Springs

Springs is a city on the eastern edge of the Witwatersrand, within the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality. It was founded in 1904 on the site of natural springs that gave it its name; the springs were formed by the underlying dolomite geology. The discovery of gold in the early 1900s transformed the area into a mining and industrial centre.

The city is laid out around a series of parks, dams, and the Springs CBD. It has a strong sporting and cultural tradition, with the historic Springs Golf Club (established 1920) and the Springs Art Gallery. The climate is highveld, with warm summers and cool, dry winters.

By Plane

O. R. Tambo International Airport (JNB) is 25 km northwest, about a 25-minute drive via the N17 and R21. Ride-hailing is ZAR 300–450.

By Train

Springs has a Metrorail station on the Johannesburg–Springs line. Commuter services run to Germiston and Johannesburg (about 1 hour).

By Car / Road

Springs is 35 km east of Johannesburg (30 minutes via the N17) and 75 km south of Pretoria (55 minutes via the N1 and N17). The N17 provides direct access.

A car is recommended. Minibus taxis are widely available. Uber and Bolt operate in the area.

• Springs Golf Club — A historic 18-hole golf course, established 1920, with a clubhouse. Green fees around ZAR 250.

• Springs Art Gallery — Housed in a historic sandstone building, featuring South African art with a focus on the East Rand. Free entry.

• Polly's Palace — A historic landmark and former hotel in the CBD.

• Rynsoord Nature Reserve — A 40-hectare reserve with walking trails, picnic spots, and birdwatching.

• Leake's Ponds — A series of fishing and boating ponds on the eastern edge of town.

• Golf — A round at Springs Golf Club is the main recreational activity.

• Fishing — Leake's Ponds offer carp and bass fishing.

• Birdwatching — The Rynsoord Nature Reserve and nearby wetlands attract herons, kingfishers, and waterfowl.

• Annual Springs Show — A community festival in September with markets, games, and entertainment.

• The Country Club — A restaurant at Springs Golf Club, serving steaks, burgers, and pub classics. Mains ZAR 120–200.
• Bella Vita Springs — Italian restaurant with pizza and pasta. Mains ZAR 90–170.
• Ocean Basket Springs — Seafood chain. Mains ZAR 120–200.
• Kota Joe's — Serving the classic South African kota and bunny chow.

• Spike & Tail — A sports bar near Springs Mall.
• Mugg & Bean Springs Mall — Coffee and light meals.
• Water safety: Tap water is potable.

• Budget: Springs Backpackers Lodge — Dorm beds from ZAR 200.
• Mid-range: Springs Hotel — A historic hotel in the CBD with en-suite rooms from ZAR 650.
• Upscale: Limited upscale options; best to stay in nearby Boksburg or Johannesburg.

• Springs Mall — The main shopping centre with a supermarket, clothing stores, and a cinema.
• SAFTA Springs — A shopping centre on the R103 with retail and services.

• Boksburg (15 km northwest) — Boksburg Lake and East Rand Mall.
• Benoni (15 km west) — Lakeside recreation and water sports.
• Johannesburg (35 km west) — South Africa's cultural and economic capital.
• Brakpan (8 km northwest) — An East Rand city with a growing arts scene.
• Pretoria (75 km north) — The administrative capital with heritage sites.