Krugersdorp is a mining city in the West Rand of Gauteng, shaped by the gold reef that runs along the Witwatersrand. It sits between open veld and a modern business centre, with game reserves, heritage sites and the Cradle of Humankind within reach of the town.
For a visitor, the practical question is where to base yourself. The town spreads along its main roads, and the surrounding reserves sit out in the bush to the west, so your choice comes down to whether you want shops and restaurants within walking distance or a base closer to the wildlife and caves. This guide covers the areas the sources identify, and what each one suits.
Best areas to stay in Krugersdorp
1. Central Krugersdorp and the Voortrekker Road corridor
The town's main artery runs through the centre, where a modern business centre and shopping malls sit alongside smaller shops, schools and necessary amenities. This is the most convenient base if you want to be within reach of everyday services and the commercial heart of the city.
It suits first-time visitors and anyone without a car who wants shops and restaurants close by. Accommodation along this corridor includes guesthouses, and the road continues out towards the Key West Shopping Centre, where a cluster of shops and restaurants sits on the waterfront of the Pretorius Park Dam. Note that Ontdekkers Road becomes Voortrekker Road and then Viljoen Street as you head towards town, so the same route carries different names.
2. Krugersdorp Game Reserve and the R24, west of town
West of the town centre, along the R24, the Krugersdorp Game Reserve covers a large area of dense bush and veld and holds a large quantity of game. It is one of the city's major tourist attractions, and staying here puts you inside the reserve rather than commuting to it.
This suits visitors whose priority is wildlife and open country, and it works well for families and self-catering stays. The accommodation here takes the form of caravan and tent sites and chalets, with a convenience store, take-aways, a pool and laundry on site. The trade-off is distance: you are out along the R24, so you will want your own transport for the town and other sights.
3. The R24 towards Rustenburg and Magaliesburg
Further out along the Rustenburg road, the character shifts to a rural, lodge-style setting away from the built-up town. This is the quietest of the options, with self-catering units and log cabins set around courtyards and gardens.
It suits travellers who want a slower stay, couples taking a weekend break, and self-catering groups. Because it sits well out from Krugersdorp, plan on driving for supplies and for the town's attractions. If your trip centres on the Cradle of Humankind, Sterkfontein Caves and the Wonder Cave, this side of town keeps you pointed in that direction.
Where to stay on a budget, mid-range or splurge
- Budget: caravan and tent sites within the game reserve, with shared facilities including a pool, laundry and convenience store.
- Mid-range: guesthouses in town and B&B or self-catering chalets in and around the reserves, often with breakfast included or kitchen facilities.
- Splurge: self-catering chalets and log cabins in the reserve and lodge settings, including larger family units and more private cabins for a weekend break.
Best area for a first visit
Base yourself in central Krugersdorp along the Voortrekker Road corridor. It puts you within walking distance of shops and restaurants and gives you the easiest starting point for reaching the rest of the city. From there the game reserve, the Cradle of Humankind and the Sterkfontein Caves are all a straightforward drive out of town.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a car to stay in Krugersdorp?
It depends on where you base yourself. In central Krugersdorp you can walk to shops and restaurants, but the game reserve and the heritage sites around the Cradle of Humankind sit outside the town and are best reached by road.
Which area is closest to the Krugersdorp Game Reserve?
The reserve lies on the R24 just west of town, and accommodation inside it includes caravan and tent sites and chalets. Staying there places you within the reserve itself.
What kinds of places can I stay in around Krugersdorp?
The options include caravan and tent sites, B&B and self-catering chalets, guesthouses with en-suite rooms, and log cabins in more rural lodge settings.
Which side of town is best for the Cradle of Humankind and Sterkfontein Caves?
These heritage sites lie in close proximity to Krugersdorp, along with the Wonder Cave. A base on the western or north-western side, towards the reserves and the R24, keeps you oriented towards them.
Compare live prices for the areas above with the booking tools on this page before you decide.