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The Best Sunrise Viewing Spots in Johannesburg Worth Waking Up Early
I’ve always been an early riser. Partly because of work, partly because I like the quiet, but mostly because I can’t get enough of the sunrise.
And trust me, Jozi puts on a golden show. The city’s skyline is one thing, but watching it glow at around 6 am while in a park with cherry blossoms or a ridge overlooking urban landscapes? Chef’s kiss.
If you want to experience it yourself, the spots below are my personal favourites for welcoming the day. Just don’t forget to put on some sunscreen!
Delta Park
From clareappleyard
Address: 77 Craighall Rd, Victory Park, Randburg
Operating Hours: Daily – 6 am to 6 pm
The early morning light looks extra magical at the 104-hectare Delta Park. Most times, I take it all in by strolling past the tree-lined dams and native grasslands, the walk culminating at the southern part, where picnickers chill.
Mornings are busy with birdlife as well, thanks to the Florence Bird Sanctuary located within the park. Over 200 species have been spotted so far!
Those white and pink cosmos flowers seal the deal. That said, you must wait until March to see them.
Tip: Dogs are allowed, but don’t forget to leash them.
Klipriviersberg Nature Reserve
From pieterpotgieter2
Address: 129 Peggy Vera Rd, Kibler Park
Contact Details: +27 84 804 4073
Operating Hours: Daily – 6 am to 6 pm
The Klipriviersberg Nature Reserve offers 700-plus acres of undulating hills and open fields, all accessible to the public from dawn until dusk, free of charge.
Personally, I experience it by hitting the 10–12 trails snaking through the reserve. Most are moderate in difficulty, but prepare to amble for around 2–3 hours.
I should also mention that animals do pop on the trails early. Oftentimes, it’s zebras and springboks I come across!
Tip: Opt for clothing that’ll protect you against insects and the sun.
Rhodes Park
From davidzm
Address: Cumberland Rd, Kensington
Operating Hours: Daily – 6 am to 6 pm
Relatively smaller at around 25 hectares, Rhodes Park’s golden hour is best summed up as “serene.” That’s especially true if you witness it by the lake, home to a few ducks.
What I like most about the park is the number of activities you can get into early in the day. See, there’s a football field, a jungle-style gym, some tennis courts, and well-covered picnic spots.
Tip: Bring your fishing gear. There are tiny lakes for some angling action.
Emmarentia Dam
From bretto_07
Address: Olifants Rd, Emmarentia, Randburg
Contact Details: +27 11 782 1193
Operating Hours: Daily – 24 hours
Sunlight hitting open waters will never not be pretty, as proven by Emmarentia Dam. There are even plenty of ways to soak it in, such as fishing for carp or jogging along the paved tracks.
The kiddos and I usually go the chill-on-the-wooden-benches route. Not a shocker, as the seats here are strategically placed in areas with the clearest views of the water.
Garden birds and ducks add to the enchantment, too. You can throw them some snacks!
Tip: If you’re into photography, swing by between April and May, when the leaves change their colours.
Johannesburg Botanical Gardens
From sdumisani
Address: Olifants Rd, Emmarentia, Randburg
Contact Details: +27 11 712 6600
Operating Hours: Daily – 6 am to 6 pm
Just 20 minutes from Emmarentia Dam is the 81-hectare Johannesburg Botanical Gardens. Anybody curious why it’s here should look at snaps of its themed gardens at dawn.
The open spaces also contribute to the appeal. Shade isn’t a major problem with trees dotting the area, thus its popularity among joggers.
Plus, having native and exotic flora to gawk at will always be an upside. You can even visit a patch here that features herbs Shakespeare has referenced.
Tip: There are designated picnic areas here. Bring your rug and some snacks.
Northcliff Hill
From brendon_shieldsy
Address: Northcliff, Randburg
Northcliff hits 1,807 metres in height and flaunts 360-degree views of Jozi and beyond. If that’s not sunrise-worthy, no place in town is!
Now, here’s the golden part: scaling it isn’t an uphill battle. The way up is gentle, and you’ll even be motivated by songbirds (and the free entry).
Tip: It’s peaceful and far from the crowd, so it’s best to visit with a buddy or more for extra security.
Westcliff Stairs
From letsdothis.za
Address: 32 Crescent Dr, Westcliff, Randburg
Operating Hours: Daily – 5 am to 8 pm
Was Led Zeppelin thinking about the Westcliff Stairs when they wrote Stairway to Heaven? Probably not, but this 210-step attraction is called exactly that, and boy, does it live up to the name, especially during sunrise!
