Beautiful Tourist Places to Visit in Centurion, Gauteng, South Africa, Africa

Beautiful Tourist Places to Visit in Centurion, Gauteng, South Africa, Africa

Centurion, earlier called Verwoerdburg, is a town in the Gauteng Province of South Africa, situated around 55 km north of Johannesburg and 15 km south of Pretoria. Administratively, Centurion comes under the City of Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality and geographically, Centurion is located between 25°51′37″ S latitude and 28°11′22″ E longitude. Centurion also houses South African Air Force Museum as a part of the Swartkop Air Force Base.

Centurion was the site of one of the prominent international cricket stadiums of the country, SuperSport Park, which witnessed the matches of many world tournaments, including 2003 Cricket World Cup and 2007 ICC World Twenty20.

 

History of Centurion:

Relics excavated at the World Heritage Site, Sterkfontein Caves, not more than 50 km from Centurion, have shown that the areas around Centurion was inhabited by the hominids around 2 to 3 million years ago. The first modern human settlement in Centurion by the black African communities dates back to 1200 AD. Before getting its current name in 1995, Centurion was called by the name of Verwoerdburg and before that by the name Lyttelton.

 

How to get Centurion?

Centurion is served by O.R. Tambo International Airport with flights to all the prominent cities in the globe, including Paris, New York, London, Frankfurt and Mumbai. The distance of 50 km from the airport to Centurion can be easily crossed by train or bus or airport taxi or rental car.

Centurion is connected to Johannesburg and Pretoria by train, served by Gautrain. To hire a car, visitors can consider First Car Rental in the city.

 

Culture, Food and Shopping in Centurion:

Centurion houses an art gallery that is located at Cnr Cantonments Rd and Unie Avenue, open for visitors from 10AM to 5PM (Monday-Friday). Centurion Mall is famous for shopping in Centurion, while Firkin Restaurant is recommended for dining.

 

Things to do in Centurion:

  • Visiting shopping malls
  • Flight of the Eagle Safaris & Tours
  • Visiting museums and cricket stadium

 

What to see in Centurion?

 

SuperSport Park:

Being one of the recognized international cricket stadiums of South Africa, the SuperSport Park is one of the identities of Centurion, having a capacity of around 22,000 spectators. Including 2003 Cricket World Cup and ICC Champions Trophy 2009, the stadium has hosted many world cricket tournaments.

 

Air Force Base Swartkop:

The Air Force Base Swartkop is home to one of the three units of the South African Air Force Museum. It is the oldest air force base of South Africa, home to the South African Air Force Memorial that commemorates the SAAF personnel and other people of the country who died during the British Commonwealth Air Training Plan.

 

South African Air Force Museum:

The South African Air Force Museum holds three branches, located in Centurion, Port Elizabeth and Cape Town. Centurion’s unit is located at Swartkop Air Force Base, describing the history of the South African Air Force with exhibitions of aircraft materials.

 

Irene Village Mall:

Situated at Nellmapius Drive & Van Ryneveld Avenue in Cornwall Hill, the Irene Village Mall is a lovely and nicely designed mall, featuring restaurants, cafes, modern shops, kids playing options and fountain as well. It is a perfect spot for entire family in Centurion.

 

Centurion Mall:

Constructed in 1983-84, the Centurion Mall is the 2nd biggest mall in Tshwane metropolitan area, spanning over an area of 105,000 square meters. This mall offers everything for visitors including dining, entertainment, fashion, fun and gaming, with total of 200 stores and restaurants.

 

Other places of interest in Centurion include:

  • Bayete Day Spa
  • Acrobranch
  • Smuts House Museum
  • Centurion Art Gallery

 

When to visit Centurion?

The climate of Centurion is relatively similar to that of nearby Johannesburg and Pretoria, dry and sunny winters and warm and hot summers. The best time to visit Centurion is from May to August.

 

Where to stay in Centurion?

