Things To Do
in Kempton Park
Kempton Park is a suburban city in the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality on the East Rand, best known for hosting O.R. Tambo International Airport, South Africa's busiest international gateway. The area mixes residential neighborhoods, shopping centers and light industrial zones, with a practical, utilitarian feel rather than a polished tourist core. It's a convenient base for exploring Johannesburg, Pretoria and the wider Gauteng province, offering good transport links and a range of accommodation from budget to mid-range.
While not a traditional sightseeing destination, Kempton Park provides easy access to urban attractions, business facilities and several nearby nature reserves.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Begin your day with a serene walk at Rietfontein Nature Reserve, enjoying the fresh air and diverse birdlife. Capture photos of the stunning wetlands and indigenous flora. The calm environment provides a perfect start to your Kempton Park adventure.
Have lunch at a local café nearby before heading to the nearby Leeuwkop Nature Reserve for an afternoon of hiking and wildlife spotting. The trails offer beautiful vistas and opportunities to see small mammals and birds. Don't forget your camera to capture the natural beauty.
Dine at a popular Kempton Park restaurant featuring South African cuisine. After dinner, take a leisurely stroll through a nearby park or visit a local pub to unwind and immerse yourself in the local atmosphere.
Start your day with a visit to the Kempton Park Library and Cultural Centre to learn about the town's history and culture. Explore local exhibitions and engage with community artists. This sets a meaningful tone for your cultural exploration.
Head to the East Rand Mall for shopping and lunch, mingling with locals and discovering unique South African products. Afterwards, explore the Far East Rand Farmers' Market for fresh produce and artisanal crafts. Engage with vendors to learn about local traditions and flavors.
Experience live music or a cultural performance at a nearby venue. Enjoy traditional dishes paired with local wines, immersing yourself in the vibrant nightlife of Kempton Park.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $6-12 |
| ☕Coffee (café) | $2-4 |
| 🍺Local beer (0.5L) | $2-5 |
| 🚕Short taxi / ride-hailing trip (5–10 km) | $4-10 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel (per night) | $50-120 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Extremely close to O.R. Tambo International Airport — convenient for arrivals and departures
- Good transport links to Johannesburg, Pretoria and major Gauteng attractions
- Affordable accommodation and practical services catering to business travellers
- Access to nearby nature reserves and green spaces for outdoor activities
- Not a major tourist destination — limited iconic landmarks within the city itself
- Some areas can feel industrial or residential rather than scenic
- Typical urban safety concerns; need for vigilance in certain neighborhoods
- Public transport options are functional but can be fragmented compared with city centers
- "Hello / Hi" - Hello (English is widely spoken)
- "Dankie" - Thank you (Afrikaans)
- "Sawubona" - Hello (Zulu, singular greeting)
- "Baie dankie" - Thank you very much (Afrikaans)
- "Asseblief" - Please / You're welcome (Afrikaans)
- "Ngiyabonga" - Thank you (Zulu)
- "How much?" - How much? (English commonly used)
Places to Visit in Kempton Park
Visit one of these nice places.
Plane-spotting and aviation photography are popular—capture large airliners against expansive skies, but follow airport security rules and designated public areas.
Street scenes, colourful shopfronts and everyday life offer candid urban photography opportunities in early morning light.
Open landscapes, indigenous flora and birdlife provide good opportunities for landscapes and wildlife shots, especially at sunrise or late afternoon.
Smaller airfield with vintage and light aircraft—great for close-up shots and atmospheric aviation photos.
Food in Kempton Park
Kempton Park Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Maize porridge (pap) served with chakalaka (spicy vegetable relish); commonly found at local canteens and braai spots.
Must-Try!
A grilled sausage (boerewors) in bread or a large filled sandwich like the Gatsby, available from delis and street vendors across Gauteng.
South African-Indian-style curry served in a hollowed loaf—you'll find good examples at Indian restaurants and takeaways in the area.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Festival Mall and other shopping centres host food courts where you can try fast local favorites like boerewors rolls, samosas and quick curries.
Small weekend markets in nearby suburbs and town centers offer artisanal baked goods, braai meats and sweets—check local listings for pop-up events.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
A friendly 'hello' and a handshake (for adults) are common in informal and business contexts; use polite language and smile.
South Africa is culturally diverse—respect religious, linguistic and cultural differences and avoid political or sensitive topics unless invited to discuss.
Queueing is expected in shops and public services; be patient and courteous in lines and public transport.
Always ask permission before photographing people, private property or sensitive sites; some communities are uncomfortable with candid photos.
Safety
Tipping in Kempton Park
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is customary: around 10–15% in sit-down restaurants if service isn't included; small tips (R5–R20) for hotel porters, taxi drivers or cleaners are appreciated. For exceptional service, tip more.
Credit and debit cards (Visa, MasterCard) are widely accepted in malls and restaurants; contactless payments and mobile wallets are increasingly common. Carry some cash (South African rand) for small vendors and street food.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Hot, humid afternoons with frequent late afternoon thunderstorms; great greenery and bird activity but pack sun protection and a light rain jacket.
Milder temperatures and clearer skies; comfortable weather for sightseeing and outdoor activities with less rain.
Dry, cool days and chilly nights—daytime can be sunny and pleasant but bring a warm jacket for evenings and early mornings; frost occasionally occurs in outlying areas.
Warming temperatures and wildflowers in nearby reserves; occasional thunderstorms begin to return toward October and November.
Kempton Park at Night
Hiking in Kempton Park
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A large reserve south of Gauteng with several trails, wildflower displays in season and panoramic views—good for day hikes and mountain biking; drive time varies by route.
Riverside trails offering multi-day and day-hike options, with varied terrain and camping facilities—popular with local hikers and birdwatchers.
Close-to-city reserve with rolling hills, koppies and shorter hiking loops—good for morning hikes and photography.
A small but historically rich reserve on Johannesburg's ridge with archaeological sites and short trails—suitable for a cultural-nature combination visit.
Airports
How to reach Kempton Park by plane.
Main international and domestic airport adjacent to Kempton Park — primary gateway for international visitors; numerous transport options including shuttle buses, taxis and ride-hailing services.
Smaller general aviation and training airport in the Germiston area—used for light aircraft, charters and flight training; useful for private flights and aviation enthusiasts.
Smaller international airport northwest of Johannesburg, convenient for some domestic and regional flights; reachable by road in about an hour depending on traffic.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The majority population, representing diverse linguistic and cultural groups including Zulu, Sotho, Tswana and others.
Afrikaans-speaking residents, historically from farming and industrial communities, present in suburban and commercial life.
Large English-speaking population involved in business, aviation and services around the airport and corporate centers.
Significant Indian and Cape Malay communities bring strong culinary and cultural influences, especially in food and small business sectors.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular spectator and participation sport across communities, with local clubs and school competitions widely followed.
Rugby has a passionate following, especially at school and provincial levels; matches draw enthusiastic crowds during the season.
Cricket is popular in summer months, with club cricket and social matches played in suburban grounds.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Kempton Park.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are widely available in cafes and Indian restaurants (many curries and vegetable dishes). Ask for 'no meat' or 'vegetarian'—English is commonly spoken.
Vegan options are available but more limited; look for health-food cafés and larger malls, and ask restaurants to omit dairy/eggs where possible.
There are halal-certified eateries and many butchers offering halal meat, especially in areas with larger Indian and Muslim communities—ask or look for halal signage.
Major restaurants can accommodate allergies if notified, but smaller vendors may have limited capacity—carry medication and clearly state allergens.