Suikerbosrand Nature Reserve

Situated about an hours drive to the South of Johannesburg lies a nature reserve that is well known to birders, hikers and cyclists. The reserve is named after the Transvaal Sugar-bush (Protea caffra), which occurs chiefly in the eastern and south-eastern parts. The basic objectives of the nature reserve are to “conserve the natural environment ensuring that plant and animal species diversity is maintained and provide open-air outside recreation, environmental education and research opportunities”.

There are several trails in the reserve and more information can be found on the website. The Cheetah Trail is 4km and takes approximately 1.5hours. The Bokmakierie Day Trail is 10 or 11.5km. There are overnight huts along the hiking trail if you would like to do an overnight hike (self-guided and plan your own route).

Cussonia paniculata towering above us on the Toktokkie Trail

The tar road through the reserve provides the ideal challenge for cyclists as a single loop is 60 km and if you are even fitter you can add the second loop. We drove (this time, hopefully more cycling in the future) and enjoyed the views, stopping to walk short distances to look out points. Once back at the Base Camp (Diepkloof Picnic Area) we walked the short 700m Toktokkie Trail that winds up a gentle hill and provides a lovely view over the reserve. The trail is wheelchair friendly and the paved pathway has several signage boards along the route. The boards provide insights into nature that can be seen along the trail such as cabbage trees, aloes and lichen covered rocks. We also spotted several birds and some zebra.

Toktokkie Trail with Information Boards

We visited the reserve in winter so you can see the grasses are all yellow and the veld often burnt. In summer this reserve is all shades of green and filled with birdsong.

The vegetation is grassland with two grassland types namely Moist Cool Grassland and Rocky Highveld Grassland. Clumps of trees, especially White stinkwood (Celtis africana), Highveld cabbage tree (Cussonia paniculata), Ouhout (Leucosidea sericea), Sweet Thorn (Acacia karroo), the Highveld Protea (Protea caffra), and the Common Guarri (Euclea undulata) can be found.

The reserve boasts small and large game such as zebra, wildebees and antelope as well as excellent birdlife. A variety of habitats (high altitude grassland, rocky outcrops, wooded valleys, protea woodland and wetlands) provide excellent opportunities to see the abundant birdlife and over 270 species have been recorded (See Birdlife South Africa Post). We even spotted a snake warming itself on the tar road and climbed out to get a closer look.

Large parking area for cyclists and hikers

After exploring we enjoyed a picnic at the children’s play area next to the parking area. There are jungle gyms, a trampoline and trees with benches below to sit on.

Visiting this reserve is certainly a memorable nature experience and you may even find yourself singing “Suikerbos Ek wil jou he” on your way home.

https://www.friendsofsuikerbosrand.co.za/

COHEN, C. SPOTTISWOODE, C. & ROSSOUW, J. 2006 Southern African Birdfinder. Cape Town: Struik Nature

Walter Sisulu Botanical Garden

Sculpture of Walter Sisulu at the Walter Sisulu National Botanical Gardens

Walter Sisulu National Botanical Gardens (WSNBG), located in Roodepoort Johannesburg, is an incredibly beautiful garden filled with indigenous gardening inspiration. The nature reserve covers over 300 hectares and was established in 1982. While there are several hikes and trails through the reserve the 25 hectares that are cultivated as gardens gives one ample opportunity to explore this botanical beauty. A highlight of visiting this garden is the beautiful Witpoortjie Waterfall which cascades into a calm stream that meanders through the gardens.

History

In the later 1800s the nearest stop for people to visit the gardens was the railway station in Krugersdorp named Witpoortjie Railway Station, which is believed to be where the waterfall received its name. The gardens were first known as the Transvaal National Botanic Garden and could only be visited by special arrangement. In 1987 it was opened to the public daily as the Witwatersrand National Botanical Garden. In March 2004 it was renamed the Walter Sisulu National Botanical Garden in honour of the late ANC stalwart Mr Walter Sisulu (1912-2003). Walter Sisulu is best known for leading the struggle for a democratic South Africa together with former president Nelson Mandela. (SANBI)

Upon entering the WSNBG one is welcomed by circular stone clad walls surrounding a water feature and statue of Walter Sisulu. We visited in December when they had festive light displays and you could visit the garden in the evening to see the Christmas lights. They often have other events and festivals which are popular and well attended.