Centurion is a city for all types of travelers as it houses all sorts of tourist favor accommodation options, including guest houses and lodges, other than award winning deluxe hotels. Some recommended hotels in Centurion include:

  • Royal Elephant Hotel & Conference Centre
  • African Pride Irene Country Lodge
  • Forever Hotel @ Centurion
  • Hampton House Guest House
  • The Club House Guest House
  • Accommodation @ Van’s
  • Lotus Blossom Accommodation
  • Road Lodge Centurion
  • Greenlea Guest House
  • Centurion Golf Suites Guest Lodge
  • Leriba Hotel and Spa
  • Protea Hotel Centurion
  • Kleinkaap Boutique Hotel
  • Centurion Lake Hotel
  • Pilgrims Delight B&B

Tourist Places to Visit in Camps Bay, South Africa, Africa

Tourist Places to Visit in Camps Bay, South Africa, Africa

Camps Bay is one of the suburbs of the global city, Cape Town in South Africa. It is one of the top summer destinations in Africa, drawing loads of both national and international tourists, mainly for its enthralling white sandy beaches and grand nightlife activities. Located at 33°57′00″ S 18°23′00″ E, Camps Bay is situated around 7 km southwest of the downtown Cape Town, sprawling over an area of 1.68 sq. km. Beaches at Camps Bay are among the best beaches in Africa, well served by dozens of restaurants, cafes and nightclubs.

 

History of Camps Bay:

The history of Camps Bay says Hunter Gatherers, San, were the first settlers of Camps Bay. Camps Bay came to limelight during the British colonial rule in the 19th century with the substantial development of beach side areas.

 

How to get Camps Bay?

Being a suburb of Cape Town, Camps Bay is served by Cape Town International Airport with international connection from Mauritius, London, Singapore, Istanbul and Doha. The distance of 25 km between the airport and Camps Bay can easily be crossed by buses, airport taxis and rental cars.

Camps Bay can be reached by both bus and train from Johannesburg, Durban, Port Elizabeth, East London, Queenstown and many other major South African cities. The local transportation of Camps Bay is well catered by buses, taxis and rental cars.

 

Food and Shopping in Camps Bay:

Being a beach destination, Camps Bay houses plenty of modernized shops and restaurants. Here are some reputed restaurants in Camps Bay:

  • Codfather Seafood & Sushi
  • Ocean Blue
  • Col’Cacchio Pizzeria
  • Mezepoli Meze & Wine Bar

 

What to do in Camps Bay?

  • Surfing
  • Diving
  • Swimming

 

What to see in Camps Bay?

 

Camps Bay Beach:

The Camps Bay Beach is a Blue Flag certified beach and the largest white sand beach in the suburb, offering an amazing swimming experience. Shouldn’t be missed.

 

Glen Beach:

The Glen Beach is situated towards the right of Camps Bay beach, renowned as one of the best surfing beaches in South Africa. There are also plenty of modernized restaurants on the beach line offering mouthwatering crispy and crunchy Cape Town special food.

 

Theatre on the Bay:

Theatre on the Bay is a popular cultural centre in Camps Bay, situated on 1a Link Street. Other than regular music and comedy concerts and dramas, the theatre is also known for Cabaret Cafe cocktail bar and restaurant.

 

Bo-Kaap Museum:

The Bo-Kaap Museum is housed in a historical house dating from the 18th century, showcasing the cultural life of the Muslim community in Cape Town. It is situated around 6 km northeast of Camps Bay. Entrance fee is R5.

 

South African Maritime Museum:

Situated on V&A Waterfront, around 8 km northeast of Camps Bay, the South African Maritime Museum is concentrated on displaying the maritime history of the country, especially evidences of the first Europeans’ visit to Cape Of Good Hope.

 

List of other places of interest in and around Camps Bay includes:

  • The Castle of Good Hope
  • Groot Constantia
  • Cape Town City Hall
  • Masque Theatre
  • Victoria and Alfred Waterfront
  • South African Parliament
  • Rhodes Memorial
  • Robben Island
  • Baxter Theatre
  • Armchair Theatre
  • South African National Gallery
  • South African Jewish Museum
  • District Six Museum

 

When to travel Camps Bay?

From November to February is the most preferable time to visit Camps Bay to explore spectacular beaches.

 

Accommodation options in Camps Bay:

There are hotels less in number in Camps Bay, but visitors can find plenty of B&Bs, guesthouses and self-catering villas and apartments. Price generally goes up and down during summer months, so advance booking is preferred. The prominent hotels in Camps Bay include:

  • The Twelve Apostles Hotel and Spa
  • Camps Bay Retreat
  • Atlanticview Cape Town Boutique Hotel
  • POD Camps Bay
  • The Bay Hotel
  • The Marly Hotel
  • The Place on the Bay
  • Ezard House
  • The Oceana & Camps Bay Luxury Suites
  • Atlantic Suites Camps Bay
  • Boutique @ 10
  • The Bay Atlantic Guest House
  • Cape Rose Cottage
  • Cape View Clifton
  • 51 On Camps Bay Guesthouse

