise.
– Popular for wedding photographs.
Facilities:
– No toilets.
– No braai areas.
– Street parking only.
Best time: Weekday afternoons.
13. Thokoza Park
Location: Soweto
Entry fee: Free
Facilities: Toilets, braai areas, playground, sports fields
Best for: Soweto residents, families, cultural experience
Thokoza Park is Soweto’s largest public park. It underwent a major renovation and is now a vibrant community space.
What makes it special:
– Large lawns and shady trees.
– Designated braai areas.
– Children’s playground and skate park.
– Sports fields for soccer and cricket.
– Reflects the vibrant energy of Soweto.
Facilities:
– Public toilets.
– Braai areas with grids.
– Playground.
– Ample parking.
Best time: Weekends when the community is out in force.
14. Jukskei Park
Location: Randburg
Entry fee: Free
Facilities: Benches, walking trails
Best for: Dog walkers, joggers, quiet picnics
Jukskei Park is a linear park along the Jukskei River in Randburg. It is popular with local residents for walks and quiet picnics.
What makes it special:
– The river, though often dry, creates a green corridor.
– Mature trees provide shade.
– Walking and cycling paths.
– Less crowded than the big municipal parks.
Facilities:
– No toilets.
– No braai areas.
– Benches along the path.
– Street parking.
Best time: Early mornings and late afternoons.
15. Rietvlei Zoo Farm
Location: Muldersdrift
Entry fee: R50 adults, R30 children
Facilities: Toilets, restaurant, animal farm, playground
Best for: Families with young children
Rietvlei Zoo Farm is a working farm and animal sanctuary just outside Johannesburg. It offers a unique picnic experience combined with farm animal interactions.
What makes it special:
– Children can feed and pet farm animals.
– Tractor rides around the farm.
– Large lawns with picnic tables.
– Restaurant and coffee shop.
Facilities:
– Public toilets.
– Restaurant.
– Picnic tables.
– Ample parking.
Best time: Weekends, but arrive early to avoid queues.
16. Groenkloof Nature Reserve
Location: Pretoria (southern edge)
Entry fee: R40 adults, R20 children
Facilities: Toilets, braai areas, hiking trails, restaurant
Best for: Hikers, mountain bikers, families
Groenkloof is Africa’s first proclaimed nature reserve, established in 1895. It is technically in Pretoria but easily accessible from northern Johannesburg.
What makes it special:
– Historic significance as the first game reserve.
– Abundant wildlife: giraffe, zebra, and antelope.
– Extensive hiking and mountain biking trails.
– Beautiful picnic sites with braai grids.
Facilities:
– Public toilets.
– Braai areas.
– Restaurant.
– Ample parking.
Best time: Weekdays for solitude. Weekends for the buzz.
17. Leeuwkop Correctional Farm
Location: Sunninghill
Entry fee: R50 per car
Facilities: Toilets, braai areas, restaurant
Best for: Large groups, corporate picnics
Leeuwkop Prison Farm has a section open to the public for picnics. It is a vast, open space perfect for large gatherings.
What makes it special:
– Huge lawns that can accommodate hundreds.
– Designated braai areas with grids.
– Restaurant and tuck shop.
– Safe, controlled environment.
Facilities:
– Public toilets.
– Braai areas.
– Restaurant.
– Ample parking.
Best time: Weekends for large group bookings.
18. Gillooly’s Farm
Location: Bedfordview
Entry fee: Free
Facilities: Toilets, braai areas, restaurant, playground
Best for: Families, large groups
Gillooly’s Farm is a historic site on the edge of Bedfordview. It offers extensive lawns, a lake, and excellent facilities.
What makes it special:
– Large dam with waterfowl.
– Designated braai areas with grids.
– Children’s playground.
– Restaurant and function venue.
Facilities:
– Public toilets.
– Braai areas.
– Restaurant.
– Ample parking.
Best time: Weekends are busy. Weekdays are quiet.
19. Van Riebeeck Park
Location: Kensington
Entry fee: Free
Facilities: Toilets, playground, walking trails
Best for: Kensington residents, quiet afternoons
Van Riebeeck Park is a small, charming park in the historic suburb of Kensington. It is popular with local families and offers a peaceful escape.
What makes it special:
– Shady trees and well-kept lawns.
– Children’s playground.
– Walking paths.
– Quiet, suburban atmosphere.
Facilities:
– Public toilets.
– Playground.
– Benches.
– Street parking.
Best time: Weekday afternoons.
20. Bruma Lake Flea Market and Picnic Area
Location: Bruma
Entry fee: Free (market entry free)
Facilities: Toilets, restaurants, market stalls
Best for: Shoppers, families, weekend outings
Bruma Lake is not just a picnic spot; it is a destination. The lake is surrounded by lawns, restaurants, and the famous Bruma Flea Market.
What makes it special:
– The flea market offers thousands of goods.
– Multiple restaurants and fast-food outlets.
– Pedal boats on the lake.
– Vibrant weekend atmosphere.
Facilities:
– Public toilets.
– Restaurants.
– Market stalls.
– Ample parking.
Best time: Sundays for the full market experience.
