DARE TO SET FOOT OUTSIDE AND ENJOY THE OUTDOORS THIS WINTER
OUR COUNTRY is well known for its sunshine. Joburg, in particular, offers one of the best climates as the summer days are warm, the winter days crisp and clear.
Well, winter is upon us and the temperature as dropped, but that shouldn’t keep you from enjoying the outdoors in the city of Joburg.
Jenny Moodley, spokesperson of Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo, says: “We recently launched a new campaign called ‘welcome outside’. The aim is to invite Joburg’s residents into green, open spaces. These areas have been developed and maintained for everyone’s enjoyment.”
The winter weather may make even the most “outdoorsy” people want to stay indoors. So, to encourage you to enjoy the outdoors during the cold winter months, we’ve put together the following tips:
Do your exercise outside. Whether it’s a walk or a jog, as long as you wear layers of clothing and protect your skin, you can definitely exercise outside. Looking for a great location? Visit the James and Ethel Gray Park on Atholl Oaklands Road. This park is home to an assortment of feathered residents. The Sandspruit River flows through its 36 hectares, creating an attractive, tranquil atmosphere. Alternatively, visit Golden Harvest park. Located on First Avenue in Northgate, this park is immaculate and features rolling walks around a dam and indigenous bushveld.
Watch wildlife. You may have heard it before, but there is no better time to enjoy animal life than in winter. The bushes thin out and lose colour, improving visibility considerably. Visit the Rietfontein Nature Reserve with your partner or family. The home of the Free Me wildlife rehabilitation centre, it boasts a circular walking trail that is well maintained and is the perfect spot to sight a myriad birds. If you’re based in Roodepoort then Kloofendal, a cultural heritage and eco-tourism facility, is one of the first nature reserves in Joburg and offers a great escape from city life. The reserve has remains of early gold mining activities and is recognised as the first gold mine in Joburg.
Bird watching. South Africa provides an exquisite habitat for a variety of colourful birds. Spectacular bird watching can be experienced almost anywhere in the country. One location that’s great bird watching is Cumberland Bird Sanctuary. The sanctuary boasts incredible bird life, over 80 species, and there is also a picnic spot with tables and benches. Something for curious kids. Children are naturally curious and creative. By encouraging more outdoor play you will encourage more physical activity.
Delta Park is the home of the delta environmental centre, where a wide range of fascinating wildlife related courses are offered to adults and children. This includes holiday programmes for children between the ages of six and 13. The courses are facilitated by professional staff. Take the kids to Hyundai Sky Park. This park is great for kids because it is well equipped with an interactive children’s play area, but if you want them to kick a ball or run around, take them to Innesfree Park. Located in busy Sandton, the park boasts two tranquil dams and plenty of open space for picnics.
Take a bicycle ride. Take family or friends out on a bicycle ride around Zoo Lake. Zoo Lake is a favourite for many Joburg residents. It is a popular spot for walking your dog and enjoying a meal at one of the restaurants or pub. Get in touch with nature.
Despite a busy life, slow down and take the time to enjoy and appreciate the outdoors this winter. Visit Sandton Central Park. The park boasts a grassed amphitheatre, sculptured garden beds and a magnificent garden.
Visit Joburg Zoo. The zoo is one of the most popular local attractions in Joburg, with animals from around the world that include those from the Amazon basin, the Big Five, white lions and an aquarium.
For more information and suggestions on other locations in Joburg, visit: www.jhbcityparks.com
Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo develops and maintains the city’s parks, cemeteries, nature reserves, Johannesburg botanical gardens and Johannesburg Zoo.
Follow us on Twitter and Facebook and share your outdoor winter pictures. Use the hashtag #welcomeoutside website: www.jhbcityparks.com register complaints on 011 375 5555