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Here’s how to best celebrate Father’s Day in Johannesburg!

| Last Updated: December 2024

Father’s Day is always a special time for me and my dad. We usually spend it fishing at Modderfontein Reserve or hiking through Klipriviersberg Nature Reserve.

This year, I’m planning to mix things up. Instead of our usual outdoor adventures, I’ve found some new and exciting ways for us to bond on this special day.

If you’re here, chances are you’re also looking for fresh ideas to celebrate. So, let me share the best ways to make Father’s Day memorable in Johannesburg!

Take him to brunch at Vivace Restaurant

Media From: radissonblusandton

Address: Corner Rivonia Road &, Daisy St

Phone: +27 112 45 8000

Business Hours: Monday to Sunday – 6 a.m. to 12 a.m.

Website: https://www.radissonhotels.com/

Price: R365 per person

Our team discovered that Vivace Restaurant & Show Kitchen at Radisson Blu Hotel offers a three-course meal that’s sure to treat your father well. My dad and I tried the Tomahawk steak and double-thick chocolate cake.

The Tomahawk steak was juicy, with a perfect char on the outside and a buttery, tender center. 

We finished with the double-thick chocolate cake, which was moist and packed with rich chocolate flavor. It was the ideal sweet ending to our brunch!

Pro Tip: Consider sitting near the open-plan kitchen so you can watch the talented chefs prepare your meal. 

Reminisce your childhood at Johannesburg Zoo

Media From: joburgparkszoo

Address: Corner of Jan Smuts Avenue and Upper Park Drive

Phone: +27 833 292 320

Business Hours: Monday to Sunday – 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Website: https://www.jhbcityparksandzoo.com/services-facilities/zoo/about

Price:

  • Adult – R126
  • Senior Citizen – R74

Johannesburg Zoo is filled with childhood memories, including yours and mine, making it a great place for you and your dad to reminisce.

Explore exhibits like Amazonia, Ape House, Cheetah Slopes, and Crocodile County, and relive the moments you shared at these iconic enclosures. 

Plus, fathers get free admission on this special day. To make it even better, my dad received a free coffee from Stages Restaurant!

Pro Tip: Rent a golf cart for R170 so you and your dad don’t have to spend so much time walking around the 55-hectare zoo.

Plan a Gold Reef City Theme Park Hotel weekend trip

Media From: goldreefcitysa

Address: Shaft 14, Northern Parkway Rd

Phone: +27 112 485 700

Check-in: 2 p.m.

Check-out – 11 a.m.

Website: https://www.tsogosun.com/hotel/gold-reef-city-theme-park-hotel/

Treat your dad to an exciting weekend at Gold Reef City Theme Park Hotel.

I took my dad here once. We spent the day riding thrilling roller coasters and testing our luck at the casino. At night, we saw a live show at the Globe Theatre, then wrapped up the evening with a delicious Italian dinner at Panarottis. 

It was the perfect mix of fun and entertainment—great food too!

Pro Tip: Make Father’s Day extra special by taking your dad to the Gold Reef City Museum. Together, you’ll explore Johannesburg’s rich gold mining history while enjoying a unique and educational experience that’s sure to spark great conversations.

Make him a whiskey in Rocket Boutique Distillery

Media From: rocketdistillery

Address: 79 Shad Rd, Wadeville

Phone: +27 825 799 648

Website: https://bitchintees.co.za/product-category/mix-and-mingle-events/

If your dad enjoys booze (honestly, whose dad doesn’t?), spend a day crafting whiskey with him at Rocket Boutique Distillery!

You’ll both get hands-on with the process, creating a unique blend that’s truly one of a kind. Guided by expert distillers, you’ll select and mix different whiskies to design a custom bottle that’s as special as the occasion.

Pro Tip: If you’re looking to add some spice to your whiskey, try Rittenhouse Rye. Its bold, spicy flavor and strong kick elevate the depth and intensity of any blend.

Zip-line through Riversands Dam via Treetops Adventure SA

Address: R511 & Erling Road, Fourways

Phone: +27 793 874 217

Business Hours: Tuesday to Sunday – 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Website: https://treetopadventuressa.co.za/

We found the perfect place to get your dad’s heart racing: a zip line at Treetops Adventure SA.

I took my dad here, and it was an amazing experience! It gave us a great view of the Riversands Dam and the lush pine forest. We both screamed and laughed as we zipped through 20 obstacles.

Though it lasted only a minute for each obstacle, it definitely was an unforgettable adventure for both of us.

Pro Tip: For a picturesque view, ride the zip line at 4:30 p.m. You’ll see the water reflect the orange, pink, and purple shades of the sky!

