Benoni
Introduction
You will find Benoni situated on the East Rand in the Gauteng province of South Africa. Located within the City of Ekurhuleni municipality, this town sits just east of Johannesburg.
Before you go
Before you arrive in Ekurhuleni, you may find interest in the local history and meaning behind the name, which translates to "place of peace" in XiTsonga. This district is part of the Gauteng province and serves as one of the metropolitan municipalities of South Africa.
While staying in the area, you can maintain a general awareness of your surroundings. You may also consult with local security or staff members to learn more about the local environment.
Getting there
You can arrive in the region by plane at O.R. Tambo International Airport, which serves as a major gateway with flights from various destinations across all continents. If you prefer to travel by car, the area is connected to South Africa's main motorways via several highways, including the M2, N3, N17, R21, R24, and R59.
Rail travel provides another way to reach the area. While Metrorail offers regional passenger services primarily for commuters, long-distance Shosholoza Meyl trains from Durban, East London, and Port Elizabeth also stop in Germiston. For those arriving by air, Rhodesfield railway station serves as an interchange between Gautrain and Metrorail services near the airport.
Getting around
You can navigate the region using the bus rapid transit system, which serves several key areas including Tembisa, Vosloorus, Kempton Park, and OR Tambo International Airport. Additional routes connect Katlehong, Reiger Park, and Rhodesfield to help you reach various destinations across the area.
Alternatively, you can choose to travel by rental car to explore the surroundings at your own pace.
Where to stay
You can find a cluster of hotels situated near O.R. Tambo International Airport to suit your travel needs. Options range from comfortable rooms with excellent cuisine and stylish double rooms located close to the airport, to a casino resort and hotel accessible via Jones Road. For a more relaxed stay, you might choose a location offering a friendly home atmosphere with individual log cabins, double en suite rooms, and a campsite for overnight campers.
- Garden Court OR Tambo International Airport provides transport to shopping centres and the airport.
- Birchwood Hotel & OR Tambo Conference Centre offers multiple accommodation options along with a gym, spa, and on-site restaurants.
- The View Guest House is located in the Kempton Park area.
Food & drink
You can find local dining options in the Thembisa area, where several establishments serve your meals. These include Haya Restaurant and Hang Awt.
- Wimpy
- Ga Nama Aefele Kwa Nyama Aipheli Ga
What to see and do
You can explore the region's rich history by visiting several memorial sites and museums. Visit the AECI Dynamite Factory Museum to learn about the history of explosives in relation to South African mining, or visit the O.R. Tambo Narrative Centre on the banks of the Leeupan Wetland to learn about the contributions of the Tambo couple toward dismantling Apartheid. You can also pay your respects at the Chris Hani Memorial, which features a Monument, a Walk of Remembrance, and a Wall of Remembrance, or visit the Thokoza Wall of Remembrance to see a site commemorating those lost in local conflict during the late 1980s and early 1990s.
Other points of interest include:
- The South African Airways Museum located in Germiston.
- St Boniface Church, a historic Anglican church.
- Bokkie Park and Boksburg Stadium.
Three days in Benoni
Day one, you begin your journey in Benoni, located in the East Rand of Gauteng. You can explore the local surroundings and settle into the atmosphere of this city within the Ekurhuleni region.
Day two, you can travel toward neighboring areas such as Germiston or explore the nearby regions of Tembisa and Vosloorus. If you prefer to stay closer to the main hubs, you can visit Kempton Park or Katlehong.
Day three, you can head toward Rhodesfield or Reiger Park. Alternatively, you can make your way toward the transport hubs near OR Tambo International Airport or the Birchwood Hotel and OR Tambo Conference Centre.