Indwe Park: Another Urban Hike

Day Two of Leave and an Urban Hike I Didn’t Know I Needed

So when you’re officially on day two of leave, it’s not a weekend, and most of the people you know are doing things like working or being normal… what do you do?

If you’re me, you realise that day two indoors is simply not an option.

The walls start closing in.

The hiking boots start making prolonged eye contact.

And you ask yourself the obvious question:

Who you gonna call?

I don’t know about you, but I called Carol.

Hiking With My “Every Terrain Is My Terrain” Spirit Animal

Carol and I have hiked together a few times before - some were her guided hikes, a couple of private ones.

The last time I saw her feels like a lifetime ago and involved her Bezhoek weekend away, which was excellent, by the way.

If you can, go. Immediately.

Because I am a hiking delinquent, I love hiking with Carol when she’s not on the clock.

On the clock, she’s a well-oiled, highly competent machine. Which, for anyone new here, I am not.

Off the clock, she spots a photo opportunity every few steps, is equally delighted by a casual urban mooch or a full-blown Magaliesberg suffer-fest, and never makes you feel rushed, judged, or under prepared - which I am.

When we spoke the day before, we checked the weather and debated options. I threw out De Wildt, Piesangskloof or Indwe Park?

I half-expected a long pause, followed by,

“Indwe… what?”

But this is Carol.

She’d already heard of it, knew where it was, and mentioned she’d been meaning to do it “for a while now,"

Responsible vs Unhinged

Here’s the thing.

Carol is responsible.

Carol has clients.

Carol does not do rainy hikes.

I, on the other hand, am wildly irresponsible because I have no clients and an extremely flexible relationship with common sense when it comes to hiking in rainy weather.

So when we saw the weather, we compromised like mature adults and chose Indwe Park - perfectly suited to the conditions, and honestly the ideal choice with the ideal person.

Indwe Park: A Hidden Urban Gem in Braamfontein

It is directly opposite Wits University.

We arrived in a soft drizzle. The park is owned by Liberty, and you enter through their head office, which already feels slightly rebellious.

From the entrance gate to the exit, we were met with nothing but warmth - which is impressive, considering we were single-handedly lowering the corporate tone of the neighborhood by arriving in full hiking gear… and on a rainy day, no less.

Yes, I was wearing grubby hiking boots.

Yes, I had a backpack and hydration pack.

Yes, it was completely unnecessary.

No, I regret nothing.

Entry Details: Free, Friendly, and Surprisingly Painless

So what did we establish?

Entrance is free

You’re meant to book ahead.....oh dear. One quick phone call later? Totally fine.

Signed in, got a sticker, and off we went.

Efficient. Friendly. We love to see it.

Not a Hike, More a Mosey

Let’s be clear: this is not a hike-hike.

It’s a mosey-and-gush situation.

Indwe Park feels like a mini Wilds - beautifully designed, calm, and intimate.

It’s an urban green space that celebrates people, plants, animals, and local artists, with sculptures dotted throughout and views stretching into the CBD.

It’s the kind of place that quietly reminds you that Joburg can actually be beautiful when it wants to be.

I first spotted it thanks to a follower who posted about it on a group, and had already planned to pair it with The Wilds - which, let’s be honest, is an elite-level morning plan.

If you’re looking for urban warmth, gentle movement, and a reminder that the city still has soul, this is it.

Oh, and as long as they’re on a lead… fluff goblins are very much welcome too.

Art, Design, and Unexpected City Softness

The sculptures are charming, the landscaping thoughtful, and there are little pockets where you just stop. Look. Breathe.

It's clean, it's secure and it's peaceful.

There’s a coffee shop on-site (which we skipped because random Thursday morning uncertainty), and apparently, the space can be booked out for events and parties, which feels very on-brand for Joburg.

The rain politely paused for the entire walk, once again confirming that the universe and my hiking self are on the same team.

Carol and I caught up, nattered, snapped photos, and fully refilled our emotional cups.

Thank you, Carol.

Thank you, Indwe Park.

And thank you, Joburg — for continuing to impress me.