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Writer's pictureSalman Khan

Rhode Park in Kensington in close proximity to Observatory.



The primary roads in Kensington were named after British Anglo-Boer War generals, Lord Roberts and Lord Kitchener. In 1903, the Kensington Estate Company established a 13-acre park dedicated to Cecil John Rhodes. These notable names contributed to generating a distinctly British colonial atmosphere in Kensington.



Rhodes Park through the Kensington Spring Fair


In 1903, Langermann donated four plots on Benbow Street with the intention of creating a Jewish orphanage. A building was constructed in 1905 to house this initiative and welcomed its first group of 20 children. By 1923, the orphanage relocated to Phillips Home Arcadia located in Parktown, a structure also designed by Herbert Baker.



Numerous streets in Kensington were named after British battleships from the Edwardian era, and they still bear these names today. For instance, Lynx was named after a British destroyer launched in 1894. Additional cruisers of the British Admiralty lent their names to various streets throughout Kensington; examples include Minerva, Marathon, Leda, Benbow, Collingwood, Royal Oak, Montague, Nymphe (now spelt “Nymph”), Orion and Osprey. Notably reflecting an organized approach to surveying and naming is that these street names are arranged alphabetically.

Rhodes Park may not match the size of Zoo Lake or Emmarentia, nor offer the expansive views found at Melville Koppies or the Wilds. However, it holds its own charm with a large lake-like dam, an abundance of mature trees and birds, and sprawling green lawns. It's an ideal spot to sit on a tree stump by the water for reflection, meditation, or even shedding some tears.

There is also a lawn bowling club and several sports fields, along with an amphitheater, although I didn't explore those areas. Instead, I simply strolled around the dam and admired the art.


Rhodes Park may not match the size of Zoo Lake or Emmarentia, nor does it offer the expansive views found at Melville Koppies or The Wilds. However, it's still a charming spot. With its sizable lake, an abundance of mature trees and birds, and sprawling green lawns, it's ideal for sitting on a tree stump to gaze out over the water while meditating on life’s complexities—or even having a good cry.


If your heading toward Joburg and wanted to visit this historical site then please contact us and book your room at Furaha Guest Lodge 45 Observatory Avenue, Observatory

Johannesburg, South Africa

Tel: 087 149 4148

Cell: 079 321 9175

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