Every spring, Johannesburg transforms into a lavender dreamscape as thousands of jacaranda trees burst into bloom, draping the city in soft shades of my favourite colour, purple. From late October through November, the streets of Rosebank, Saxonwold, Melville, and Westcliff shimmer under a canopy of violet petals, a brief but breathtaking reminder of Joburg's beauty in full colour.
Whether you're a local who never gets tired of the view or a visitor chasing that perfect shot, jacaranda season is worth celebrating in style. Here's how to get in on the action.
See the best of the bloom
While jacarandas are scattered across the city, a few neighbourhoods truly put on a show. Wander down Parks Road and Oxford Road in Rosebank, Upper Houghton, or The Valley Road in Westcliff for postcard-worthy views. Melville's 4th Street offers a laid-back backdrop framed by purple blossoms and vintage cafés, perfect for a slow brunch beneath the trees.
If you're after that panoramic "purple haze" view, head up to Northcliff Ridge Ecopark or climb The Westcliff Steps near the Four Seasons Hotel, where you'll see Johannesburg's leafy sprawl melt into a violet horizon.
Book a jacaranda photoshoot
Jacaranda season is fleeting, but the photos can last forever. For those who want to capture the city's violet glow, photographers (Like iSense Photography) in the city offer curated outdoor photo shoots beneath the blooms. Whether it's a solo portrait, engagement session, or family shoot, they'll help you chase the perfect light. It's the ultimate way to immortalise Joburg's most photogenic moment of the year.
Experience the Jacaranda High Tea at Four Seasons Hotel The Westcliff
If there's one place to bask in the full glory of jacaranda season, it's Four Seasons Hotel The Westcliff. Perched above the treetops, this elegant retreat offers sweeping views of Johannesburg's purple canopy. This year, it's celebrating the season with a signature Afternoon Tea inspired by the city's iconic bloom.
Pastry Chef Nathan Jacobs has designed a menu that captures the essence of the Jacaranda: delicate, elegant, and unforgettable. Expect a refined medley of sweet and savoury bites, including hazelnut and blackberry financier, cassis and white chocolate vacherin, citrus and blueberry tart, and a luxe South African twist with beef short rib amagwinya. Each dish pays homage to the lilac season in colour, texture, and tone, an edible ode to Joburg in full bloom.
Take a day trip to the Jacaranda capital of the world
If you're up for a day trip beyond the city of Gold, take a short drive north to Pretoria, affectionately known as the Jacaranda City. With more than 70,000 trees lining its streets, Pretoria transforms into a surreal wash of purple each spring.
Start your drive along Church Street (now known as Stanza Bopape Street), one of the longest urban streets in the world, before winding through Arcadia, Brooklyn, and Hatfield, neighbourhoods that seem to glow under a violet sky.
A must-see stop is Klapperkop Nature Reserve, where you can park and take in sweeping views of the city blanketed in lilac. As the sun dips low, the skyline glows gold and purple, a sight that's every bit as romantic as it sounds. Grab a coffee at a nearby café or make a day of it with brunch stops and photo breaks along the way.
As the petals fall and the streets turn lavender, jacaranda season reminds us of Joburg's softer, more romantic side. Whether you're sipping tea high above the trees, strolling through Saxonwold's shaded streets, road-tripping to Pretoria, or capturing the moment with iSense Photography, there's no better time to pause and take in the beauty of the city we call home.
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