Roodepoort is best known by locals as home to the Walter Sisulu National Botanical Garden. The garden is one of the beautiful branches managed by the Botanical Society of South Africa. It becomes a hive of activity over weekends.
A peaceful respite
One can arrange guided tours along the Roodekrans Ridge. It continues through the Nature Reserve part of the garden, the dam and the wetland area with its bird hide. This area is particularly popular for bird watching at sundown. The garden offers the perfect escape from the city bustle, and a way to get intimate with nature. The nursery sells a variety of indigenous plants for you to take home and enjoy.
The garden was formally known as the Wits Botanical Garden. It was renamed to honour ANC stalwart Walter Sisulu. A beautiful memorial has recently been built in the garden to celebrate him.
The garden is the perfect venue for picnics. Families are invited to enjoy the open lawn outdoors. The lawns are ideal for relaxing. This makes the garden the perfect spot for some peace and quiet.
The flooding waterfall
There are continuous rainstorms starting in March. The heavy rain can pour down at a relentless pace. The waterfall can grow into a powerful force moving through the garden.
Sometimes the water levels rise excessively, flooding parts of the garden. The sound of the mighty, gushing water can be heard from a distance, for days. The garden, and its beauty, is definitely worth a visit.