Stand on the edge of the cliff at the waterfall in the Walter Sisulu National Botanical Gardens and you may see a Verreaux's eagle riding the updraught, with peregrine falcons nesting in the rock face behind it. It is one of the few places on the West Rand where a morning walk ends at a genuine cliff, and it sits right on the Krugersdorp boundary.
Krugersdorp suits travellers who are passing through Gauteng with a car and a day or two to spare, and who would rather spend that time on a short trail, a game drive or a piece of Anglo-Boer War history than in a shopping centre. The town is also a practical base for the wider area, since the Cradle of Humankind, the Sterkfontein Caves and the Wonder Cave all lie in close proximity.
This guide covers the sights and activities the sources describe, in the order worth doing them, followed by a plan for a single day.
Top things to do in Krugersdorp
1. Walter Sisulu National Botanical Gardens
A botanical garden on the border of Krugersdorp and Roodepoort, with a butterfly garden, walking trails of up to 4 km, and a waterfall in cliffs where eagles and peregrine falcons nest. The combination of an easy trail and a cliff-top waterfall makes it the strongest single stop in the area.
It is open 08:00-17:00 daily and the entrance fee is R60. Go early, when the trails are quiet and the birds are active, and bring what you need for a few hours outdoors.
2. Krugersdorp Game Reserve
A 1,400-hectare reserve in dense bushveld holding hippo, rhino, giraffe, several species of buck, wildebeest, zebra, ostrich and lions, plus a bird aviary. It is one of the city's major tourist attractions and the closest thing here to a full game-viewing day.
The main gate is along Rustenburg Road (R24) and is open 08:00-18:00, while the lion camp and aviary are open 08:00-17:00. Lion feeding takes place at 10:00 every Sunday, and there is a caravan park and lodge inside the park if you want to stay over. Adults pay R40.
3. Paardekraal Monument
The monument recalls the December 1880 gathering at which more than 6,000 men vowed to fight for the Transvaal's independence, and the Paardekraal farm from which the town grew. It is the most direct way to engage with the events that shaped Krugersdorp.
Pair it with the rest of the town's history rather than treating it as a stand-alone stop, and allow time to read the site properly.
4. Fort Harlech
A historic fort from the Anglo-Boer War, on Sarel Potgieter Street. It is a compact site, but it gives physical form to the conflict that the surrounding landscape otherwise only hints at.
It works well as a short stop on the same outing as the Paardekraal Monument, since both deal with the same period of the town's past.
5. Silverstar Casino
A large entertainment complex with indoor and outdoor dining, a cinema, a lounge, laser tag and other family entertainment alongside the gambling floor, plus entertainment and conference facilities. It is the obvious choice when the weather turns or when you want an evening that does not depend on daylight.
It is open 07:00-23:45 daily. It suits a late afternoon or evening slot rather than a full day.
6. Rhino and Lion Nature Reserve
A reserve offering game drives, horse trails, an observatory, abseiling, a swimming pool and braai and picnic areas, with a wide range of animals. The mix of wildlife and activities makes it a good option for a group with different appetites.
It is open 08:00-15:55 and entry is R130. Note the early closing time when planning your day, and book or arrive with enough margin to complete a drive.
7. Tarlton International Raceway
The venue for the South African National Drag Racing Championships. If your visit coincides with a race meeting, it is a very different kind of day out from the reserves and gardens.
Because it operates around championship events rather than as a daily attraction, check what is on before building a day around it.
8. Cradle of Humankind
A provincial heritage site in close proximity to Krugersdorp, and the broader landscape within which the area's fossil sites sit. It is worth adding to a trip that is already centred on the town.
Treat it as part of a wider heritage outing rather than a quick stop, and combine it with the caves below.
9. Sterkfontein Caves
One of the provincial heritage sites close to the city and part of the Cradle of Humankind. The underground setting makes it a strong contrast to the open bushveld reserves.
It pairs naturally with the Cradle of Humankind and the Wonder Cave on the same day.
10. Wonder Cave
Another of the provincial heritage sites in close proximity to Krugersdorp, alongside the Cradle of Humankind and the Sterkfontein Caves. It rounds out the area's underground sites.
Group it with the other two heritage sites rather than visiting it on its own.
11. Maropeng Visitor Centre
Listed among Krugersdorp's tourist attractions and the natural starting point for understanding the Cradle of Humankind area. It gives context to the caves and fossil sites nearby.
Visit it before or after the Sterkfontein Caves so the two make sense together.
12. Coronation Park
The host venue of the annual Gauteng Beach Party, which has featured performances from artists including DJ Sbu, DJ Cleo, Winnie Khumalo, TBo Touch, TKZee and Brown Dash. If your dates line up with the event, it is the liveliest the town gets.
Outside the event period it is simply a park, so check whether the Gauteng Beach Party falls during your visit before making it a priority.
If you only have one day
Morning: Start at the Walter Sisulu National Botanical Gardens when it opens at 08:00, and walk one of the trails of up to 4 km to the waterfall in the cliffs, watching for eagles and peregrine falcons. Then drive to the Krugersdorp Game Reserve on Rustenburg Road, arriving in time for the 10:00 lion feeding if it is a Sunday.
Afternoon: Stay in the Krugersdorp Game Reserve for a game drive through the bushveld, taking in the hippo, rhino, giraffe, buck, wildebeest, zebra, ostrich and lions, and the bird aviary before it closes at 17:00. If you would rather add a second reserve, the Rhino and Lion Nature Reserve is open until 08:00-15:55, so it needs to come earlier in the day.
Evening: Move on to Silverstar Casino, open until 23:45, for dinner indoors or outdoors, a film at the cinema or a session of laser tag, and a quiet drink in the lounge to close the day.
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to see the lions at Krugersdorp Game Reserve?
Lion feeding takes place at 10:00 every Sunday. The lion camp and aviary are open 08:00-17:00, while the main gate on Rustenburg Road is open 08:00-18:00.
How much does it cost to visit the Walter Sisulu National Botanical Gardens and the Krugersdorp Game Reserve?
Entry to the Walter Sisulu National Botanical Gardens is R60, and entry to the Krugersdorp Game Reserve is R40 for adults. The Rhino and Lion Nature Reserve charges R130.
Can I see the Sterkfontein Caves and the Wonder Cave in the same trip as Krugersdorp?
Yes. Both are provincial heritage sites in close proximity to the city, along with the Cradle of Humankind, and the Maropeng Visitor Centre is listed among Krugersdorp's tourist attractions.
Where can I stay inside the Krugersdorp Game Reserve?
A caravan park and lodge are located within the park, which makes it possible to base yourself among the animals rather than driving in each morning.
Decide which of these fits your dates, check the times that matter, and start planning your route through Krugersdorp.