Where to See the Jacarandas in Johannesburg and Pretoria
There are few signs that spring has arrived in Johannesburg quite like looking up one morning and realising the streets have turned purple.
Suddenly, the school run feels a little more special, familiar neighbourhoods look completely different, and everyone seems to be stopping for photographs beneath the jacaranda trees.
There is even an old student superstition that if a jacaranda flower falls on your head, you’ll pass your exams. You’ll often hear students joke that if the streets have already turned purple and you haven’t started revising, it might be too late!
The flowering season doesn’t last forever, so it’s worth making the most of it while you can. Whether you fancy a stroll through Rosebank, a picnic in Emmarentia or a day trip to Pretoria, here are some of our favourite ways to enjoy the jacarandas.
Updated 1 October 2026 · Hannah Pirnie, in Johannesburg since 2010 · First published 3 October 2019
When is the best time to see the jacarandas?
October is usually a good time to start looking, although the exact timing depends on the weather and rainfall each year. Pretoria can begin flowering earlier than Johannesburg, and the season can stretch from late September into November.
Our advice? Keep an eye on local photographs and social media for reports of trees coming into bloom, rather than planning around one particular weekend.
And remember, you don’t need to organise a big day out to enjoy them. Sometimes the best displays are on an ordinary residential street you happen to drive down on your way to somewhere else.
1. Where can you see jacarandas in Rosebank and Melrose?
Rosebank is a lovely place to start if you want to combine the jacarandas with a little exploring, coffee and lunch.
Park at Rosebank Mall or arrive via the Gautrain, then make your way towards Tyrwhitt Avenue. From there, explore the streets around Oxford Road and continue towards Keyes Avenue and the Keyes Art Mile.
You can then loop back along Jellicoe Avenue, looking out for the purple canopy overhead and the petals collecting on the pavements.
Allow yourself time to wander rather than rushing straight from one stop to the next. The streets around Rosebank and Melrose are particularly pretty when the trees are in full flower.
Make a morning of it: Finish with coffee, brunch or lunch around Rosebank and the Keyes Art Mile, where you can combine your jacaranda outing with galleries, restaurants and a little people-watching.
This is a good option if you have visitors staying with you, or if you’re still getting to know Johannesburg and want to explore somewhere beyond your usual routine.
2. Where can you picnic among the jacarandas in Emmarentia and Greenside?
If you prefer a slower morning outdoors, head towards Emmarentia and the surrounding Greenside streets.
Start around the residential roads near the park and explore the streets towards Troon Road and Clovelly Road. When the jacarandas are flowering, this part of Joburg makes a beautiful backdrop for a gentle wander.
Afterwards, head back to Emmarentia Dam and Johannesburg Botanical Gardens for a picnic or a little time outside.
It’s a particularly good outing for families. Pack a blanket, bring something to eat and let the children burn off some energy while you enjoy the spring sunshine.
Our tip: Make an early start on a warm weekend, and check the park’s current access arrangements before you go. If you’re planning to walk the residential streets, stick to suitable pavements and use designated pedestrian crossings.
3.Why explore Parkview and Westcliff in jacaranda season?
For a combination of beautiful streets, old Johannesburg architecture and a rewarding view, spend some time exploring Parkview and Westcliff.
These established neighbourhoods have plenty of character, from older homes and mature gardens to leafy streets that are particularly lovely in spring.
You can take a leisurely drive through Parkview before heading towards the Westcliff Steps on Crescent Drive. If you’re feeling energetic, climb the approximately 210 steps to take in the view across Johannesburg.
The steps are a local favourite for anyone wanting to add a bit of exercise to their morning. The climb is worth considering even if you aren’t visiting during jacaranda season, as the elevated view gives you a different perspective on the city.
Westcliff also has a fascinating architectural history. If you’d like to learn more about Johannesburg beyond its shopping centres and restaurants, look out for guided heritage walks organised by the Johannesburg Heritage Foundation.
Make a morning of it: Explore the neighbourhood, enjoy the views and then head to Izzy’s Coffee Shop in Forest Town, or Croft and Co in Parkview for a well-earned coffee or lunch.
4.Where can you see the jacarandas from above in Johannesburg?
If you’re looking for something a little more special, a meal or drink overlooking Johannesburg from Four Seasons Hotel The Westcliff is worth considering.
The hotel’s elevated position gives you wonderful views across the city, and spring is a particularly beautiful time to take them in.
This is less about following a specific jacaranda-lined street and more about appreciating the bigger picture: Johannesburg’s green canopy, the surrounding hills and the splashes of purple that appear across the city.
It’s a lovely option for a long lunch, a celebration or simply an excuse to explore a part of Joburg you may not visit very often.
Our tip: Book ahead, particularly for popular October weekends, and confirm the current restaurant and terrace arrangements before setting off.
5. Is Pretoria worth a day trip for the jacarandas?
If there is one place that deserves a special mention during jacaranda season, it’s Pretoria.
The city is famous for its thousands of jacaranda trees, and when they flower together, whole stretches of the city seem to turn purple. It is well worth the drive from Johannesburg, especially if you have friends or family visiting.
The Brooklyn neighbourhood
Start with a drive through Brooklyn, where streets including Pienaar Street and Murray Street are known for their jacarandas.
Keep an eye out for Herbert Baker Street, which is particularly well known for its white jacarandas. These offer a lovely contrast to the more familiar purple blooms.
This is an outing best enjoyed at a relaxed pace. Plan a route before leaving, stop only where parking is permitted and avoid blocking residents’ driveways while taking photographs.
The Union Buildings
The Union Buildings are another excellent stop, combining beautiful architecture, landscaped gardens and views across Pretoria.
Take some time to explore the public areas around the buildings and Government Avenue, where the jacarandas add colour to the historic setting.
Access can be affected by official events or security arrangements, so check the current visitor information before you go.
Klapperkop Nature Reserve
For a different perspective, head towards Klapperkop, where elevated viewpoints offer a chance to appreciate the wider landscape.
Seeing the jacarandas from above gives you an idea of just how much of Pretoria is covered by these trees. It is a lovely option if you want to combine the spring scenery with a little time in nature.
Check current opening and access arrangements before setting off, and visit during daylight hours.
Make a day of it: Combine a drive through Brooklyn with a visit to the Union Buildings, then finish with lunch or coffee before heading back to Johannesburg.
A few things to remember before you go
Check the timing. Jacarandas flower for a relatively short period, and the best dates vary each year. Look for recent photographs before planning a special outing.
Give yourself time. The pleasure is often in wandering through the streets rather than rushing between destinations.
Think about parking. These are often residential neighbourhoods, so park legally, respect driveways and avoid stopping in the road for photographs.
Keep your belongings secure. As with any Johannesburg outing, stay aware of your surroundings, keep valuables out of sight and choose busy, well-used areas for walks.
Look beyond the trees. Stop for coffee, explore a local gallery, visit a park or take in some of Johannesburg’s history while you’re there.
Still getting to know Johannesburg?
One of the things I love about living in Joburg is that there is always another neighbourhood to explore, another little café to discover and another reason to get out and enjoy the city.
Jacaranda season is a good reminder to look beyond your usual routine and enjoy the place you call home, whether you’ve lived here for years or have only just arrived.
Want to explore with others? Join Beyond Coffee, our WhatsApp group for international people calling Joburg home.
