Spanning an area of approximately 160km², Boksburg is one of the principle towns in the East Rand of the Gauteng Province in South Africa. The town is mostly residential with a civic centre, major hospitals and clinics, over 100 churches and ample colleges and schools. A small industrial park lies to the north of Boksburg, separating the town from Johannesburg’s international airport.
Residents have a number of entertainment choices available to them, from the large number of restaurants to water activities, nature parks and retail services. Visitors arrive from all corners of the region to shop at the mall and the lake and animal park are popular over weekends.
A Boksburg resident is generally a lifelong one, the town is well maintained and ideally positioned between the big city lights of Johannesburg and outlying areas that are closer to nature.
Top 8 reasons to visit Boksburg
1. Ever tried sandboarding? Now is your chance – Mount Mayhem in Boksburg is the venue and the smooth sand on an old mine dump will have your heart pounding as you careen down the dune. Various tour operators offer onsite training and the use of boards and safety equipment.
2. The Bokkie Park is a popular [free] outing for families to feed and interact with the small animals roaming the park. The onsite petting zoo, braai (barbeque) facilities and camel rides are available to all. A craft market takes place in the park every 1st Saturday of the month.
3. The ERPM Golf Club in Boksburg has beautifully manicured fairways and greens masking a challenging 18-hole course. Enjoy a meal at the Phat Chef in the clubhouse after a tough round.
4. There are 4500 parking bays at the East Rand Mall to safely spend the day browsing the mall’s 175 stores comprising major retail outlets, chain stores and boutique shops. The mall has a wide range of restaurants, an exhibition court and 9-theatre digital movie centre.
5. East Rand Trader’s Square is billed as a family market. The square houses over 500 traders selling goods from African curios to unique wood art. There are 2 cordoned-off areas for kiddie’s karts, a playground, pub area, restaurant section and stage for live entertainment.
6. Join the Boksburg Hiking Club (all welcome) on a hike through the natural areas surrounding Boksburg. Hikes are graded from family friendly to strenuous.
7. Amble through the stunning gardens, check out the biggest swan collection in the world and pass a macaw enclosure before revelling in the high tea offerings at the Swan Lake Tea Garden at Heaven’s Gate. The delectable cakes and pastries pack in the crowds.
8. Wild Waters is jokingly referred to as ‘Boksburg by the sea’. The resort has 9 different water activities, including a wave pool and terrifying board slide. Functions held here range from birthday parties to music festivals.
Transport
The OR Tambo International Airport is situated between 5 and 20km north of Boksburg, depending on where you are located in the suburb. Car rental agencies are located at the airport and in the town, otherwise order a vehicle online. Metered taxis, shuttle service companies and Uber all operate in and around Boksburg. For quick access to and from Johannesburg, use the Gautrain that can be boarded from the airport.
Did you know?
In 2010, the foundations of an old British blockhouse were uncovered during a mining operation. Several engravings were etched on the stone walls. During the South African War of 1899-1902, British soldiers built the blockhouse to protect the railway line. A concentration camp for black South Africans was also erected nearby but there is no trace, nor graves, of the camp and occupants.
Boksburg Lake was called White’s Folly by town residents because it stood empty for 2 years after construction before heavy rains eventually filled it. The person responsible for its construction in 1889 was Montague White. Today, the lake is an integral part of Boksburg.