Best Tourist Places to Visit in Boksburg, Gauteng, South Africa, Africa

Best Tourist Places to Visit in Boksburg, Gauteng, South Africa, Africa

Boksburg is a city situated in the province of Gauteng in South Africa, covering an area of 162.35 sq. km. It is situated around 40 km east of the city of Johannesburg and 60 km south of Pretoria, one of three capitals of South Africa. Boksburg is one of the mining towns of South Africa and its first gold mine was discovered in 1887. The economy of Boksburg is based on its gold mines and also many multinational companies like Unilever and Colgate Palmolive have processing units in Boksburg. Boksburg is located around 1,590 meters above sea level, between 26°12′45″ S latitude and 28°15′45″ E longitude.

 

History of Boksburg:

Boksburg got its name from W. Eduard Bok, the first State Secretary of the South African Republic (1880-1889). Boksburg was once home to the oldest mosque in Gauteng region but that was destroyed by fire in 2003 and in the same year, there was a mosque, Masjid Al-Noor, constructed on the site of the old mosque.

 

How to reach Boksburg?

Boksburg is served by OR Tambo International Airport, the most important airport of South Africa. This airport is situated around 10 km north of Boksburg and offers regular flights to/from Mumbai, Amsterdam, London, New York, Singapore, New York and many other global cities.

Boksburg is served by metro train with continuous operations from Johannesburg. Due to its nearness with Johannesburg, the railway and bus transportation of Boksburg is extended to all prominent towns and cities in South Africa.

 

Food and Shopping in Boksburg:

East Rand Mall is famous for modern shopping in Boksburg, while Bunny Park Crafters Market is known for traditional shopping.

List of recommended restaurants of Boksburg for tourists include:

  • La Campana
  • The Classic India
  • The Fireplace Roadhouse
  • Azzurri Pizza Cafe

 

Things to do in Boksburg:

  • Boating
  • Fishing
  • Hiking

 

What to see in Boksburg?

 

Petmasters Bird Park:

The Petmasters Bird Park is one of the top tourist attractions of Boksburg, situated at 7 North Rand Road. It is a great site for animal enthusiasts and bird lovers. Also, there is a café with mouthwatering South African delicacies.

 

Bokkie Park:

Located on Southvale Road in Boksburg, the Bokkie Park is a nice farm in the city, home to many typical local animals. It would be a nice trip for the whole family, mainly for kids who surely like animals in the farm.

 

Wild Waters:

Wild Waters is a small recreational park in Boksburg, situated on Lozides Street. It is very pleasant, clean and well maintained park, offering a memorable swimming experience. Visitors are allowed with outside food.

 

Tambo Memorial Hospital:

The Tambo Memorial Hospital is recommended to visit as it is Gauteng region’s one of the oldest hospital and still in operation. The hospital is home to around 640 beds.

 

Boksburg Lake:

Boksburg Lake is a famous lake near Boksburg, covering a surface elevation of 150,000 square metres. It offers a wide range of water-sport activities, including boating and fishing, making it as one of the popular picnic spots in the surrounding of Boksburg.

 

List of other places of interest in and around Boksburg includes:

  • ERPM Golf Course
  • WesBank Raceway
  • OR Tambo International Airport
  • Bunny Park Crafters Market
  • East Rand Mall
  • Benoni Lake Golf Club
  • East Rand Flea Market
  • Bruma Lake Flea Market

 

When to visit Boksburg?

Generally from May to August is the best time to visit Boksburg when the weather remains pleasant and supportive for outdoor activities.

 

Where to stay in Boksburg?

Though tourist attractions are limited in the city, Boksburg houses numerous upgraded accommodation centres such as hotels, vacation rentals, BB and inns with all tourist favor amenities, including spa and sauna. List of the major hotels in Boksburg include:

  • Birchwood Hotel
  • Afrique Boutique Hotel Oliver Tambo
  • Indlovu Lodge & Conference Venue
  • Europrime Hotel
  • The Airport Grand
  • Europrime Guest House
  • Avon Road Guest House
  • Sunwardpark Guesthouse
  • Rustic Rose Guest House
  • Raintree Guest House
  • 24 on Vrey Boutique Hotel
  • Kuse Khaya Guest House
  • Acre of Africa Guesthouse
  • Faiscas Guesthouse
  • Cedar Manor Guesthouse

Places to Visit in Bloemfontein, South Africa, Africa

Places to Visit in Bloemfontein, South Africa, Africa

Bloemfontein is one of three capitals of South Africa, situated in the heart of the nation. It functions as the judicial capital of the country and the administrative capital of Free State Province. The city is renowned as “the city of roses”, indicating opulent roses and annual rose festival in the city. Located at an altitude of 1,395 meters at 29°06′S 26°13′E, Bloemfontein is situated around 1000 km northeast of Cape Town and 400 km southwest of Johannesburg. Bloemfontein spans a total area of 236.17 sq. km and experiences a semi-arid climate.

