The Wilds Nature Reserve
The Wilds Nature Reserve
The Wilds Nature Reserve
5
Points of Interest & LandmarksNature & Wildlife AreasParksHiking TrailsScenic Walking Areas
6:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Monday
6:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Tuesday
6:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Wednesday
6:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Thursday
6:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Friday
6:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Saturday
6:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Sunday
6:00 AM - 6:00 PM
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- Travel180677774991 contributionThe Wilds is a green indigenous oasis of tranquility in the middle of the city. The pathways are made for gentle strolls and the many artworks blend into the environment. It's a good idea to get there early on weekends in the summer months as the parking can get quite full.Visited November 2024Traveled with familyWritten November 5, 2024
- robbb2013Golden, Colorado171 contributionsFirst, let yourself linger on the tale that forged The Wilds into what it is now. Know its journey, its shaping over time. Then, without hurry or intent, walk, sit, or stand—just be there, letting the land speak. The blooms and tangled green, the sculptures and quiet waters, the paths that twist and lead—each invites you to slow down, to notice. There's a quiet abundance here, waiting for you to take it in.Visited May 2024Traveled with familyWritten November 6, 2024
- Chantal SJohannesburg, South Africa6 contributionsSafe walk for solo female! Quiet, beautiful, tranquil! I've been walking with the weekly Tuesday morning Wise Wildies, and Saturday morning 7am walkers. I've found my own way alone numerous times on the West Side, as the East Side js advised to walk in groups. ❤️🥺Visited November 2024Traveled soloWritten November 1, 2024
- Inspire597885261201 contributionBeautiful space with lots of greenery, birds, nature , very peaceful and quiet...there's also a cute picnic spot where you can sit on the grass. It's very clean and there are a few dust bins if you need to throw something away. There's also a few sign that help guide you so you won't get lost .Visited November 2024Traveled with friendsWritten November 23, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
5.0
99 reviews
Excellent
86
Very good
13
Average
0
Poor
0
Terrible
0
Tinisa
Johannesburg, South Africa86 contributions
May 2022
I grew up here, playing on the lawns as a kid. Then it became an unsafe spot until James Delaney and cohorts got stuck in and completely refreshed it. Now, the Wilds is back to its glory as a park within the urban forest that is Johannesburg. Devotion to indigenous plants means the supporting wildlife thrives, and there is something to love and enjoy at every visit. It's best not to go on your own, because nowhere is truly safe these days (and not just in Johannesburg) - and having others with you means you share the pleasure!
Written July 17, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kevin C
Greater Johannesburg, South Africa118 contributions
Feb 2021
This once fear filled rambling garden has become a safe haven of tranquility and beauty in the heart of the city. I have enjoyed walking with friends and even having a quiet coffee and reading in the shade on the green lawn near the ponds. I would highly recommend this as a visit not only for the inserting views and the bits of history such as jock of the Bushveld and StJohns but also just as a great break from the city
Written March 9, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Suz v
Greater Johannesburg, South Africa10 contributions
Apr 2021
Everyone in Gauteng should visit this urban gem.
The western side of The Wilds has been restored to a better state than it was in back in the seventies and eighties when I grew up playing/walking in it. Go in a group for a picnic on the immaculate lawns with the family, and/or just walk the paths and wooded areas in silent awe alone or with your dog. The stone paths are built in such a way that even the uphill inclines aren't strenuous. It's cool, it's peaceful and it's beautiful. You can feel how much love has been put into the restoration. And as for the art (laser-cut animals and birds, mosaics, stone beetles, there may even be more that I didn't see in this short visit) - be sure to have a camera with you.
I saw only two pieces of litter and one sign of a dog's digestive release, even though there were plenty of dogs being walked on leashes, and people picnicking. I think that's the thing about this place - it inspires you to show it the respect that it deserves. We cannot thank enough the volunteers who have brought The Wilds back to us!!!
Apparently you shouldn't visit the eastern side alone, for security reasons, so I didn't. And I'm not sure I'd visit even the western side on my own during quieter week days (I only saw one security guard and he was fast asleep on a chair in the shade). It is, after all, still a public park with free access in Joburg, so please consider your safety before wandering around alone.
Nonetheless, either grab a friend or a dog and go! Definitely go!
The western side of The Wilds has been restored to a better state than it was in back in the seventies and eighties when I grew up playing/walking in it. Go in a group for a picnic on the immaculate lawns with the family, and/or just walk the paths and wooded areas in silent awe alone or with your dog. The stone paths are built in such a way that even the uphill inclines aren't strenuous. It's cool, it's peaceful and it's beautiful. You can feel how much love has been put into the restoration. And as for the art (laser-cut animals and birds, mosaics, stone beetles, there may even be more that I didn't see in this short visit) - be sure to have a camera with you.
