Five ways to enjoy the outdoors this winter
JOBURG – City Parks and Zoo put together the following tips to stay active and have fun outdoors through winter.
You may have traded your slops and sandals for fuzzy winter socks and boots already, but there’s absolutely no need to stop enjoying the outdoors in the city of Joburg this winter.
Jenny Moodley, spokesperson of Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo, said, “We recently launched a new campaign called ‘Welcome Outside’. The aim is to invite Joburg’s residents into environmental open spaces. These areas have been developed and maintained for everyone’s enjoyment.”
In order to encourage individuals to enjoy the outdoors when the days are sunny City Parks and Zoo put together the following tips:
• Do your exercise outside – Whether it’s a walk or a jog, as long as you wear layers of clothes and protect your skin, you can definitely exercise outside. Looking for a great location? Visit Golden Harvest Park. Located on First Avenue, Northgate, this park features rolling walks around a dam and indigenous bushveld.
• Watch wildlife – The bushes thin out and lose colour, improving visibility considerably. Kloofendal Nature Reserve is a great place to start as it is home to a number of small mammals such as the duiker, mountain reebuck, dassie, mongoose, hedgehog, black-backed jackal, mole rat, gerbil and mole.
• Something for the kids – The Wilgeheuwel Xtreme Park was created in one day; the formations were laid, the trees planted and the equipment brought in as part of the ‘Extreme Park Makeover’. This park is perfect for children as it features swings, roundabouts and a picnic area. Dogs are also allowed at this park.
• Escape the inner city – The popular Walter Sisulu National Botanical Garden offers a great escape from the inner city and boasts lush lawns and the opportunity to spot rare bird species. Take a walk on the many meandering trails, spend some peaceful time along the Sasol Dam or enjoy the abundant wildlife. The garden has over 220 bird species recorded on site and is also home to a number of reptiles and small mammals, including antelope and jackals.
• Visit Joburg Zoo – The zoo is one of the most popular local attractions in Joburg. Go on a guided tour during the day or night, feed the animals at the specified feeding times, get involved by adopting an animal, by volunteering or host your next winter wonderland themed event at the zoo.
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