If you and your family are staying put this festive season, Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo (JCPZ) has got you covered.
Margaret Arnolds, the MMC for Community Development, issued a statement on over 2 187 parks to choose from to experience the vibrance of the city.
Noeleen Mattera, the stakeholder and media relations officer, said: “Plan your staycation now for a tranquil, but jam-packed festive season and enjoy approximately 10 000 hectares of green spaces.
“With the relaxation of the Covid-19 lockdown regulations and the re-opening of parks, nature reserves and public swimming pools, you can now enjoy the best spots to relax. ‘Staycations’ have become increasingly popular and offer the most cost-effective and time-saving alternatives that are generally a short drive away.”
Spots to visit
A day at Johannesburg Zoo
With a huge variety of endangered and threatened animals, birds, reptiles and rare species, the Joburg Zoo stretches across 55 hectares under a dense tree canopy.
The zoo caters for the young and not-so-young at heart and remains one of the most loved outdoor spaces for locals and tourists alike.
It houses over 320 species of animals and approximately 2 000 animals, is open to the public daily from 8.30 until 16.30, including weekends, Christmas and New Year’s days.
On offer is the exciting Animals of the Amazon, live exhibit with a walk-through aquarium, viewings of the newborn giraffes and cheetahs and the Big 5, right on your doorstep.
Visitors are urged to make use of any of the ample parking facilities and to refrain from parking on the street.
Entrance to the facility varies between R120 to R85 with a festive season offering on www.hyperli.com for pre-purchased of between R60-R40 per person.
A romantic evening at the Festival of Lights
The zoo is also co-hosting the Festival of the Lights daily from November 23 to January 3 with a collection of illuminated life-size animal characters and festive-themed lighting.
The evening offering under the Joburg skies has seen families and couples come out in their numbers to enjoy music and dance in the safe and secure Joburg Zoo.
Tickets for the festival are available at R90 for pensioners, R75 for kids and R150 for adults online at www.joburgtheatre.com or by calling 0861 670 670 for group bookings or www.webtickets.co.za and at selected Pick n Pay stores.
Pre-purchase tickets on www.joburgtheatre.co.za in November to enjoy a 50 per cent discount on entrances.
“The Joburg Zoo is internationally accredited and maintains a high standard of animal welfare and ethical conduct to safeguard the well-being of all its animals in its care.
Hiking
“Hiking has taken off in Joburg during the lockdown.
“More and more residents are seeking, entrance-free day activities with scenic views to feed the soul.
“Facilities such as The Wilds, the Klipriviersberg Nature Reserve, The Kloofendal Nature Reserve, Lonehill and Melville Koppies and the Northcliff Hill are being explored by both nature enthusiasts and novice photographers, alike.
“Pack a sandwich and a water bottle and tackle these easy walks with a sun-hat, camera and the children in toe,” said Noeleen.
The Wilds
This 16 hectares nature reserve is a natural forest and was declared a heritage site in February 2019.
Situated on the outskirts of Houghton and amongst koppies, this pristine setting is surrounded by indigenous gardens, lush vegetation and nooks of shaded pathways.
Atop the koppies, one can witness great views of the Joburg skyline with abundant trees, away from the bustle of Jozi.
The Wilds offers users a tranquil, pristine natural environment.
With natural running waterfalls and fountains, it is a great escape, in the heart of the urban jungle.
Klipriviersberg Nature Reserve (KNR)
This nature reserve is a popular destination for the avid hiker. Sprawling across 680 hectares of open veld and koppies, KNR is home to approximately 150 bird species, 600 plant species, wildlife, including blesbok, zebra and duiker.
This outdoor haven is also a rich archaeological site. It boasts the highest concentration of identified Iron Age sites on the Witwatersrand.
The reserve is fenced and has several nature trails and hikes, ranging from short sharp walks to a 9km hike.
Thokoza Park
A firm favourite for residents living in Soweto.
Thokoza Park is popular for its lush green lawns, large decade-old trees, paved footpaths, modern playground equipment and the scenic Moroka Dam running through it.
This 4.5 hectares space popularly enjoyed by all boasts a heritage site where Nelson Mandela planted a tree and unveiled a mural.
It is ideally set for summer picnics, family braais and spending time in the great outdoors.
The lawns are pristine with park benches, bins and enough shaded trees for a lazy afternoon with family and friends.
Children can enjoy the play equipment while exploring nature away from the bustle of the streets.
Go to www.jhbcityparksandzoo.com.
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