One of Gauteng’s most beautiful nature reserves, these gardens are home to an abundance of wildlife, including an estimated 240 bird species. From the entrance, wide expanses of immaculately maintained grassy lawns lead down through cycad gardens to the impressive Witpoortjie Falls.

There are plenty of trees lining the edges of the lawns if you are looking for a shady spot to lay out your picnic blanket. On weekends this is a popular place to celebrate birthdays with a picnic (alcohol is strictly forbidden) and there are porters at the entrance who will help transport your baskets and camp chairs for a small fee. Alternatively, enjoy lunch at the Eagle’s Fare restaurant near the waterfall.

There are various hiking routes criss-crossing the gardens, with the longest trail (5km) leading to the top of the waterfall, where birdwatchers may be lucky enough to spot one of the elusive black eagles that nest there. Note that the first section of the trail to reach the top of the falls is a series of relatively steep steps, so make sure to bring water with for the walk. At the top, you can then follow a trail that circles the flat grasslands on the plateau, from where on clear days you can see the skyscrapers of the city in the distance.

Book tickets online to visit the park. 

If you're looking for a field guide, this one on iNaturalist is great – and you can see the famous pair of black eagles from wherever you are via their live cam. Until Sep 30, 2023 visit the park to see the augmented reality (AR) exhibition, Seeing the Invisible. Included in your entrance fee. Download the app for the exhibition before you go. 

In summer, the park often opens in the evening for family events. Event tickets are at an additional cost.