The Orange Grove Waterfall is a source of the Orange Grove Spruit. Its waters once irrigated the groves of Viljoen’s Lemoen Plaas, cooled early Joburgers in search of rest and respite from the City’s noise and dust, and created an environment so delightful that it even attracted a tea garden, zoo, and hot air balloon rides.

But, as Louis Botha became busier and dirtier, the Waterfall was forgotten and became a dumping spot, and insensitive bureaucrats even plotted how to surround it with blocks of flats. 

Now there is hope. A heritage study commissioned by the Johannesburg Heritage Foundation appears to have fended off the worst intentions of Joburg’s planners, and the Police Reservists have started to clear two decades’ rubbish from the grounds of House Bleloch. Discover the Waterfall, House Bleloch, and the magnificent Art Deco apartment blocks of the surrounding neighbourhood on our walking tour.

Email mail@joburgheritage.co.za to book.

GUIDES: Brett McDougall and David Fleminger
TIME: 14h00
PARK: The Police Reservists Training Centre, corner of Louis Botha and Houghton Drive. Enter Houghton Drive from Louis Botha – the property is the first on the left.
COST: R100 for members and R170 for non-members 
DURATION: Approximately 3 hours
MAXIMUM No: 50