Centurion travel guide

Centurion, South Africa

By the Travel Wiki editorial team

Centurion

Introduction

Centurion sits in Gauteng Province between Pretoria and Midrand, with its heart at the intersection of the N1 and N14 freeways. The R21 also passes through the eastern part of the area, so you can use Centurion as a stopover or base while travelling through the province.

Once an independent municipality with its own town council, Centurion has formed part of the City of Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality since 2000. Expect a practical, freeway-linked place rather than a resort town, and plan your movements around the road network that defines it.

Before you go

Centurion sits on the Highveld, so its climate resembles that of Johannesburg and Pretoria, though it tends to follow the slightly warmer Pretoria. Winters are dry and sunny, with mild maximum daytime temperatures and cold nights. Summers run from October to April and are warm to hot, with temperatures ranging from the mid-20s to the mid-30s Celsius, tempered by late-afternoon showers that often bring spectacular thunder and lightning. Hailstorms are not uncommon, though a serious one has not occurred for many years.

The Hennops River flows through the heart of the city and can cause occasional flooding after heavy rainfall, so bear that in mind when planning outdoor activities in the wetter months. Note also that Irene, a village that forms part of Centurion, is covered in a separate article; it is home to the Smuts House Museum and the Irene Dairy Farm.

Getting there

Centurion sits between Pretoria and Johannesburg, which makes it straightforward to reach by road from either city. From Pretoria, take the R101 motorway; if you are arriving by plane, you can ride in from OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg via the R21 motorway.

By train, Centurion has a station on the high-speed Gautrain, which runs between Johannesburg and Pretoria. You can also arrive from OR Tambo by train, changing at Marlboro station.

Getting around

Centurion sits between Pretoria and Johannesburg, and the Gautrain rapid rail line is the backbone of its public transport. Centurion railway station is the city's stop on the network, putting both Johannesburg and Pretoria within easy reach by train and letting you avoid road traffic. If you are arriving from OR Tambo International Airport, you can take the Gautrain but will need to change at Marlboro station. Buy your ticket or pass at the station before boarding.

Beyond the rail line, bus services complement the Gautrain and are useful for shorter trips and for areas not directly on the rail route; check schedules and routes locally once you arrive. Minibus taxis are affordable and widely used, particularly for routes that buses and trains do not cover, while ride-hailing services offer a convenient door-to-door option and suit airport transfers or times when you are carrying luggage. Centurion is spread out, so walking is practical only for short distances within a specific area, such as around the railway station or within a neighbourhood. For most trips between districts you will need a vehicle or public transport, so plan to combine walking with rail, bus or taxi travel rather than relying on foot for the whole journey. By road, the R21 motorway links OR Tambo to Centurion, and the R101 provides a direct route in from Pretoria.

Where to stay

For a stay on the water, the Protea Hotel Waterfront sits on Gordon Hood Road at Centurion Lake, putting you right beside the city's central stretch of water.

Food & drink

The source material for Centurion's food and drink scene is empty, so there is nothing to describe here.

What to see and do

For art and cricket alike, Centurion has its anchors. The Centurion Art Gallery sits at the corner of Cantonments Road and Unie Avenue, an easy starting point for an afternoon of browsing local work. Cricket fans should head to Super Sport Park on West Avenue in Die Hoewes, a ground that occasionally hosts Test matches and serves as home to the Titans, representing the Easterns and Northerns Cricket Unions, as well as the Pretoria Capitals. If aviation interests you, the area is also associated with AFB Swartkop and AFB Waterkloof, two air force bases that lend the city a distinct aeronautical character. Beyond these, the source offers little in the way of organised activities, so plan to build your day around the gallery and the stadium, and let the neighbourhoods fill in the rest.

When to go

Centurion has a Highveld climate, which means your choice of season will shape your trip considerably. Summers are warm to hot, with daytime temperatures climbing into the mid-20s to mid-30s Celsius. The heat is usually tempered by late-afternoon showers, which often arrive with spectacular thunder and lightning. Hailstorms are not uncommon, though a serious one has not occurred for many years, and heavy rainfall can occasionally cause the Hennops River to flood.

Winters, by contrast, are dry and sunny. Daytime highs sit around 20 Celsius before dropping to an average minimum of 5 Celsius, and conditions tend to be slightly warmer than nearby Johannesburg. If you prefer clear skies and mild days over heat and afternoon storms, winter is the more comfortable time to visit.

Three days in Centurion

Day one: Base yourself in Centurion, part of the City of Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality in Gauteng Province, and start gently around Centurion Lake on Gordon Hood Road, where the Protea Hotel Waterfront sits. From there you can walk to the Centurion Art Gallery on Cantonments Road, then follow Unie Avenue for a sense of the town's everyday street life. Expect Highveld weather: summers, roughly October to April, are warm with afternoon thundershowers and occasional hailstorms, while winters are dry and bitterly cold at night.

Day two: Head to Irene, south of the town, for a slower day. The Smuts House Museum and the Irene Dairy Farm are the main draws, and the Hennops River runs through the area. Note that Irene is easily reached from Pretoria, so you can combine it with time in the capital if you wish.

Day three: Use Centurion as a springboard for the wider region. The Gautrain links the area towards Midrand, Marlboro and Johannesburg, and OR Tambo International Airport is the main gateway if you are flying out. If you prefer road transport, minibus taxis and other services connect Centurion with Pretoria and beyond. Buy any supplies you need before you set off, and allow extra time in summer afternoons when storms roll in.

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