There’s one concern, though, and it’s reaching the peak. Aside from the number of steps, the stairs go up one of the tallest hills in Jozi, so no, it’s not a walk in the park.
Those strong enough to finish it get rewarded with urban and suburban panoramas. The path also features historic homes and colourful flora.
Tip: Make sure to wear cosy and grippy kicks.
Munro Drive Viewpoint
From sotallrightnow
Address: 4 Munro Dr, Houghton Estate
Contact Details: +27 11 375 5555
Operating Hours: Daily – 24 hours
When the skies are clear, Munro Drive Viewpoint will let you see as far as Rosebank and Sandton. Jacarandas are within sight as well, which is why I go here in spring, when a sea of purple takes over.
Just keep in mind that its remoteness has its pros and cons. The seclusion brings unmatched peace and quiet, but safety can be an issue: go as a group, and leave before dark.
Tip: Weekday visits are calmer.
Mushroom Farm Park
From fabiancampo
Address: Sandton Market @ The Park, Sandown, Sandton
Contact Details: +27 10 900 3219
Operating Hours:
- Mon to Fri – 6 am to 6 pm
- Sat – 6 am to 6:30 pm
- Sun – 6 am to 6 pm
Mushroom Farm Park, Sandton’s green getaway, is at its most peaceful during sunrise, and that’s often the case daily.
Early risers won’t just be basking in the heat either. The well-maintained walkways and outdoor gym are suitable for a workout session.
Once your reps are completed, you can refuel on the picnic tables/benches or catch your breath while watching ducks glide across the pond.
Tip: Take your kiddos out for a walk here. The park has a roomy play zone.
James & Ethel Grey Park
From johannesburginyourpocket
Address: Edgewood Avenue &, Melrose St, Melrose
Contact Details: +27 11 435 4727
Operating Hours: Daily – 6 am to 6 pm
If you ask Melrose locals which of Jozi’s parklands provide the most enchanting sunrise, they’d likely point you to James & Ethel Grey Park. That’s honestly how I discovered this 36-hectare green space.
I’ll say the claim has merit, as it’s generally kept clean and has high banks that overlook the city, with birdlife as a sweet bonus.
In addition, the Sandspruit River also flows through the park’s native flora and lawns, so you’ll get the “water-plus-sunlight” deal I yapped about earlier.
Tip: Ring the number up if you want to shoot photo ops or commercials here.
The Wilds Nature Reserve
From johannesburginyourpocket
Address: Houghton Dr, Houghton Estate
Contact Details: +27 11 643 2313
Operating Hours: Daily – 6 am to 6 pm
The Wilds Nature Reserve’s highest point has remained one of my favourite sunrise-viewing locations for years. It’s high enough to gaze over the Jozi skyline, and there’s an old, functional sundial worth checking out.
I’m also partial to its walking trails, the stone-paved tracks winding through hills, fountains, waterfalls, and signposts. Red aloes bloom in winter as well, meaning the park is an evergreen one.
Tip: Bring your own H20 and bites. There aren’t any facilities for water and food inside.
Linksfield View
From leonecoetzee
Address: 33 Linksfield Dr, Linksfield Ridge
Operating Hours: Daily – 24 hours
As part of the Witwatersrand, the very ridge Jozi sits on, Linksfield View allows bushwalkers to soak in two things: 360-degree views and the city’s geological features.
Needless to say, it’s also a peak spot to catch both sunrise and sunset. Orange Grove and Kensington jacarandas are even in the mix.
On top of that, there’s an intriguing landmark along the way: the L. Ron Hubbard House. It’s the home-turned-museum of the Church of Scientology’s founder.
Tip: Wear wind-resistant or padded clothing. The breeze here isn’t messing around.
Zoo Lake Park
From friendsof_zoolake
Address: 60 Jan Smuts Ave, Forest Town, Randburg
Contact Details: +27 11 643 2313
Operating Hours: Daily – 24 hours
Although manmade, the lake at Zoo Lake Park still reflects the sunshine gorgeously. Soft, manicured lawns also envelope the area, making it a well-known stretch for self-guided walks.
Speaking of walks, a stroll here can take 1–2 hours, but don’t worry, lots of attractions will keep you entertained, such as cherry blossoms and the lake’s waterfowl. Boats are available for hire, too, perfect if you’re in the mood for a cruise.
Tips: Don’t forget to swing by in December if you want to experience Carols by Candlelight. Those looking to shop for artsy goods, meanwhile, should visit on the first weekend of the month.
