A close friend of mine celebrated her 30th birthday and I was excited when I heard of the secret venue where the suprise party was to be hosted. The place brought back Geology 2nd year memories where we had to spend close to an entire day out on the sun, mapping the various lithological units and the famous Geological discontinuity exposed in the area. At that time, it was strictly work and I can’t recall really exploring the area for any other reason besides what the field trip wanted us to achieve.

This time around was a bit different. I got the chance to sit back and thoroughly take in the scenery, enjoy its beauty and appreciate its overwhelming Geology.

The Walter Sisulu National Botanical gardens is located in Roodepoort, approximately 30 km North West of Johannesburg is the popular destination for picnics, outdoor fun-runs, a 5.3 km Geology trail, weddings and concerts. An ideal setting for all these activities, nestled at one of the most iconic Geological sites, where you get the chance to literally ‘take a walk through Geologic time’ in the Gauteng Province and for a small entrance fee, you gain access to the scenery and serenity that this park has to offer.

This classic walk through Geologic time takes on a circular display and trail en route to the main fault line outcrop of the Witportjie WaterFall Formation (interbedded bands of light quarzites and red shales) where you are taken on a view from the oldest (volcanic) rock types on the basin to the younger rock types that include the sedimentary units of the Witwatersrand Group. The samples across the circular Geotrail are all polished for better preservation and view. The self-guided Geotrail commenses straight after you pass the circular Geology time scale walk-through-tour and will take you all the way to have a direct and slightly elevevated, direct view of the Witpoortjie Waterfall.

Besides the fascinating rock types and fault line exposed, there is a variety of flora and fauna to be seen and learnt about at this park.

The Witportjie Waterfall – Geology centerpiece of the park with the fault zone seen cutting across the interbedded rock units.

A picture rest ideal backdrop and a popular photography site for most visitors of the park. We also could not resist.

The Foothills of the Quartzite-rich Mountain ranges are where the scenic, neat and peaceful lawns of the park reside. All of this centered around the breathtaking Geology of Johanneaburg Park.

With such a perfect setting, I knew that my friend’s suprise birthday party was going to be memorable and a success at this place and it sure was!