The Emmarentia Dam and Johannesburg Botanical Gardens are approximately 100 hectares in size. The dam is often used for canoeing and sailing of small boats while the gardens with its extensive lawns and trees make a nice spot for a picnic or walk.
Along the dams banks one usually finds plenty of Egyptian geese looking for some tidbits.
There is a lovely terraces rose garden and also a herb garden. A small outdoor restaurant is available for refreshments.
Towards the southern part of the gardens there is a Eucalyptus forest and two smaller dams. Most of the garden contains paved walkways.

We've been going to the gardens on weekends for years. Summer is usually the better time as most of the trees and the lawns are green then. The place is excellent for walking your dogs or flying kites. However if you are going there in the week be careful. There have been incidents of muggings especially around the southern section and its two smaller dams. Otherwise Sundays is usually the best day of the week to go. In summer there are usually people going around on bicycles selling ice-cream. The restaurant is a good place for a light lunch or coffee and tea.

Area of Emmarentia Dam & Johannesburg Botanical Gardens Map