Gardens in the City Private Tour in Johannesburg
Johannesburg, South Africa
Trip Type: Private Sightseeing Tours
Duration: 8 hours
For a great escape from the bustle of the city without having to venture too far, this day is dedicated to visiting three of the most prominent gardens in and around Johannesburg. The tour not only explores the natural beauty of areas dedicated to conserving the botanical heritage of South Africa, but also the fauna, including the many bird species who call these gardens home.
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For a great escape from the bustle of the city without having to venture too far, this day is dedicated to visiting three of the most prominent gardens in and around Johannesburg. The tour not only explores the natural beauty of areas dedicated to conserving the botanical heritage of South Africa, but also the fauna, including the many bird species who call these gardens home.The day commences in Fourways, with a delightfully entertaining visit to the Montecasino Bird Gardens, the only bird park of its kind in Africa and the best kept secret in Johannesburg. Here, you can wander along enchanted walkways within magnificent gardens and marvel at a variety of colorful birds, mammals, reptiles and unusual animals from around the world. In the walk-through Aviary, you'll find over 60 species of birds including Scarlet Ibises, and Nicobar pigeons, reptiles and small mammals, with smaller antelope wandering freely in the undergrowth.
Close-by, is the opportunity for a birds-eye view of Johannesburg on a 15 minute balloon ride. This large helium balloon is tethered to an underground cable. The cable is released slowly via a sophisticated engine and coil system, and uses safe helium gas, which is lighter than air (own expense).
Should you wish, you could witness the Flights of Fantasy, during which the talented show birds captivate audiences with breathtaking displays of unrestrained flight. Show time is daily at 11am.
Continue from Fourways to the Walter Sisulu Botanical Garden. This 300 hectare (741 acres) botanical garden was only founded in 1982, however, the site itself has been a popular destination for many decades. Visit the garden's Witpoortjie Waterfall and try to spot the nesting pair of Verreaux's (black) eagles that call the cliffs near the waterfall home. This is the only known pair of Verreaux's eagles in Johannesburg.
Of the 600 plant species growing naturally in the Walter Sisulu Botanical Gardens, look out for the vast collection of lithops, small succulents that look like small stones, which are indigenous to southern Africa. The Cycad Garden and the Succulent Rockery are also worth exploring for their diverse stocks of rare plants, some endangered.
Lunch may be enjoyed at the restaurant on site at the Walter Sisulu Botanical Gardens (own expense) before continuing to the Brenthurst Garden. Brenthurst is one of South Africa's most magnificent gardens. In a city dedicated to change, it has enjoyed a unique continuity. Its trees and shrubs, planted over generations, have had the rare luxury of time and space to grow to a spectacular maturity. Within these 16 hectares (39 acres) of what is essentially woodland, gardens of different styles and moods, formal, informal and wild, have evolved over time and with the help of a succession of remarkable gardeners into a harmonious whole. The 21st century has brought a new era of naturalism, and a pioneering new role for the garden.
Close-by, is the opportunity for a birds-eye view of Johannesburg on a 15 minute balloon ride. This large helium balloon is tethered to an underground cable. The cable is released slowly via a sophisticated engine and coil system, and uses safe helium gas, which is lighter than air (own expense).
Should you wish, you could witness the Flights of Fantasy, during which the talented show birds captivate audiences with breathtaking displays of unrestrained flight. Show time is daily at 11am.
Continue from Fourways to the Walter Sisulu Botanical Garden. This 300 hectare (741 acres) botanical garden was only founded in 1982, however, the site itself has been a popular destination for many decades. Visit the garden's Witpoortjie Waterfall and try to spot the nesting pair of Verreaux's (black) eagles that call the cliffs near the waterfall home. This is the only known pair of Verreaux's eagles in Johannesburg.
Of the 600 plant species growing naturally in the Walter Sisulu Botanical Gardens, look out for the vast collection of lithops, small succulents that look like small stones, which are indigenous to southern Africa. The Cycad Garden and the Succulent Rockery are also worth exploring for their diverse stocks of rare plants, some endangered.
Lunch may be enjoyed at the restaurant on site at the Walter Sisulu Botanical Gardens (own expense) before continuing to the Brenthurst Garden. Brenthurst is one of South Africa's most magnificent gardens. In a city dedicated to change, it has enjoyed a unique continuity. Its trees and shrubs, planted over generations, have had the rare luxury of time and space to grow to a spectacular maturity. Within these 16 hectares (39 acres) of what is essentially woodland, gardens of different styles and moods, formal, informal and wild, have evolved over time and with the help of a succession of remarkable gardeners into a harmonious whole. The 21st century has brought a new era of naturalism, and a pioneering new role for the garden.
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