Gardens

Following the path past the concert lawn you will be enticed to explore several planted areas off the main path including the Geological Garden, People’s Plants Garden and the Succulent Rockery. The Geological Garden has some interesting and beautiful rocks on display. In the Succulent Rockery you will find many different types of succulents. with stone pathways meandering its way through. Throughout the garden there are information boards with explanations to learn from. The Waterwise Garden also has educational information on how to conserve water in your garden.

Restaurant

If you continue on the main path you will arrive at the restaurant on your left and children’s play area on your right and if you carry on further you will reach the waterfall area. The restaurant has a tea garden where you can sit and relax and this venue can also be hired for functions. This is a lovely place for a picnic below the large trees.

Restaurant

Children’s Playground

Waterfall

The Witpoortjie Waterfall is a natural waterfall fed by springs upstream and is 70m high. It is regarded as the source of the Crocodile River which flows into Hartebeespoort Dam. Picnicking on the lawn at the waterfall is not allowed because of the high foot traffic in this area. A remarkable Olinia emarginata (Mountain Hard Pear) is in the centre of the lawn and although struck by lightning several years ago it is still alive and being supported to prevent it from falling over.

Birdlife

Over 240 bird species have been recorded in the gardens and it is a renowned breeding spot for Verreaux's Eagles (formerly known as Black Eagles) and popular with birding enthusiasts. The bird list can be requested from sisulugarden@sanbi.org.za

Vegetation

The Garden consists of three main natural vegetation types: Northern Afrotemperate Forest, Egoli Granite Grassland and Gold Reef Mountain Bushveld. This variety of habitats includes over 600 naturally occurring plant species. There are incredible specimens of trees throughout the garden and some impressive examples of Celtis africana and Combretum erythrophyllum can be seen along the Forest Walk that follows the Crocodile River running through the reserve.

If you are interested in indigenous gardening (and I hope you are!) then you will not leave this garden without learning something new or seeing something inspiring. There is always something new to discover.

Visiting the Gardens

The garden is open every day from 08h00 to 17h00.

Remember that there are no bins and you need to take everything that you bring home with you again and No Cash Payments are accepted.

Read more about other Botanical Gardens:

• Lowveld Botanical Gardens

• Harold Porter Botanical Garden

• Emmarentia - Johannesburg Botanical Gardens

• Durban Botanic Gardens

• Pretoria Botanical Gardens

• Karoo National Botanical Gardens

• The Wilds

SANBI Website - Walter Sisulu - SANBI

Beautiful Buddleja saligna (False Olive) in flower

4 Inspiring Spaces and Places in Johannesburg

When you think of Johannesburg there are many pictures that may come to mind - highways with fast cars (or very slow ones with the terrible traffic!), tall flashy buildings housing the headquarters of the top companies in the country or materials such as concrete, glass and asphalt along with the accompanying noise and pollution. A fast paced city with people on the move and money to be made.

While I agree that there are negative sides to Johannesburg, like all cities, I have made a point of exploring some of the lesser known hideouts, especially those that have a strong nature and beauty component, to discover the hidden gems and softer side of the city that we don’t always see.

View over Johannesburg (Image credit pixabay.com)

Here are a few spaces that I’ve discovered and are well worth visiting:

1. Monument to 6 Million Jewish Martyrs in Europe

An impressive sculpture designed by Herman Wald can be visited at the Jewish quarter of the Westpark Cemetery. It consists of six bronze fists each 1.5m high holding shofars which stand a further 6m tall. A twisting ‘Eternal flame’ sits in the centre of the three arches that the sculpture creates. It was unveiled on the the 10th of May 1959 by Rabbi M. Neurock, member of the Israeli parliament who specially travelled to S.A for that purpose. The inscription on the plaque at the foot of the memorial reads “In everlasting memory of the six million Jews. Victims of man’s inhumanity to man who perished in the death camps of Europe 1939-1945. ‘Thou Shalt Not Forget’ “

See a previous Blog post on this Sculpture here.

