Walter Sisulu Botanical Garden waterfall transformed today

Walter Sisulu Botanical Gardens waterfall

We visited the Walter Sisulu Botanical Gardens today. It was overcast, but a lovely day in the Gardens. Each time we are here, I am reminded that we must come here more regularly!

Little Miss getting soaking wet

I was surprised to see that the waterfall rocks had turned to a blue, but later realized it was only me who saw it this way as it was my sunglasses.

Photo taken through sunglasses

We managed to hike up and down the mountain. It is always a treat to see the views, and look onto the eagles' nest.

We were already eating a scone after the excursion when a huge downpour hit the Gardens and surrounding areas. We had to scramble inside the restaurant and wait for the rain to subside.
It was coming down in buckets.

When we were walking down the path way on our way back, we could hear the waterfall crashing down>We had to go and look again at the waterfall after the storm.

It was magnificent!

The water had turned to brown,
but cascading down and hitting us with sprays

I am including these two photo before and after the downpour.

The Student 

Looking blurry because of the water spray

The Student also shared her experience of today: The power of rain and nature (with a video included taken by Hubby)


Related posts:

- Big Bug Expo

- Tunnels at the Walter Sisulu Botanical Gardens

- "Mountain climbing" at the Botanical Gardens

The Dino Expo great for the little little ones

We finally took Little Miss to The Dino Expo at the Johannesburg Botanical Gardens.

"Is this a real dinosaur bone?"

We were not popular last year when there was another dinosaurs exhibition, and we did not buy tickets in time... So we bought the tickets when we saw this advertised.

We thought that there were going to be lots of dinosaurs jumping out from the bushes, but not as much. The adults found it all a bit lame, but judging by the kids and their reaction it was still worth the effort and the prize of the tickets. (Which is a bit steep! R120 Adults, R70 kids. The standard tickets were sold out already??)

There are a couple of recycled metal dinosaurs, which makes for nice photo ops and gives an idea of the height of these things.

The Wits University dinosaur fossils and dinosaurs were included in the educational exhibitions. South Africa’s own dinosaur species such as Iguanadont, Nqwebosaurus and Aardonyx Celeste are also on show. This is very interesting!

The African-themed dinosaur animatronic theatrical show was great for the little ones, especially since it is interactive, and the children loves going to the front of the stage. Even our Little Miss was up in front.

Dancing and calling on the dinosaur

The dinosaur finally made it on stage!

It was a little bit scary

Afterwards Little Miss could do a dinosaur colouring, and dig for some bones. This is for free.

She found a bone, but was sad to give it back
(They gave small dinosaurs afterwards to most of the children who had found something)

You have to pay for these photos 

Painting a dinosaur (also an extra fee, depending on the size)

Jumping castles (free)

The inflatable roller was also a hit, although Little Miss went the whole route saying "Yikes!"

There is a water slide as well, but you have to bring a swimming costume for this.

Also remember to bring extra cash for dino shoes and all sorts of paraphernalia and books.


This is great for the smaller kids!

A Sunday winter afternoon - at the Johannesburg Botanical Gardens

I don't know why we haven't been going to the Johannesburg Botanical Gardens on a more regular basis.
It is one of those places where you go to when you feel you need to get a breather in nature.
When you are feeling stuck in suburbia...

This afternoon was a bit chilly, but it was lovely soaking in some sun.

We will be coming back!