AT a glance you would dismiss Ferndale as one of those overcrowded suburbs that could never offer any form of entertainment.
But this area, that sits on the northwestern edge of Johannesburg, has a lot to offer - not only in terms of leisure, but also as an excellent place for business.
Ferndale came into being when 32 suburbs around Randburg were amalgamated in July 1959.
The biggest lure about the place is that it lies close to main business and entertainment areas. These include Cresta Centre, Brightwater Commons and The Dome. It is only 10 minutes from Sandton City and within easy access to the freeways Oliver Tambo International Airport, Lanseria, Midrand and Pretoria.
Over the past years the area has gained in popularity for its top-notch conferencing centres.
Ferndale is not short of open areas for parking and its streets have plenty of shady trees as well as large, cultivated gardens which account for the great feeling of plenty of space.
Noticeable is the newly renovated Hotel Apollo snuggled beautifully beside Republic Road.
The hotel that has been a stalwart in the conferencing hotel sector for the past 10 years recently got a facelift. It is not only a venue for corporate functions but also a boutique hotel for leisure-seeking patrons.
The hotel has also recently broadened its service with guided tour packages for their guests.
In partnership with Nzewe Tours and Transport, the hotel offers tours to the Apartheid Museum, Gold Reef City, Wonder Caves, Sterkfontein Caves, Maropeng, Rhino and Lion Park and Elephant Sanctuary.
If this is not up your alley, the four-star hotel is simply a great place to relax at.
The Johannesburg Botanic Gardens at Emmarentia Dam offers a wonderful sanctuary away from the rush of Johannesburg.
The dam is regarded as the best dog walk venue near the city, and is also the site of a Summer Sunset Concerts.
Emmarentia Dam lies next to the Botanic Gardens, northern Johannesburg.
With tranquil lawns where families can meet and relax, and numerous walkways peppered with wooden benches placed strategically to afford moments of reflection, makes this sprawling and popular park perfect for a quick escape from the bustling city.
The setting, among water features and indigenous trees is a must for weekend visitors who picnic and braai in peaceful surroundings. There is also a tearoom offering first-rate scones with jam and cream.
The main park of Emmarentia Dam was called Jan van Riebeeck Park, founded in 1952 to mark 300 years since the first Dutch settlers arrived at the Cape, while the other two smaller dams were constructed to control flood waters.
People can also observe the reed beds established around the dams which attract a wide variety of birds, including bishops and weavers.
The banks of the dam are also the site of the annual summer sunset concerts that see a variety of local and international musicians team up to make music for people to enjoy in one of Johannesburg's best loved venues.
So instead of sitting at home switching your TV dial , you can go out and enjoy the world of nature all around you.
Great places in Jozi to enjoy
AT a glance you would dismiss Ferndale as one of those overcrowded suburbs that could never offer any form of entertainment.
But this area, that sits on the northwestern edge of Johannesburg, has a lot to offer - not only in terms of leisure, but also as an excellent place for business.
Ferndale came into being when 32 suburbs around Randburg were amalgamated in July 1959.
The biggest lure about the place is that it lies close to main business and entertainment areas. These include Cresta Centre, Brightwater Commons and The Dome. It is only 10 minutes from Sandton City and within easy access to the freeways Oliver Tambo International Airport, Lanseria, Midrand and Pretoria.
Over the past years the area has gained in popularity for its top-notch conferencing centres.
Ferndale is not short of open areas for parking and its streets have plenty of shady trees as well as large, cultivated gardens which account for the great feeling of plenty of space.
Noticeable is the newly renovated Hotel Apollo snuggled beautifully beside Republic Road.
The hotel that has been a stalwart in the conferencing hotel sector for the past 10 years recently got a facelift. It is not only a venue for corporate functions but also a boutique hotel for leisure-seeking patrons.
The hotel has also recently broadened its service with guided tour packages for their guests.
In partnership with Nzewe Tours and Transport, the hotel offers tours to the Apartheid Museum, Gold Reef City, Wonder Caves, Sterkfontein Caves, Maropeng, Rhino and Lion Park and Elephant Sanctuary.
If this is not up your alley, the four-star hotel is simply a great place to relax at.
The Johannesburg Botanic Gardens at Emmarentia Dam offers a wonderful sanctuary away from the rush of Johannesburg.
The dam is regarded as the best dog walk venue near the city, and is also the site of a Summer Sunset Concerts.
Emmarentia Dam lies next to the Botanic Gardens, northern Johannesburg.
With tranquil lawns where families can meet and relax, and numerous walkways peppered with wooden benches placed strategically to afford moments of reflection, makes this sprawling and popular park perfect for a quick escape from the bustling city.
The setting, among water features and indigenous trees is a must for weekend visitors who picnic and braai in peaceful surroundings. There is also a tearoom offering first-rate scones with jam and cream.
The main park of Emmarentia Dam was called Jan van Riebeeck Park, founded in 1952 to mark 300 years since the first Dutch settlers arrived at the Cape, while the other two smaller dams were constructed to control flood waters.
People can also observe the reed beds established around the dams which attract a wide variety of birds, including bishops and weavers.
The banks of the dam are also the site of the annual summer sunset concerts that see a variety of local and international musicians team up to make music for people to enjoy in one of Johannesburg's best loved venues.
So instead of sitting at home switching your TV dial , you can go out and enjoy the world of nature all around you.
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