The combined area of the dam and its gardens is over 100 hectares, which is fortunate as this glorious emerald of a park, with its contrasting areas of activity and serenity, draws an inordinate amount of visitors on a daily basis. The park is only six kilometres from the city centre.
Located at the northeast side of the park, the dam is a popular destination for energetic canoeists and small-boat enthusiasts. Sailing, canoeing and diving club facilities are housed on its eastern embankment.
The vast green surrounds are equally popular with dog walkers, cyclists and runners, while on weekends the sloped grass embankments are filled with picnickers.
Emmarentia and the gardens date back to 1886, when the farm Braamfontein was established by Frans and Louw Geldenhuys. After the South African War Louw contracted landless Boers to build the dam, which he named after his wife, Emmarentia. On the dam geese, dabchicks, moorhens and other water fowl share their home with canoeists and kayakers.
In the northern section, take a pleasant stroll through a rose garden, indigenous herb patch, or view an amazing collection of succulents at the Johannesburg Botanic Gardens. The gardens have terraced ponds and fountains and a Shakespearean garden, with herbs and roses. It is a favourite spot for wedding photographs. There is also a chapel garden catering for the many wedding groups that use the park as a formal venue.
There are 2 500 specimens of succulents and more than 20 000 indigenous trees in the park.
It is open from sunrise to sunset, and there is safe parking from different access points in Thomas Bowler, Orange and The Braids roads.
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