Benoni Travel Guide, South Africa

Benoni, South Africa- Overview

Benoni sits proudly on the East Rand, Gauteng to the east of Johannesburg and forms part of the Witwatersrand metropolis. Established in 1881, it owes its growth to the gold manufacturing industry and mining activities. Mining has however declined since, as service and industry grab the economic market share. The city is the centre of activity for the nearby towns like Springs, Nigel and Brakpan. Contemporary Benoni is teeming with culture and color. The climate is as friendly as the people are, so it makes a fantastic holiday destination. Its most famous export is the beautiful and electric actress, Charlize Theron.

There are several attraction sites in the area to feed visitors’ appetite. The local museum houses eons of history, maintained to the highest standard. There are several lakes around, creating perfect picnic sites, with boating and fishing facilities in great supply. The scenic Middle Lake best capture the spellbinding beauty of the place. The sunrays seem to dance on the surface of the lake, giving it a silvery, reflective appearance. The trees sway back and forth in unison as the birds happily chirp away. The grass closely cropped, creating a soft surface underfoot. For people with a deep connection with nature, this is the best place to unwind especially by camping.

Bunny Park, close to Northmead Square, houses hundreds of rabbits among other small animals. It is a favorite destination for children.

For theatre enthusiasts, make a date with Sibikwa, the internationally recognized, acclaimed community theater. With nineteen years of experience under their belt, they are masters of their craft, staging powerful plays at a regular basis. The group also teaches their craft, offering many people a chance to learn from the best. The world will, for a long time, remember the international WOMAD (the World of Music, Arts and Dance) Festival in Benoni in the 1990s.

Rumor has it that Benoni possesses more stables per square meter than any other place in the southern hemisphere. This is a consequence of Boer settlement, another reason for the area’s cultural wealth. Equestrian sports are therefore common just like cricket, the sport that causes Willowmoore Park to burst its seams on match days.

Talking sport matters, many professionals have their roots in the area. Bryan Habana and Brian Liebenberg, the rugby union player, Charlene Wittstock the swimmer (girlfriend of the Prince of Monaco, Albert II) and Football’s Clement Mazibuko are a few names that come to mind. What they say really is true: Benoni is a small town with so much to do.