Getting Your Bearings
Thembisa (formerly Tembisa) is a large township on Gauteng's East Rand, sitting just north of Kempton Park. It was established in 1957 and is the second largest township in the province after Soweto. For a visitor, the most useful thing to understand up front is that this is not a city with a formal metro or tram network. Getting around relies on minibus taxis, a limited bus service, commuter rail, ride-hailing apps and, for some trips, a rental car. Planning ahead and asking your host or accommodation for local advice will make everything easier.
Minibus Taxis: The Backbone of Local Travel
Minibus taxis are the dominant way people move around Thembisa and connect to nearby towns. These are privately owned vans seating roughly ten to sixteen passengers, running on informal but generally understood routes, with the major taxi ranks acting as hubs where you change for onward trips.
- Where they go: throughout Thembisa itself, and to Kempton Park, Midrand and Johannesburg.
- Paying: cash, paid directly to the conductor, at a fixed fare per route.
- When they run: from early morning until roughly late evening, with very frequent departures at peak times.
- Practical tips: ask your guesthouse host or a local to explain the routes and the hailing procedure before you try it yourself. Taxis are generally considered safe during the day on common routes, but avoid them late at night.
- Accessibility: minibus taxis are generally not accessible for travellers with mobility challenges.
Rail: Metrorail and Gautrain
Two very different rail options serve the area.
Metrorail operates the main commuter line between Pretoria in the north and Johannesburg via Germiston in the south. It has a station in Thembisa east at Oakmoor. Just south of Oakmoor, a branch line heads north-west into the township, with stations at Thembisa in the east, Limindlela in the centre and Leralla in the west. This is the conventional commuter service for residents travelling to work in the wider region.
Gautrain is the modern commuter rail system linking OR Tambo International Airport with Sandton, Midrand and Pretoria. Rhodesfield Station is the closest major Gautrain station to Thembisa and works well as a transfer point if you are combining rail with a taxi or ride-hailing trip into the township. Gautrain is fully accessible, with ramps, lifts and designated spaces, making it the best option for travellers with mobility needs. You pay using a reloadable Gautrain Gold Card, purchased for a small card fee, with fares varying by distance travelled.
Buses
Metrobus serves some of the main routes and connects to larger hubs, but its coverage inside the township itself is limited. Treat it as a supplement to taxis rather than a primary way to get around Thembisa.
Metered Taxis and Private Taxis
Metered taxis — sedans with branding and meters — are uncommon within Thembisa itself. You are more likely to find them in nearby Kempton Park, or to book one by phone. Fares are based on distance and time, so confirm before you set off whether the driver takes cash or card. Local private taxis operate without meters, so agree on the price in advance. In all cases, use reputable operators and avoid unmarked vehicles.
Ride-Hailing
Uber and Bolt are widely used in the area and are often the simplest option for a visitor. Download the apps before your trip, verify the driver and vehicle details when they arrive, and share your trip details with someone you trust. A ride from OR Tambo International Airport to Thembisa is a realistic option, with the fare depending on traffic and conditions.
Walking and Cycling
Walking is a major mode of transport for residents, but it comes with caveats for visitors.
- Walk during daylight, in groups, and ideally with a local guide.
- Self-guided walking is not advised for first-time visitors.
- Avoid walking alone, especially after dark.
- Cycling is not recommended: there is little cycling infrastructure, road surfaces are uneven, and traffic and safety are concerns. There is no bicycle sharing or rental in Thembisa.
Driving and Car Rental
Rental companies such as Avis, Hertz, Europcar, Budget and Thrifty are based mainly at OR Tambo International Airport. You will typically need a current driver's licence, a credit card, and to meet a minimum age requirement; an International Driving Permit is recommended. South Africans drive on the left, seatbelts are mandatory, and there is zero tolerance for drink-driving.
Highways in the region are well maintained, but roads inside the township can be uneven, with potholes and sometimes poor signage. Self-driving within Thembisa is not recommended for tourists, partly because secure parking is scarce and essential. A rental car is most useful for travelling more widely around Gauteng, combined with local transport inside the township. Motorcycle and scooter rentals are uncommon and not recommended, and there are no tuk-tuks or jeepneys.
Getting In from the Airport
OR Tambo International Airport is the main gateway, and Thembisa lies a short distance to its north. Your realistic options are:
- Ride-hailing: book an Uber or Bolt on arrival; straightforward and widely used.
- Official airport taxis and pre-booked shuttles: available from the airport and from Rhodesfield station.
- Gautrain plus a transfer: take the Gautrain to Rhodesfield, then continue by taxi or ride-hailing. This is the accessible option if you need step-free travel.
- Rental car: collect at the airport if you plan to explore the wider region, then switch to local transport inside Thembisa.
Other Things to Know
- No tour buses or hop-on-hop-off services operate within Thembisa. Those exist in Johannesburg and Soweto, so you would need a dedicated transfer.
- There is no water transport, cable car or funicular — Thembisa is inland.
- Accessibility is very limited locally. Minibus taxis and informal infrastructure do not accommodate wheelchairs, so accessible taxis or private transport must be arranged in advance through your accommodation or a specialised operator. Gautrain is the accessible rail option, best combined with pre-arranged accessible local transport.
- Whatever mode you choose, confirm your destination and the fare before starting, keep to populated areas in daylight, and keep emergency contacts on hand.