Emmarentia, Johannesburg
The pretty, established suburb of Emmarentia lies between Linden and Greenside, right in the heart of the northern suburbs of Johannesburg. Emmarentia’s residents regard Emmarentia as the “green heart” of the city. And they are not wrong.
Emmarentia, which incorporates Emmarentia Ridge and Emmarentia extension 1, includes within its boundaries Emmarentia dam, the Botanical Gardens, Melville Koppies and Marks park cricket club. Add to this the high density of established tree-lined avenues, and Emmarentia is, in effect, a green lung. There is something of a debate when it comes to the origin of the suburb’s name. The assumption is that the leafy suburb was named after a woman whose full name was Emmarentia. Some even believe that it is named after a folk etymology (misunderstanding of the word’s origin) called Emma Rens, although the root of the name is very likely a respelling of Emerentia, an early Christian martyr in Rome.
But the draw cards to Emmarentia are without doubt the National Botanical Gardens and the dam. There is a host of birdlife and plants in this lush green area that is very popular with dog walkers. Picnicking under shade trees is a weekend pastime, whilst the gardens are often used for wedding photographs. There are beautiful rose gardens, a herb garden, indigenous trees and succulents. It isn’t hard to imagine why the gardens were voted the best passive recreation space in the city in 2004, or why Emmarentia brings to mind green, open spaces in the midst of the hurly burly.
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Featured Attractions in (or near) Emmarentia

Emmarentia Dam
Reputed to be the best dog walk in Johannesburg, Emmarentia Dam lies next to the Botanic Garden in Emmarentia, north Johannesburg. Tranquil lawns in which families can meet and play, walkways peppered with wooden benches placed strategically to afford moments of stillness and reflection ... more information

Gold Reef City
At Gold Reef City you will find experiences that you would not find anywhere else - it's a combination of fun, fantasy, historical fact all in a safe environment with great parking facilities. The casino at Gold Reef City' is open 24 hours a day and offers an energetic atmosphere, highly trained staff and an abundance of ... more information

Johannesburg Botanic Garden
Set on the western shores of the picturesque Emmarentia Dam, Johannesburg Botanic Garden is one of the city’s parks - a green space in the middle of Jo'burgs northern suburbs about 6 kilometres from the city centre - with over 30 000 trees, a large rose garden, the site of over 4 500 varieties, and a ... more information
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Things To Do in Emmarentia

Visit the Johannesburg Botanic Gardens
Where: Emmarentia
How much (per person): R1 to R100
The Garden is home to more than 198 bird species and a number of reptiles and small mammals such as the common duiker. Special features are ... more information
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Events and/or Festivals in Emmarentia
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