Where to see the cosmos flowers in Johannesburg

19 Mar 2025

Blooming cosmos. Photo: Clare Appleyard.

A sure sign that the cosmos is going to bloom in Joburg is the muttered utterances of, "Sjoe, it's cold hey?" that the first winter chill in the air brings about. This flowering of white, pink, and lilac is an undoubted highlight of Joburg, and there are a few places where you can discover seas of pink and white to walk through.

Cosmos flowers are colourful flowers that bloom annually in colder weather. The pops of colour in the veld are now an essential autumn feature in Joburg, but this wasn't always the case. During the South African War, cosmos was accidentally introduced to the soils of South Africa when the seeds arrived in contaminated horse feed from Argentina. As streams of people, wagons, oxen, and horses flattened the earth, the seeds took root, and cosmos fields erupted as Joburg expanded.

The most well-known of these fields is Delta Park in Craighall Park where the blooms bring new life to the routes often frequented by dog walkers, runners, and cyclists. It is unclear why the cosmos took root so strongly in Delta Park, though its use as a cattle farm in the 1900s is the most likely explanation. But enough history. This is a guide to the best places for bloom-spotting, so without further ado...

Our annual #CosmosInYourPocket photo competition runs from Wed, Mar 19 – Mon, Apr 21, 2025. Find out how to enter and what you stand to win here.

We're also hosting two cosmos experiences with friends of Johannesburg In Your Pocket. First up, a guided tour around the beautiful and historic Delta Park with Kennedy Tembo of MicroAdventure Tours on Sat, Mar 29 from 09:30 – book tickets here. The following weekend, Heather Mason aka @2Summers will lead another excursion in Delta Park, sharing tips for shooting portraits amongst the cosmos flowers on Sat, Apr 5 from 15:30 – book tickets here.

Where to see the cosmos flowers in Joburg and surrounds

DELTA PARK

An old-time favourite, Delta Park has become the park of choice for cyclists, families, dog walkers, and runners thanks to its network of trails, picnic spaces, and jungle gyms. It is also the place closest to the city where you can marvel at the turn of the season with fields of cosmos taller than you. To find the most lush field, enter the park through the main entrance (at the bottom of Road No 3, Victory Park). From there, take an immediate left and follow the fence line up the hill. After a short walk, hundreds of delicate flowers will greet you on your right.

Make sure to bring shoes that can get dirty, as the ground does get muddy in parts, and walking in those patches might be unavoidable. We recommend making a day of it by bringing along a picnic and your camera. We also suggest you go either early in the morning or late in the afternoon to get the best light for Insta-worthy photos. For an extended adventure, you can stop by Delta Cafè for a coffee or beer, or start your route from Delta Central, where there are plenty of food and drink options. From here, you can walk along the spruit and take a right when you reach the Blairgowrie Scouts Hall. Continue past the jungle gyms and up the hill, and you should be greeted by some perky cosmos.

For more tips on seeing the cosmos in Delta Park, we enjoyed reading the experiences shared by Minkys and 2Summers on their respective blogs.

CRADLE OF HUMANKIND

**Cradle of Humankind** dons pink and white flowers in April. Photo: Cradle of Humankind.

The rolling hills surrounding Cradle of Humankind make it a magnificent place to visit. Add some cosmos, and it will take your breath away. For a day visit, head to Maropeng where you can take in the great views over the rocky grasslands. If you're in the mood for a longer trip, check out our guide on where to stay in the Cradle and use the time to explore the different cosmos fields. This area also offers a variety of other activities, including restaurants and cafes, cycling, hiking, the NIROX Sculpture Park, and rides in a hot air balloon.

MAGALIESBERG
Cosmos have a reputation for growing in abundance next to the side of the road, so one of the best ways to spot the blooms is to take a bit of a drive out. Just beyond Cradle of Humankind, the Magaliesberg region has been known to show off beautiful fields filled with delicate blooms. A lovely stop for lunch is De Hoek Country Hotel. Book in advance for High Tea, opt for a lazy picnic, or sit down at the Bridge Bistro or Conservatory Restaurant on the hotel's premises. You can also make a weekend of it and enjoy the views from a zipline with Magaliesberg Canopy Tours, or a hot air balloon ride with Bill Harrop's Original Balloon Safari.

LANSERIA

It might be a little way out of Joburg, but Lanseria is the only place you can find cosmos fields that give Delta Park a run for its money – and sometimes even outdo it. While there aren't many designated areas where the cosmos bloom, there are a few fields in this area that are pretty easy to spot when driving through. To make the search more enjoyable, stop at The Forum Kitchen at L'antico Giardino for a serene and uncomplicated outdoor breakfast and lunch, or try out the seasonal menus at Culinary Table. If your search is proving difficult, your best bet is likely The Fat Olive, a popular restaurant where cosmos take over the hills surrounding it each year. You can also treat yourself to a luxury weekend getaway with a stay at Toadbury Hall Country Hotel.

THE SHED & SILO CAFE

Blooming cosmos at Shed and Silo in Benoni. Photo: Shed and Silo via Instagram.

Finding cosmos becomes trickier when you're not driving past vast swathes of open land, but if you head out to the East Rand we found the most delightful spot in Benoni. The Shed & Silo Cafe is tucked between plots in the surrounding neighbourhood of Brentwood Park. A country restaurant and café, it's well worth the drive as you can settle in for a good breakfast or lunch, have a drink, and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere (which lingers even when it gets busy). We recommend grabbing a seat in the glass house with views over the fields rolling in from the foot of the property. Then, after your meal, take a stroll to enjoy the blooming cosmos and visit the bakery, little art gallery, and array of small shops on the property.

When is the best time to see the cosmos flowers?

The cosmos generally start to pop up towards the end of February but only hit their peak in late March and early April. By the end of April, they have already started to dwindle, so don't dawdle, as they only stick around for a short time.

Plan your visit – safety tips

Unfortunately, walkers may be targeted by criminals, so safety considerations need to extend beyond basics such as ensuring you have adequate water and sun protection when setting out. The idea is not to deter those exploring Joburg's parks and green belts; it’s simply important to be aware, remain vigilant, and take precautions. Put your safety first by never walking alone, sharing information, and planning in advance.

DO NOT WALK ALONE
As with any exploring, you are better off doing so in a group. Group walks not only offer safety, but it’s also useful to have someone else around should an emergency arise.

SHARE INFORMATION
When planning an excursion, share information about where you are going as well as when you plan on being back with someone you can trust to check in on you should the need arise. Let them know who they can contact in case of an emergency and share up-to-date locations as and when you’re able to.

PLAN IN ADVANCE
Make sure you familiarise yourself with the area you plan to visit and potential obstacles that may arise before setting out. Ensure you have all the equipment you will need along the way and share emergency contact details with all the members of your party.

FIND OUT MORE
When in doubt, contact the office or organisation that oversees the park or nature reserve you want to explore to ask about specific risks, tips, and safety precautions.