There is no doubt – Johannesburg is a city for the young and restless but that doesn’t mean there are no green and eco-friendly spaces to help revive your spirit during the holidays.

These are three places picked from the City of Johannesburg website and that are yours to visit if you are a person who vibes a lot with everything green.

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Rietfontein Nature Reserve

Even though the reserve has no historical features, it offers some great sights for visitors longing for an indigenous green space with a dose of birdlife in the middle of nowhere. This is a place to be.

Rietfontein Nature Reserve is also a haven where the animal welfare organisation, Free Me, raises awareness, rehabilitates, and releases injured suburban wildlife.

So go get your picnic basket and blanket so that you can find a quiet spot on the lawns of the reserve or walk up to the top of the ridge to relish beautiful aerial views of Johannesburg’s landmarks.

Rietfontein Nature Reserve is at 138 Hokham Road, Paulshof, off Witkoppen Road. Phone the City Parks environmental unit on 011 712 6600 for bookings.

The Wilds Nature Reserve

This is one of the oldest parks in the City of Joburg. It offers visitors 40 acres of indigenous plants, shrubs, and trees and beautifully laid stone pathways that crisscross the west and east sides of Houghton Drive.

The reserve is located in the suburb of Houghton. It was donated to the City by the Johannesburg Consolidated Investment Company in 1924 under the condition that it remain in its natural state.

Visitors get to enjoy a garden planted with the best of South Africa’s indigenous flora – Cape fynbos, huge strelitzias, beds of clivias, elegant arum lilies, proteas, and trees such as yellowwood and cabbage, according to the CoJ website. It also has mesmerising views of Hillbrow to the south and Sandton to the north.

Joubert Park

When we speak about the oldest parks in the City of Gold, it is hard not to include Jourbert Park on the list. It is named after renowned South African War general and hero, Piet Joubert.

The park boasts a breathtaking atmosphere as it serves one of the most cosmopolitan communities in the city, Hillbrow. Joubert Park is as busy as a bee but also one that offers more than just a green breakaway.

So be ready to relish some truly African-inspired experiences as you watch the jostle of inner-city living. It is the heart of activities, like the Shembi Church’s praise and worship session or having your picture taken by the many entrepreneurial street photographers.

It is located on King George and Klein streets. Call City Parks on 011 712 6600 for more information.

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