 

History of Bloemfontein:

The history of Bloemfontein begins with its official foundation by the British army major, Henry Douglas Warden, during the British colonial rule in the country in 1846. Bloemfontein was designated as the judicial capital of the Union of South Africa in 1910.

 

How to get Bloemfontein?

The Bloemfontein Airport is located around 100 km east of the downtown Bloemfontein and handles flights to Durban, Johannesburg and Cape Town.

By train, Bloemfontein has good connectivity to all the major cities in the country, including Port Elizabeth, East London, Kimberley, Cape Town, Johannesburg, Durban and Pietermaritzburg.

The major bus companies connecting Bloemfontein to the rest of South Africa include:

  • Intercape Mainliner
  • SA Roadlink
  • Greyhound

To move within Bloemfontein, visitors can hire car from any of the below car rentals:

  • First Car Rental
  • Tempest Car Hire
  • Avis

 

Culture, Food and Shopping in Bloemfontein:

Bloemfontein is the hometown of many renowned artists such as Leon Schuster, Tony Kgoroge and Coenie de Villiers. Waterfront Mall is the most famous shopping centre in Bloemfontein.

List of the tourist favor restaurants in Bloemfontein includes:

  • Mexican Restaurant
  • New York’s
  • Beethoven’s Cafe Restaurant

 

What to do in Bloemfontein?

  • Visiting universities and museums
  • City tours
  • Shopping

 

What to see in Bloemfontein?

 

Naval Hill and Franklin Game Reserve:

Overlooking the city of Bloemfontein, the Naval Hill and Franklin Game Reserve is situated on top of the hill, home to a wide range of wild animals. This typical picnic spot can be visited between 8am and 5pm. No entrance fee.

 

Oliewenhuis Art Museum:

Located on 16 Harry Smith Street, the Oliewenhuis Art Museum is a splendid art museum, housed in a superbly reconstructed Cape-Dutch style house. The museum is centered on showcasing the features of contemporary art and photography. Café and garden are the other highlights of the museum.

 

National Botanical Garden:

The National Botanical Garden of Bloemfontein is home to an abundance of plant and flowers, highlighted by roses. The garden is open for visitors from 8AM to 6PM every day. Admission fee is R10.

 

Bloemfontein Zoo:

Bloemfontein Zoo is situated near the Waterfront shopping mall of the city. The highlight of the zoo is Liger, a cross species of lion and tiger.

 

Fire Station Museum:

The Fire Station Museum is home to around seventeen vintage fire engines and many well preserved typical cars and bikes. The museum is situated in Erlich Park Fire Station on Church Street. Prior permission is imperative.

 

Other places of interest in Bloemfontein:

  • Choet Visser Rugby Museum
  • Boyden Observatory
  • Anglo Boer War Museum
  • Central University of Technology
  • National Museum
  • Presidency Museum
  • SA Armour Museum
  • Queens Fort Military Museum
  • Soetdoring Nature Reserve
  • University of the Free State

 

Best time to visit Bloemfontein:

Bloemfontein is a year round destination, though the tour of Bloemfontein can be experienced in April, September and October.

 

Where to stay in Bloemfontein?

Bloemfontein houses around 150 modernized hotels that are spread between all parts of the city. Most hotels in the city offer advance booking facility through online for visitors’ convenience. Here are some famous hotels in Bloemfontein:

  • Anta Boga Hotel
  • Southern Sun Bloemfontein
  • The Golf Lodge
  • Hobbit Boutique Hotel
  • Protea Hotel Bloemfontein
  • SUN1 Bloemfontein
  • Protea Hotel Willow Lake
  • Thaba’Nchu Sun Hotel & Casino
  • Villa Bali Boutique Hotel
  • City Lodge Hotel Bloemfontein
  • Road Lodge Bloemfontein Airport
  • Emoya Hotel & Spa
  • Bloem Spa Lodge and Conference
  • Halevy Heritage Hotel
  • Corporate Boutique Hotel
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