Take him to a motor race

Media From: safestivalofmotoring

Address: Meersig 1 Corner of Upper Lake Lane and, Constantia Blvd

Phone: +27 116 752 220

Business Hours: 

  • Monday to Thursday – 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
  • Friday – 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Website: http://www.motorsport.co.za/

What dad doesn’t love motorsports, right? Lucky for us, there’s a nearby motor race venue, Motorsport South Africa (MSA).

Since they only open on weekdays, I decided to give my dad an early gift and took him to MSA for the Dunlop Winter Extreme Festival. With 24 cars revving up to compete, we were on the edge of our seats. We were thrilled when Wayne Masters crossed the finish line in first place!

That wasn’t the only race of the day. There were at least three, and in between, we explored the venue, met fellow motorsport enthusiasts, and enjoyed the various activities and food stalls.

Pro Tip: Arrive early to get access to the pit area. You and your dad can watch the cars being prepped for the races, chat with the mechanics, and enjoy a behind-the-scenes glimpse of the action.

Cook braai together in Emmarentia Dam

Media From: joburg.co.za

Address: Emmarentia, Randburg

Spend some quality time with your dad by having a braai at Emmarentia Dam. The area is surrounded by greenery, shady trees, and peaceful ponds, providing a relaxing setting for the day.

My dad and I went there last Father’s Day and arrived early to see the sky painted in shades of pink and orange. As we set up our braai, the crisp morning air added to the experience. We flipped burgers and turned sausages while taking in the calm atmosphere of the dam—an outing I’ll always remember.

Pro Tip: Use Bosveld charcoal. It produces minimal smoke and sparks, making it a safer option for outdoor cooking. Plus, it’s free from fillers or chemicals, which helps bring out the natural flavor of your food.

Embark on a wildlife adventure in Lion & Safari Park

Media From: lionandsafaripark

Address: R512 Pelindaba Rd

Phone: +27 871 500 100

Business Hours: Monday to Sunday – 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Website: https://lionandsafaripark.com/

Take your dad to Lion & Safari Park for a chance to see Africa’s iconic predators up close, including lions, cheetahs, and leopards.

You can spend the day driving around the 600-hectare park or join a guided tour to spot not only predators but also antelopes, zebras, impalas, and other fascinating species.

My dad and I had an amazing time here! Instead of the usual guided tour, I booked us a one-hour quad biking experience and a horseback safari. Riding through the park’s vast terrain on quads was thrilling, and the horseback safari gave us a peaceful way to take in the incredible wildlife around us.

Pro Tip: Watch an unbelievable friendship between man and lion by booking a tour with world-renowned lion behaviorist Alex Larenty. For R2,500 per person, you’ll be amazed by his fearless interactions with full-grown big cat predators.

Challenge him in golf at The Country Club

Media From: country_club_johannesburg

Address: 1 Napier Rd, Auckland Park

Phone: +27 117 106 400

Business Hours: Monday to Sunday – 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Website: https://www.thecountryclub.co.za/golf

Price:

  • Weekday: 9 Holes – R277 | 18 Holes – R501
  • Weekend: 9 Holes – R449 | 18 Holes – R804

Playing golf at The Country Club is a great way for fathers and kids to relax, bond, and enjoy some friendly competition. 

The club offers two courses: Rocklands and Woodmead. The Rocklands course presents challenging terrain with strategically placed bunkers and water hazards, testing golfers of all skill levels. On the other hand, the Woodmead course features lush fairways and stunning views, making it a scenic and enjoyable round.

When I challenged my dad to a game, I had no idea he was so skilled. His powerful, precise swings made each shot look effortless, and he even scored a birdie on a par-4 hole. Turns out, he had a hidden talent!

Pro Tip: Consider joining The Country Club to enjoy discounts on green fees. Instead of paying R277 for a 9-hole game, members can play for just R218—a great way to save while playing golf with your dad!  

Pamper your dad at Camdeboo Spa

Media From: camdeboodayspa

Address: Nellmapius Dr, Irene

Phone: +27 126 676 464

Business Hours: Monday to Sunday – 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Website: http://camdeboodayspa.co.za/

Treat your dad to a day of ultimate relaxation and rejuvenation at Camdeboo Spa. They offer luxurious packages such as the Male Executive Retreat, African King, and the African Male Royalty to ensure a memorable and indulgent experience for every father.

I went all out and treated my dad to the African Male Royalty Package for R2,940. It included a deep tissue Warrior Massage with hot stones or aromatic oils, a men’s energy release facial, and a calming milk foot ritual. By the end, he felt relaxed, refreshed, and thoroughly pampered.

Pro Tip: Upgrade your dad’s spa experience with a Mediheel treatment. It helps cleanse his feet of dead skin cells, brightens the skin, and boosts collagen production for healthier, rejuvenated feet.
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