Nature

The Wilds: Johannesburg's secret garden on the ridge

5 min read

Indigenous trees and a shaded path in an inner-city nature reserve

The short answer

The Wilds is a restored 16-hectare indigenous nature reserve on the ridge between Houghton and Observatory, Johannesburg — full of aloes, stone paths, city views and the well-known painted animal sculptures. It's one of the city's most peaceful green escapes, a short drive from Furaha Guest Lodge.

Ask most Joburgers about The Wilds and you'll get one of two answers: either "the most beautiful place in the city you've never been," or a knowing smile from someone who goes every weekend. It is the city's great open secret — a hillside of indigenous garden hidden in plain sight, minutes from our door.

A garden on the ridge

The Wilds was laid out nearly a century ago as an indigenous reserve on the koppie between Houghton Estate and Observatory. Its roughly sixteen hectares climb the ridge in stone terraces and shaded paths, planted almost entirely with South African flora — aloes, cycads, wild olives and highveld grasses. Houghton Drive splits it into two halves; both are worth wandering.

What to see

For years The Wilds was quietly forgotten. Then the artist James Delaney began walking it daily and, with the city and a growing band of volunteers, brought it back — clearing paths, replanting, and dotting the hillside with his now-famous brightly painted metal animal sculptures. Look out for:

  • The painted sculptures — kudu, owls and other creatures tucked among the aloes, a favourite with children and photographers.
  • The aloe displays, which turn the hillside orange and red in the winter months.
  • The views from the upper terraces, out over the treetops of the northern suburbs.
  • The stonework — original terraces, steps and shelters, beautifully restored.
A hillside of indigenous garden hidden in plain sight, minutes from our door.

Visiting The Wilds

A few practical notes for a good visit:

  • When to go: daylight hours, and ideally on a weekend when it's busiest and liveliest. Winter mornings show off the aloes; spring is green and soft.
  • Bring: comfortable shoes for the stone paths, water, a hat and a camera.
  • Stay aware: it's a restored and well-loved park, but normal Johannesburg caution applies — go in company and keep valuables out of sight.
  • Entry: it's a public City park and has generally been free; confirm current opening times before you set out.

From Furaha

The Wilds is a short drive from the lodge — roughly ten to fifteen minutes over the ridge. It pairs naturally with a slow morning: a walk among the aloes, then back to the garden for lunch. For more nearby, see our guide to things to do in Observatory, or the fairways at Observatory Golf Club.

Frequently asked questions

What is The Wilds known for?

It's a roughly 16-hectare inner-city nature reserve planted with indigenous South African flora and laid out with stone paths and terraces. After years of neglect it was restored by artist James Delaney, who added the now-famous painted metal animal sculptures. It's known as a peaceful, beautifully kept green escape with views over the city.

Where is it, and how far from Furaha?

It sits on the ridge between Houghton Estate and Observatory, split into two sections by Houghton Drive — a short drive, roughly ten to fifteen minutes, from Furaha Guest Lodge in Observatory.

Is The Wilds safe to visit?

It has been carefully restored and is far more visited and cared for than in the past, with an active community and events. As with any Johannesburg outing, go during daylight, ideally in a group or over a weekend when it's busier, and keep valuables out of sight. Ask your hosts at Furaha for current advice.

Is there an entry fee?

It's a public City of Johannesburg park and entry has generally been free. Opening times can change, so confirm current hours before you visit.

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