Top five things for retirees to do in Johannesburg

Isn't it wonderful waking up in the morning and not having to worry about fighting traffic, going to work, meeting deadlines and ensuring that your clients are happy? In many ways, retirement is the ticket to freedom and the only downside to this is that you can sometimes wonder what to do with all your free time. This is one of the reasons why Gauteng is a great choice for a retirement destination - there's always something to do! The CSi Property Group takes a look at five great ways to spend your free time.

1.   Visit the Johannesburg Botanical Garden

Take a stroll around one of Johannesburg's green lungs. The Johannesburg Botanical Garden in Emmarentia, Randburg is well loved by runners, picnickers and dog walkers. You can indulge your senses in a variety of special gardens, including the Shakespeare Garden, a rose garden, a herb garden and a hedge demonstration garden.Enjoy stunning views of Emmarentia Dam and savour a cup of tea under the pergola.If Roodepoort is closer to home than Randburg for you, then pay a visit to the Walter Sisulu Gardens and Nature Reserve. If you're a keen birdwatcher, take your binoculars and see if you're lucky enough to spot the breeding pair of Verreaux's eagles that nest on the cliffs near the waterfall.

2.   Explore our vibrant history at the Apartheid Museum

South Africa has an incredibly multifaceted and fascinating history and Joburg offers many opportunities to delve into our past. A visit to the Apartheid Museum is likely to fill you not only with shock at what the people of our country endured but also admiration at their resilience. An array of emotional permanent displays, from race classification and segregation to the 1994 elections and the new constitution, puts our country's struggle into perspective.

3.  Go on a township tour

Did you know that the word "township" was used by the Apartheid government to describe a black area under the Group Areas Act? You can spend an enlightening day going on a tour through townships like Alexandra, either on foot or in a vehicle with knowledgeable guides who are passionate about their home and proud to introduce you to the area and its people. Gain a unique understanding of South Africa's cultural diversity and discover the stories of life in the townships - both past and present.

4.  Unwind in a nature reserve

Johannesburg offers lovely green spaces to enjoy, even in cosmopolitan suburbs like Houghton. You can visit The Wilds Nature Reserve and discover a lovely nature spot in the heart of the city. Whether you choose to sit and relax on one of the benches, go for a walk on the well-maintained walking trails or have a picnic, a trip to the nature reserve is sure to leave your soul rejuvenated. Another great spot to visit in Johannesburg is the 700-ha Klipriviersberg Nature Reserve where, if you're lucky, you could spot zebra, red hartebeest and black wildebeest. Hiking is the main activity in this reserve, but birdwatchers should take their binoculars because about 230 bird species have been identified here. As is the case in any potentially secluded place, be mindful of security and don't carry valuables with you.

5.  Enjoy the city's cultural smorgasbord

If you enjoy theatre, ballet or any other element of the arts, you're spoilt for choice in Johannesburg. With an array of theatres including the Pieter Tourien Theatre at Montecasino, the Lyric Theatre, The Joburg Theatre and various others, there's always a performance to be enjoyed. If you're in the mood to tantalise your taste buds, you'll find every kind of cuisine from Asian and Mexican to European and authentic African in Joburg's wide array of restaurants.

If you call one of Johannesburg's retirement villages home, there will also be plenty to do closer to home, from walking trails and outdoor activities in the village to games afternoons, movie nights and other social events. Get in touch with the CSi Property Group to find your ideal retirement home in Johannesburg.

Image credit: Image credit: Waterfall at Walter Sisulu Botanical Garden by Lavinia Engelbrecht | Wikipedia | CC BY-SA 4.0