I saw only two pieces of litter and one sign of a dog's digestive release, even though there were plenty of dogs being walked on leashes, and people picnicking. I think that's the thing about this place - it inspires you to show it the respect that it deserves. We cannot thank enough the volunteers who have brought The Wilds back to us!!!
Apparently you shouldn't visit the eastern side alone, for security reasons, so I didn't. And I'm not sure I'd visit even the western side on my own during quieter week days (I only saw one security guard and he was fast asleep on a chair in the shade). It is, after all, still a public park with free access in Joburg, so please consider your safety before wandering around alone.
Nonetheless, either grab a friend or a dog and go! Definitely go!
Written April 12, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Amanda Raath
1 contribution
Jul 2022
What a lovely surprise to find a nature reserve so close to the city centre. There's a great variety of flora with beautiful colourful artwork in each area of the reserve. One thing that could be improved, is the signage, as it was a bit difficult to navigate where we were.
Written July 16, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
CMobile
Colombo, Sri Lanka238 contributions
Mar 2023 • Friends
A lovely place to spend time on a sunny day. Great walks (lots of uphill) along the paths around the area. Lots of cool shade and some open grass areas to sit and chill. Bright benches for rest spots. Spotting the animal artwork is also fun. Some good viewing places higher up. Good for a short hike and a picnic. We felt safe and relaxed. Parking is tight when busy. Places like this are real gems in a city.
Written March 12, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
DNaicker
Centurion, South Africa1 contribution
Oct 2023 • Friends
Very well looked after park. Beautiful mosaics and sculptures of birds and wildlife.
James is a delightful host and guide sharing the surrounding history of environment and names of plants.
Please fix water pump to be stronger.
James is a delightful host and guide sharing the surrounding history of environment and names of plants.
Please fix water pump to be stronger.
Written October 14, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Peggy Laws
1 contribution
Mar 2021
"The Wilds" is a gem. Walk the West and East sides which takes about 3 hours, or just do one side. So much to see with beautiful metal sculptures by James Delaney, stunning views of Johannesburg and beautiful mosaics inbetween all the lush gardens. Highly highly recommend a visit.
Written March 10, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jax
Greater Johannesburg, South Africa8 contributions
May 2021 • Family
Beautiful walks through indigenous gardens of this historical park make for an awesome day out.
There are views in all directions - over the high rises of Johannesburg on the one side and as far as Pretoria on the other.
We loved exploring the paths, finding hidden mosaics and sculptures by local artists and climbing up to the sun dial. Lush green lawns, winding stone steps, beds of clivia, picturesque ponds under towering trees. Definitely Johannesburg’s prettiest park!
A highlight is the owl forest, where the kids can spot owl art installations and learn about the fauna and flora. The Wilds is Joburg’s hidden green gem right in the middle of the city!
There are views in all directions - over the high rises of Johannesburg on the one side and as far as Pretoria on the other.
We loved exploring the paths, finding hidden mosaics and sculptures by local artists and climbing up to the sun dial. Lush green lawns, winding stone steps, beds of clivia, picturesque ponds under towering trees. Definitely Johannesburg’s prettiest park!
A highlight is the owl forest, where the kids can spot owl art installations and learn about the fauna and flora. The Wilds is Joburg’s hidden green gem right in the middle of the city!
Written May 16, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Suefr2018
South Africa34 contributions
Aug 2022 • Family
Don't believe stories of this being a dangerous place. Well kept paths wind through the rocky outcrops. Magical metal sculptures abound. Unfortunately on our visit the pools, streams and waterfall were being cleaned, so no running water. One stand out feature was the total lack of any litter. Perfect place for a walk, picnic or just to chill out.
Written August 9, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
LearnAsIgo13
Johannesburg, South Africa135 contributions
Feb 2021 • Friends
Once neglected, in recent years the Wilds has been loved back to life and is now a treasure for those seeking nature close to the city. There are artworks around the park by a local artist which also add to the charm. A great way to enjoy ‘the sunny hours’.
Written March 9, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I don't know - I'm sure everything in moderation is okay.
Written January 12, 2025
Hi, I would like to have a picnic for 2. Are we allowed to bring our own food and drinks? And is there an entrance fee?
Written April 16, 2023
Do i have to book? And how much is the entrance fee? Do they open on weekends? From what time to what time?
I have 3 days trying to call but no one answers my call
Written September 21, 2022
Pioneer01682245673
Gauteng, South Africa
Hi, I would like to have a picnic for 2. Are we allowed to bring our own food and drinks? And is there an entrance fee?
Written August 31, 2022
No need to book, and entrance is free, every day of the year.
The exception is for groups bigger than 12, which need to get permission from Joburg City Parks in advance.
Written March 9, 2021
Only for groups bigger than 12, for which you just get permission in advance as City Parks considers that an event. Smaller picnics no problem.
Written March 9, 2021
Yes, but seemingly on leash and bring dog bags for waste
Written January 1, 2020
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