The City of Johannesburg is celebrating receiving global recognition for its efforts in preserving and enhancing urban green spaces.
Two of the city's green infrastructures recently received prestigious awards at the World Urban Parks (WUP) Awards. This international platform has been honouring excellence in parks and recreation for the past ten years, focusing on five key regions - Africa, Asia-Pacific, Europe, North America, and Latin America. WUP also honours innovation, sustainability, and community impact in the management of urban parks.
Klipriviersberg Nature Reserve
Ten kilometres from the city centre lies Klipriviersberg Nature Reserve. The reserve has been crowned the 2025 International Large Urban Park Award winner. The facility is the largest proclaimed nature reserve in the Johannesburg Metropolitan area, covering more than 700 hectares of protected land.
The reserve has scenic beauty and is also loved for its rich biodiversity. It is home to wildlife such as zebras, red hartebeests, black wildebeests, and more than 230 bird species. The reserve is a popular spot for hikers, birdwatchers, and nature lovers. The global recognition cements its reputation as one of the most sought-after and remarkable nature reserves around the world.
It also highlights how committed the reserve is to protecting urban nature.
Address: 129 Peggy Vera Rd, Kibler Park, Johannesburg South, 2091.
Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo
One of Johannesburg’s beloved landmarks, Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo, has received global recognition. It won the 2025 Leading Parks Organization Award. Since its inception, the zoo has been a great source of entertainment, environmental education, and leadership in urban environmental management. The zoo remains a haven for millions who rely on it for leisure, wellness, and a connection with nature.
Address: City Parks House, 40 De Korte Street, Braamfontein.
What this means for Johannesburg
The two awards demonstrate that Johannesburg remains a city dedicated to preserving nature reserves and creating greener, healthier, and more inclusive public spaces for all.
ALSO READ: The best green spaces in Johannesburg