In 1892 the future Lady Phillips, the ‘Queen of Johannesburg’, escaped the noise and dirt of ramshackle Johannesburg for the peace of the open rocky hills just north of the town. Here the low ridge of the Witwatersrand shelved away into a vista of empty veld. This “wild and solitary” place instantly caught her imagination, and she soon persuaded her husband that they should build a house there. Leaders of Joburg’s social set, where the Philips went others followed, and Parktown was soon Johannesburg’s most fashionable suburb.

Though much has changed in the past 125 years, the legacy of the Phillips and Sir Lionel’s employer, The Corner House, lives on in Parktown and its neighbours. Our walk explores the unique terrain and historic ridge homes of Parktown and Westcliff, before plunging down the Westcliff stairs to Kilkenny Road in Parkview and its castle. We’ll discover the real estate genius of Hermann Eckstein, who planted three million trees to service the mining industry in the Sachsenwald, and then turned the plantation into a smart suburb around the Zoo Lake. And then we’ll explore Joburg’s ritziest flatland, Killarney, the product of business genius Isidore Schlesinger who imbued it with unparalleled style.

Our hike covers 12.5km of hilly terrain in 4 to 5 hours. Wear sensible shoes, a hat and sunscreen. Eat a good breakfast before you join us, bring plenty of water and a small packed lunch that will be eaten along the way.

Contact Eira to book - mail@joburgheritage.co.za

GUIDES: Brett McDougall, Ed Coogan and Mike Bagley

PARK: Northwards, 21 Rockridge Road, Parktown

TIME:  09h00

DURATION:  4 to 5 hours

COST:  R90.00 for members and R150.00 for non-members

MAXIMUM No: 60