For further information and historical references see Herman Wald’s website.

2. RMB Think Precinct

This urban square, located on the corner of Fredman Drive & Gwen Lane in Sandton Central also functions as an outdoor art gallery. It is situated at the entrance to the Rand Merchant Bank (RMB) headquarters and houses several of RMB’s artworks by famous South African artists including Eduardo Villa, Pieter Greyvensteyn, Angus Taylor, Guy Pierre Du Toit and Marieke Prinsloo-Rowe. The Think Bench by Louis Olivier which is on display here can also be seen at the University of Pretoria and the University of Stellenbosch.

“Art captures the spirit of the time, transform lives and bind together, not only hearts and souls, but entire societies and nations. Having a Corporate Art Collection on-site helps to reflect the culture of the company in an unspoken way. For example, Africa’s 'Fearless Girl' expresses how diversity and gender equality are valued and embraced. Our people and clients have always had easy access to the palpable energy that original creativity exudes. Artworks are generously displayed across workspaces and our newly refurbished Think Precinct hosts our most extraordinary sculptures in one central, outdoor area, for all to engage,” says RMB CEO, James Formby (www.rmb.co.za/page/rmb-welcomes-africas-fearless-girl)

If you are visiting Sandton be sure to also see the iconic statue of Nelson Mandela at the Sandton City Shopping Centre. The only statue that you will see of this hero that is larger can be found in front of the Union Buildings in Pretoria.

3. Nirox Sculpture Park

A most inspiring expanse of beautiful trees, lakes and waterways located in the Cradle of Humankind about 45 minutes from Johannesburg. You can discover something new every time you visit this park . The Park is open to the public on weekends and public holidays 10:00-16:00, or by special arrangements during the week.

Their aim to support the arts in all its forms can be clearly seen expressed in the numerous exhibitions and functions they have hosted there. Since NIROX’ beginnings in 2006, we continue to create and share an atmosphere that empowers, inspires and becalms artists; where visitors continue to be nourished with art in nature. (www.niroxarts.com/copy-of-sculpture-park)

The Sculpture Park regularly hosts independently curated exhibitions, functions, concerts and performances. They have hosted more than 300 resident artists and their aim is to encourage engagement and promotion of the arts in all forms. The restaurant on site is called ‘And then there was Fire’ and serves woodfire grill “We want to share with you the atmosphere of this place, the food that the earth provides and the beauty that surrounds us.” (www.andthentherewasfire.com)

4. Victoria Yards

The redevelopment of this sprawling light industrial site (30,000m2) is the brainchild of the developer behind 44 Stanley. A once derelict and mostly abandoned complex of buildings has been redeveloped and transformed into a haven for artists and creatives with a strong emphasis on skill sharing and community empowerment. The buildings are interconnected with spaces that are filled with vegetables and fruit trees making these areas both beautiful and functional. Urban agriculture is one of the many elements of this hub of creativity where community is encouraged to engage.

The project has won several awards: “The Urban Land Institute’s inaugural ULI Europe Awards for Excellence, which recognise outstanding urban development projects in the EMEA region. Developer and owner: Mr Brian Green – lead developer and consultant/planner. Architect: Boom Architects: Victoria Yards is a unique regeneration project that has risen from the ashes of a derelict industrial site to become an entrepreneurial incubation centre providing space at cost to social and artistic enterprises from the neighbourhood and beyond. It is an outstanding example of how creative thinking, community engagement and strong leadership can deliver immediate and evolving commercial, social and environmentally sustainable developments. Victoria Yards has created a thriving community that is as much about social cohesion and learning as it is a commercial enterprise. (www.victoriayards.co.za)

The project is a precedent for urban regeneration and gentrification while at the same time the developers have clearly been sensitive to the heritage of the site. The buildings have a raw beauty and several sculptures are dotted throughout the landscape. Some of the sculptures are by James Delaney who has his studio there and is known for his involvement in The Wilds. (Click here to read a previous post about The Wilds)

Visitors are welcome everyday. See Facebook for updates on their markets and upcoming events.

There are many beautiful and inspiring spaces in Johannesburg. Tell me about your favourite?