Picnic Spots Comparison
| Spot | Entry Fee | Toilets | Braai | Playground | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Botanical Garden | Free | Yes | Yes | No | Families, couples |
| Delta Park | Free | Yes | Yes | No | Dog owners |
| James & Ethel Gray | Free | Yes | No | No | Views, couples |
| Zoo Lake | Free | Yes | No | Yes | Families, dates |
| Marks Park | Free | Yes | Yes | Yes | Active families |
| Emmarentia Grasslands | Free | No | No | No | Nature lovers |
| Melville Koppies | R30 | No | No | No | Hikers |
| Johannesburg Zoo | R120 | Yes | No | Yes | Families |
| Walter Sisulu | R50 | Yes | Yes | No | Families, birders |
| Klipriviersberg | Free | Yes | No | No | Hikers |
| Modderfontein | R40 | Yes | Yes | No | Families, bikers |
| Beaulieu Lake | Free | No | No | No | Couples |
| Thokoza Park | Free | Yes | Yes | Yes | Soweto vibes |
| Jukskei Park | Free | No | No | No | Dog walkers |
| Rietvlei Zoo Farm | R50 | Yes | No | Yes | Young children |
| Groenkloof | R40 | Yes | Yes | No | Hikers, families |
| Leeuwkop | R50 | Yes | Yes | No | Large groups |
| Gillooly’s | Free | Yes | Yes | Yes | Families |
| Van Riebeeck | Free | Yes | No | Yes | Quiet afternoons |
| Bruma Lake | Free | Yes | No | No | Shopping, eating |
Insights
- Best for families: Zoo Lake, Marks Park, Gillooly’s, and Rietvlei Zoo Farm stand out with playgrounds and family-friendly setups.
- Best for nature lovers & hikers: Emmarentia Grasslands, Melville Koppies, Klipriviersberg, and Groenkloof provide natural, scenic escapes.
- Best for couples: Botanical Garden, James & Ethel Gray, Beaulieu Lake, and Van Riebeeck offer quiet, romantic settings.
- Unique vibes: Thokoza Park brings a lively Soweto atmosphere, while Bruma Lake blends leisure with nearby shopping and dining.
- Budget-friendly: Most spots are free, with only a handful charging modest entry fees (R30–R120).
This table shows how Johannesburg and surrounding areas offer a diverse mix of picnic spots, from tranquil gardens to lively parks, catering to families, couples, hikers, and social gatherings.
Picnic Essentials Checklist
– Blanket or groundsheet.
– Sunscreen and hats.
– Insect repellent.
– Cooler bag with drinks and snacks.
– Reusable plates and cutlery.
– Rubbish bags. Leave no trace.
– Portable braai if allowed.
– Games: frisbee, ball, cards.
– Power bank for phones.
Safety Tips For Johannesburg Picnics
– Stick to well-populated areas.
– Do not leave valuables visible in cars.
– Keep an eye on children near water.
– Arrive and leave in daylight where possible.
– Use designated parking areas.
– Trust your instincts. If an area feels unsafe, move.
Common Questions, SEO FAQ Section
Are picnics allowed in Johannesburg parks?
Yes. Most municipal parks and nature reserves allow picnics. Some require permits for large groups or commercial photography.
Do I need to book a picnic spot?
For most public parks, no. For nature reserves like Walter Sisulu or Modderfontein, no booking is needed. For large groups at Leeuwkop or Gillooly’s, booking is recommended.
Can I braai at Johannesburg picnic spots?
Yes at designated spots. Parks like Botanical Garden, Delta Park, and Walter Sisulu have braai areas with grids. Never braai on the grass.
Are dogs allowed at picnic spots?
At some parks, yes. Delta Park and Jukskei Park are dog-friendly. Botanical Garden allows dogs on leads. Zoo Lake and Walter Sisulu have restrictions.
What is the best time for a picnic in Johannesburg?
Spring (September to November) and autumn (March to May) have perfect weather. Summer afternoons often bring thunderstorms. Winter days are sunny but cold in shade.
Are there picnic spots with swimming?
Not in public parks. Emmarentia Dam and Zoo Lake have water but swimming is not allowed. Rietvlei Zoo Farm has no swimming. Private resorts offer swimming.
Can I have a picnic at night?
Not recommended. Most parks close at sunset. Night picnics are unsafe in most areas.
Do I need to pay for parking?
At most parks, parking is free. At Zoo Lake and Walter Sisulu, there is ample free parking. At Bruma Lake, parking is free but security is advised.
Are there restaurants near picnic spots?
Zoo Lake has a restaurant. Walter Sisulu has a coffee shop. Bruma Lake has multiple restaurants. Most other spots require you to bring your own food.
Can I host a birthday party at a picnic spot?
Yes, for small groups. For large parties, check with the relevant municipality or reserve a designated party area.
Summary: Which Picnic Spot Is Right For You?
Choose Johannesburg Botanical Garden if:
– You want a classic park experience.
– You need good facilities.
– You are with family or friends.
Choose Delta Park if:
– You have a dog.
– You want to walk or cycle.
– You prefer a natural feel.
Choose James and Ethel Gray if:
– You want city views.
– You are planning a romantic sunset picnic.
– You want a smaller, quieter spot.
Choose Zoo Lake if:
– You love the classic Joburg vibe.
– You want paddle boats and a restaurant.
– You enjoy people-watching.
Choose Walter Sisulu if:
– You are willing to drive to Roodepoort.
– You want waterfalls and eagles.
– You appreciate botanical beauty.
Choose Thokoza Park if:
– You want to experience Soweto.
– You are with a large family group.
– You want vibrant community energy.
Choose Rietvlei Zoo Farm if:
– You have young children.
– You want farm animal interactions.
– You need a safe, enclosed space.
Final Warning: Leave No Trace
Johannesburg’s parks are beautiful because people care for them. Take your rubbish home. Do not damage trees. Respect the wildlife. Keep the parks clean for the next picnicker.
Official Resources:
– City of Johannesburg Parks: www.joburg.org.za
– Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo: www.jhbcityparks.com
– SANParks (Groenkloof, Walter Sisulu): www.sanparks.org
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This guide was last updated for 2026 standards. Park facilities, entry fees, and operating hours are subject to change without notice. Always verify current information before visiting.