The Wilds Nature Reserve
8.3Friend Score / 10#2 of 13 Parks & Outdoors in Johannesburg
Known fornature reserveparkhikingowl sculptures
A 16-hectare indigenous garden on two rocky koppies in Houghton, rescued from decades of neglect by artist James Delaney and volunteers — now famous for his brightly painted steel animals, including a forest of owls, and knockout city views. Free entry. Go on a busy weekend morning; it's lovely but still a place to visit in company.
Key facts
| Hours | Daily 06:00–18:00 |
|---|---|
| Price | free |
| Phone | — |
| Website | — |
| Nearest transit | Houghton Drive, on the edge of Hillbrow/Killarney; Uber/Bolt to the main gate is the way. Small parking area at the entrance. |
| Time needed | 1-2 hours |
| Best time to go | Weekend mornings when volunteers, walkers and families fill the paths |
| Last verified | July 12, 2026 |
Friend Score
8.3/10- Value9.0
- iconic6.0
- Freshness9.2
- Crowd level8.5
- Authenticity9.0
- Accessibility5.5
Frequently asked questions
- Is The Wilds safe to visit now?
- Far safer than its 1990s reputation — the volunteer-led revival brought people back, and busy weekend mornings feel like any well-loved park. That said, go in daylight when others are around, ideally not solo, and stick to the main paths.
- When is the best season for The Wilds?
- June to August for aloes in bloom and sharp winter light — that's when the park is at its most photographed. Spring brings clivias in the shaded gullies. Honestly, any dry morning works.
- What are the animal sculptures at The Wilds?
- Laser-cut, brightly painted steel animals by artist James Delaney — it started with 67 owls installed for Mandela Day 2017 and grew into kudu, monkeys, a giraffe and more scattered through the gardens. Finding them all is the de facto family game here.
- Can I take kids or a picnic to The Wilds?
- Both — the sculpture hunt is made for kids, and picnicking on the lawns is welcome. There's no cafe or kiosk, so bring water and snacks; facilities are basic.
- How big is The Wilds and how long do I need?
- About 16 hectares over two koppies linked by a pedestrian bridge over Houghton Drive. An hour covers the main east-side loop and sculptures; two hours lets you do both koppies and sit with the skyline view.
- What's the story of The Wilds' revival?
- The park decayed for decades until Delaney, walking his dog Pablo there, started clearing paths in 2014 and rallied volunteers and donors. It became one of Joburg's great urban-renewal stories — the sculptures drew people, and people made it safe.
- Are the views really that good?
- Yes — from the upper paths you get the Hillbrow Tower, Ponte and the CBD skyline framed by aloes and yellowwoods. Winter mornings (June-August) are clearest, and aloe season sets the hillsides blazing orange.
- Does The Wilds cost anything?
- No — it's a free City Parks reserve, open daily from about 06:00 to 18:00. Just note the gates close around sunset.
Nearby in Ask Johannesburg
- Constitution HillMuseum1.81 km · 23 min walk
- Johannesburg ZooAttraction1.93 km · 24 min walk
- Victoria YardsMarket2.32 km · 29 min walk
- Johannesburg Art GalleryMuseum2.43 km · 30 min walk
- Joubert ParkPark2.45 km · 31 min walk
Where to stay near The Wilds Nature Reserve
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