Boksburg

Boksburg is an East Rand city within the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality, located between Johannesburg and the O. R. Tambo International Airport corridor. Founded in 1887 after the discovery of gold on the farm Driefontein, it was named after the then State Secretary of the South African Republic, Eduard Bok. The city grew rapidly as a mining and industrial centre.

Today Boksburg is a mixed residential and industrial area. Its central feature is Boksburg Lake, a recreational area created from a former mining reservoir. The city has extensive shopping infrastructure, including the East Rand Mall. The climate is highveld temperate, with warm summers and cool, frosty winters.

By Plane

O. R. Tambo International Airport (JNB) is 10 km north, a 15-minute drive via the R21. A ride-hailing trip costs ZAR 150–300.

By Train

Boksburg has a Metrorail station on the Springs–Johannesburg line. Services are frequent during peak hours but caution is advised after dark.

By Car / Road

Boksburg is 20 km east of Johannesburg (20 minutes via the N12) and 60 km south of Pretoria (45 minutes via the N1 and N12). The N12, N17, and R21 converge around the city.

A car is the most practical way to get around Boksburg. Minibus taxis operate on all major routes. Uber and Bolt are available. The Central Business District is walkable during daylight hours.

• Boksburg Lake — A 13-hectare artificial lake with walking paths, a children's playground, restaurants, and weekend markets. Free entry.

• East Rand Mall — One of the largest shopping centres in the area, with over 200 stores, a cinema, and an indoor ice rink.

• Boksburg Museum — A small local-history museum in a Victorian house on Commissioner Street. Free entry.

• Cinderella Lake — A large pan popular with birdwatchers, especially for flamingos in summer.

• Putt-Putt at Boksburg Lake — A mini-golf course alongside the lake. ZAR 50 per round.

• Bowling — Boksburg Bowling Club welcomes visitors for lawn bowls.

• Ice skating — The ice rink at East Rand Mall offers public skating sessions.

• Go-karting — Spec Savers Raceway hosts corporate and public go-kart events.

• The Pelican — A Portuguese-style restaurant overlooking Boksburg Lake. Known for peri-peri chicken and seafood. Mains ZAR 150–280.
• Turn 'n Tender — A steakhouse with an excellent reputation for aged beef. Mains ZAR 180–350.
• Panarottis Boksburg — Family-friendly Italian chain for pizza and pasta. Mains ZAR 100–180.
• Fego Bistro — Coffee shop and light-meal restaurant on Atlas Road, popular with the airport crowd.

• The Lake Brew House — Craft beer and ciders with lake views on Boksburg Lake.
• News Café East Rand Mall — A reliable spot for coffee, cocktails, and people-watching.
• Water safety: Tap water is safe to drink.

• Budget: Boksburg Backpackers Lodge — Dorms from ZAR 220, private rooms from ZAR 450.
• Mid-range: Town Lodge Boksburg — A reliable chain hotel near the N12. Doubles from ZAR 850.
• Upscale: African Rock Hotel — A boutique hotel with 10 en-suite rooms, a pool, and a garden. Doubles from ZAR 1,500.

• East Rand Mall — The primary shopping destination, with fashion, electronics, and homeware brands.
• Boksburg Lake Market — A weekend market with arts, crafts, and street food.

• O. R. Tambo International Airport (10 km north) — South Africa's busiest airport for domestic and international connections.
• Benoni (10 km southeast) — Lakeside recreation and water sports.
• Johannesburg (20 km west) — South Africa's largest city with a vibrant cultural scene.
• Pretoria (60 km north) — The administrative capital, home to Union Buildings and Freedom Park.