The season for all things bright and beautiful is officially upon us! Our days are getting warmer, the birds louder and the flowers brighter. As we get closer to summer it may be time to spend less time indoors and more time basking in the sun, taking in the fresh, festive air.
Nature’s cheerful mood can’t help but rub off on us as well. We’re inspired to start new things, take more walks, have more picnics and generally begin ticking off our bucket list with a generous helping of sunshine! To make this easier, we’ve rounded up a few gardens in South Africa that are perfect place to start.
JOHANNESBURG BOTANICAL GARDENS
Jo’burg, as it is affectionately called by locals, is known as the city of gold. It is a concrete jungle made of office towers and traffic, but there’s more to it than meets the eye. Take a leisurely stroll at the Johannesburg Botanical Gardens and have a relaxed picnic while you enjoy the stillness of Emmarentia Dam and are mesmerized by the gorgeous rose garden. Just 5 kilometers away from the trendy new City Lodge Hotel Newtown, this is the best way to welcome the season while not going too far away from your surroundings.
DURBANVILLE ROSE GARDEN
Cape Town is famous for beautiful gardens and awe-inspiring mountainous scenery but some gems are a hidden and spectacular find. Like the Durbanville Rose Garden,which is one of three on the Southern Hemisphere and is nothing short of amazing! See about 500 variations in full bloom and stroll around the gardens of love. Enjoy this afternoon of bliss with this outing 5 kilometres from Town Lodge Bellville. Tea is on the menu at the clubhouse and a blissful, tranquil afternoon is definitely on the cards.
MAKARANGA GARDENS
With 30 acres of indigenous and exotic botanical gardens, ponds, waterfalls and streams, you’re in for a treat at Durban’s Makaranga Gardens. The 20-minute drive from City Lodge Hotel Durban is worth the peace of mind and serenity of these secluded gardens. Tucked away in the village of Kloof, there’s so much to be done at Makaranga. Boasting a spa for the adults and a pool for the little ones, there are many activities that will add to your leisurely afternoon. Grab a bite to eat at the restaurant to complete your enchanted experiences, stay till the sun sets and feel spring in the air.
PRETORIA NATIONAL BOTANICAL GARDEN
Believe it or not, Pretoria doesn’t disappoint when it comes to venues worthy of our attention in spring. With 50 hectares devoted to developed gardens and almost exclusively South African plants, Pretoria National Botanical Garden is a go-to place. Take a leisurely walk on the trails to see the beautiful flowers, a variety of bird species and a selection of animals. Pack a picnic basket and relax on the lawns or take in your surroundings at the Mokha restaurant. The gardens are only 10 mins away from the hustle and bustle of the city and your room at City Lodge Hotel Lynnwood.
It’s hard to not catch the festive fever in South Africa when we’re so spoilt for choice! Find the perfect spot for you, where the sun is shining, and the birds are chirping and take some time out from work for some time out in the sun.