Things to do in Joburg

There is so much to do in and around the Johannesburg area, but we've put together a selection of our favourite things.... 

Bryanston Organic Market

A visit to the Bryanston Organic Market is a must!  Just 6.5km from Highgrove and open on Saturdays and Thursdays from 9:00 - 15:00, this market features a wide array of organic food and produce, as well as all sorts of handcrafted items such as clothing, jewellery, cosmetics, wooden items, beaded items, textiles, artwork and so much more!  The beaded keyrings on your Highgrove room key were made especially for us by Douglas who has a lovely stall at the market.

Parkrun

If you're a parkrun addict and never like to miss out on your Saturday fix, you're in luck!  We have 3 parkruns literally on our doorstep..

  • Ernest Ullman - 1.8km from Highgrove, and safe to walk to the start

  • Woodlands - 4km from Highgrove, but not the nicest road to walk or run so we'd recommend that you drive to this one.

  • Bryanston - 3.8km from Highgrove, and safe to run there if you want a nice long run. If you're driving, leave at least half an hour before in order to get a parking spot!

For our active guests..

  • Highgrove is close to both the Morningside Planet Fitness and the Morningside Virgin Active, and there are various yoga and pilates studios close by.  We have day pass vouchers for the Morningside Planet Fitness for R100 per day (please enquire at reception)

  • If you are interested in rock climbing you can arrange a day pass and gear rental at the CityROCK Climbing Gym in Randburg.

Walk along the Sandspruit River or around Morningside.

If you want somewhere safe and convenient to run or walk you will find our boomed off neighbourhood streets very appealing.  If you'd like to walk along the beautifully maintained Sandspruit River - you can walk or run at least 5km along the river banks. Ask us for a printed map if you’re not sure where to go.

Johannesburg Botanical Gardens

The Joburg Botanical Gardens are about 16km from Highgrove, and are well worth a visit, especially if you'd like to take a stroll through one of our gorgeous open parklands.  If you'd prefer to go for a run, there is ample space in this 81 hectare garden to stretch your legs - you can just use your normal running shoes as the terrain is very gentle. The gardens overlook the 7.5 hectare Emmarentia Dam which is very popular with canoeists and boaters, and dates back to the turn of the century.

The Wilds Nature Reserve

The Wilds provides a pristine natural environment and is a lovely space for picnics, short walks, photography, etc. With running waterfalls and fountains, it provides a gentle respite from the nearby inner city suburbs. At the peak of The Wilds is a sundial that marks a wonderful city skyline view.

Montecasino

Montecasino offers a wide variety of gaming, restaurants, shopping, theatre, cinemas and a fantastic bird park.  It is situated in Fourways, approximately 10km from Highgrove. (Montecasino Boulevard, cnr William Nicol and Witkoppen, Fourways, Sandton)

Theatres

There are several theatres in Johannesburg and Pretoria, including The Pieter Toerien Theatre and the Teatro, both at Montecasino in Fourways, The Market Theatre and The Joburg Theatre in Johannesburg and The State Theatre in Pretoria 

The Bird Park

For something completely different, we recommend visiting the Montecasino Bird Park which is about 10km from Highgrove and can be found at Montecasino in Fourways, Sandton.  They have a huge open air walk through aviary, and their daily 'Flight of Fantasy' shows are not to be missed!

Calligraphy and Hand Lettering Courses

Robyn Anderson of Calligraphy Joburg holds regular courses and workshops at Highgrove.  On offer are a range of traditional and modern calligraphy and hand lettering courses and workshops.