Boksburg sits on the East Rand of Gauteng, part of the City of Ekurhuleni, and grew up around the gold diggings proclaimed in 1887. Its central area is anchored by the Boksburg Lake, a 150,000-square-metre dam surrounded by lawns, trees and terraces, which has been a popular feature of the town since it filled.
For a visitor, the practical question is where to base yourself relative to the lake, the main roads and O.R. Tambo International Airport, which lies nearby and shapes much of the accommodation on this side of the East Rand. This guide covers the areas the sources identify, what each is like, who it suits, and how it connects to the rest of the city.
Best areas to stay in Boksburg
1. Bartlett
Bartlett is the area named in the sources for hotel-style accommodation in Boksburg itself, with a hotel and conference centre on Viewpoint Road offering several different accommodation options on one site, along with a gym, spa, WiFi and restaurants, and a free airport transfer for guests.
It suits visitors who want to be based in Boksburg rather than at the airport, and who value having dining and leisure facilities where they are staying. Its practical advantage is the airport connection, which makes it straightforward if you are arriving or departing at O.R. Tambo.
2. Boksburg North
Boksburg North is the area where most workers initially resided after gold was discovered, and it sits within the town's established northern side. It is a residential part of Boksburg rather than a resort or airport strip.
It suits travellers who prefer to be among the town's ordinary residential fabric and within reach of the central area and the lake. Expect to rely on your own transport or local connections to get to the sights, as the sources describe it as a residential area rather than a transport hub.
3. The area around O.R. Tambo International Airport
The sources note a cluster of hotels around O.R. Tambo International Airport, with accommodation on the airport side of the East Rand, including Isando and along Jones Road, where a casino resort and hotel sits. This is the practical choice if your visit is built around a flight.
It suits transit travellers, overnight layovers and anyone whose trip is anchored to the airport rather than to Boksburg's own streets. Several of these places run transport to and from the airport and nearby shopping centres, which is the main practical point in their favour.
Where to stay on a budget, mid-range or splurge
- Budget: dorm beds and simple rooms in the airport cluster and in guesthouse-style accommodation, with shared kitchens, lounges and secure parking in some cases. Rates in the sources start at the lower end per person.
- Mid-range: standard double en-suite rooms, including options with breakfast baskets, airport transfers and self-catering facilities. This is the broadest band in the area.
- Splurge: full hotel accommodation with on-site restaurants, gym, spa and conference facilities, and free airport transfers for guests.
Best area for a first visit
For a first visit, base yourself in Bartlett. It keeps you in Boksburg itself, close to the town's central area and the lake, while still giving you a direct airport connection and on-site dining and facilities. That combination makes it the least complicated choice if you are new to the area.
Frequently asked questions
Should I stay in Boksburg or near the airport?
If your trip is built around a flight or a single overnight stop, the cluster of hotels around O.R. Tambo International Airport is the more practical base. If you want to spend time in Boksburg itself, staying in the town, such as in Bartlett, keeps you closer to its central area and the lake.
Do places in the area offer airport transfers?
Some do. The sources describe free airport transfers for guests at the hotel and conference centre in Bartlett, and transport to and from the airport and shopping centres at accommodation in the airport cluster.
What is there to see near where I stay?
The Boksburg Lake is an integral part of the central area, surrounded by lawns, trees and terraces. Staying in or near the centre puts you within reach of it.
Is Boksburg well connected to the rest of the East Rand?
Yes. The Main Reef Road historically linked Boksburg to the other major mining towns on the Witwatersrand, and a railway line to Johannesburg opened in 1890. The airport cluster also connects to nearby shopping centres.
Compare live prices for the areas above with the booking tools on this page before you decide.