Driving in Randburg, South Africa

• Posted by: Editor
• On: 08/10/2007 10:45:11
• In: South Africa Car Hire

Randburg was a separate town in the past but as Johannesburg has expanded Randburg has merged into the city. During the Apartheid era this was a white’s only area but today it enjoys a more balanced population, though it remains a more affluent area compared to the rest Johannesburg.

What to see in the Randburg area?

The Lion Park is a popular attraction in Randburg. This park is home to 4 prides of lions as well as a number of other animals. You even get to pet the lion cubs under supervision so it’s a great day for the kids. The Brightwater Commons, formerly Randburg Waterfront, is a great centre for entertainment, restaurants and shopping.

Soweto, famous for having been home to both Nelson Mandela and Archbishop Desmond Tutu, is located just outside the city to the southwest and is easily reached via the N1. While you're in this end of town you could visit both Gold Reef City, an amusement park with a casino, and The Apartheid Museum, which details the troublesome history of South Africa.

The Krugersdorp Game Reserve is located just outside the city, about 40 minutes from the centre of Johannesburg, less from Randburg, and though small has many of the most popular African animals. Other nature reserves in the Gauteng Province that are easily accessed from Randburg include: Plumari Ranch Game Reserve, with leopards and white rhinos amongst others; Heia Safari Game Reserve with hippos, giraffes and plenty more; and the Magaliesberg Nature Area which is actually in the neighbouring North West Province but is worth the visit.

Why not hire a car?

The N1 (Cape Town - Pretoria) orbits around the city of Johannesburg to the west/northwest/north and luckily also passes right through Randburg. If you take the N1 to the east of the city you can also join the N3 (Johannesburg - Durban) so you have much of the country within easy reach by road.

Johannesburg Airport is on the opposite side of the city to Randburg but the orbital route from the N1 to the N3 will get you there easily without entering the city centre.

The public transport network is somewhat limited and the minibus-taxis are to be avoided unless you know what you are doing. Car rental in Randburg is the best option as you have added independence and security. You could also get a rental from our Car Hire Johannesburg page.

If you've visited Randburg, why not let us know of any travel tips you've picked up by leaving your story in the comment box below. Also, if you've any questions about car hire in Randburg, just drop us a line.