FLORIDA LAKE

Johannesburg, South Africa. This city has been called the most dangerous in the world but I’m here to tell you different.

Growing up in Joburg (Johannesburg) was an experience. Growing up I dreamt of traveling the world. My teenage years were filled with trips to Europe and Asia but after every experience I found myself happy to be home. I return to incomparable sunsets, street food you can’t find anywhere else, even in the rest of South Africa and the friendliest people on the planet. Being on a travel break, I took this last week to explore my own city and found a real gem; Florida Lake.

Located in Western Joburg, this perfect picnic spot is one of the largest open parks in the city. Visiting the lake on a Sunday, you’ll find people having a barbeque (we call it a braai), kids running around by the lake side and exhibitions of the latest street fashion. There are fish in the lake and fishing is welcome and the sunsets are unparalleled.

Tips:

1. Pack a pull picnic. All the munchies, a blanket and beverages. The lake is beautiful however being more nature orientated, there is not a great variety of dining locations however the street-food is delicious and cheap. The average meal ranging from R15.00 (roughly $1.00) to R40 ( roughly $2.50)

2. There is no entrance fee, just park your car by the water.

3. Prepare for loud music on the East side of the lake. People play music from their cars, however the West side is serene.

4. The lake is a cheap wedding venue. Amazing for a wedding that feels like a exotic location but everyone can go home after ;)

5. To get a good fishing spot, arrive before 16:00 as it does get packed around sunset.

Finally, bring a good vibe and you’re almost guaranteed to meet new and interesting people from all walks of Joburg Life.