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

day 1
Exploring Kempton Park Nature Reserves
morning
:

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.

afternoon
:

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.

evening
:

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.

day 2
Cultural Immersion and Local Markets
morning
:

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.

afternoon
:

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.

evening
:

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.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔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.

O.R. Tambo Airport Viewing Areas

Plane-spotting and aviation photography are popular—capture large airliners against expansive skies, but follow airport security rules and designated public areas.

Kempton Park CBD and Local Streets

Street scenes, colourful shopfronts and everyday life offer candid urban photography opportunities in early morning light.

Nearby Nature Reserves (Suikerbosrand & Hennops)

Open landscapes, indigenous flora and birdlife provide good opportunities for landscapes and wildlife shots, especially at sunrise or late afternoon.

Rand Airport and Vintage Aerodrome

Smaller airfield with vintage and light aircraft—great for close-up shots and atmospheric aviation photos.

Culinary Guide

Food in Kempton Park

Kempton Park's food scene is typical of the greater Gauteng region: a mix of South African braai (barbecue) traditions, Afrikaans and English-influenced cafes, and diverse immigrant cuisines including Indian, Malay and continental options. Given its proximity to Johannesburg, you can easily access both casual fast-food joints and mid-range restaurants offering local specialties.

Kempton Park Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Pap and Chakalaka

Maize porridge (pap) served with chakalaka (spicy vegetable relish); commonly found at local canteens and braai spots.

Must-Try!

Boerewors Roll (Vetkoek / Gatsby nearby)

A grilled sausage (boerewors) in bread or a large filled sandwich like the Gatsby, available from delis and street vendors across Gauteng.

Bunny Chow / Durban Curry

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

Local Mall Food Courts

Festival Mall and other shopping centres host food courts where you can try fast local favorites like boerewors rolls, samosas and quick curries.

Weekend Craft and Food Stalls

Small weekend markets in nearby suburbs and town centers offer artisanal baked goods, braai meats and sweets—check local listings for pop-up events.

Climate Guide

Weather

Kempton Park has a subtropical highland climate: warm, wet summers with regular afternoon thunderstorms and mild, dry winters with cool nights. Annual rainfall is concentrated in summer months (November to March) while winter days are typically sunny and crisp.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Greetings

A friendly 'hello' and a handshake (for adults) are common in informal and business contexts; use polite language and smile.

Respect for Diversity

South Africa is culturally diverse—respect religious, linguistic and cultural differences and avoid political or sensitive topics unless invited to discuss.

Queueing and Public Behaviour

Queueing is expected in shops and public services; be patient and courteous in lines and public transport.

Photography Sensitivity

Always ask permission before photographing people, private property or sensitive sites; some communities are uncomfortable with candid photos.

Safety Guide

Safety

Exercise standard South African urban precautions: avoid displaying valuables, be cautious at ATMs, and use reputable taxi or ride-hailing services (e.g., Uber, Bolt) especially at night. Stick to well-lit, busy areas after dark and ask locals or hotel staff about neighbourhood safety. Keep copies of important documents and register with your embassy if staying for extended periods.

Tipping in Kempton Park

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

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.

Payment Methods

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...

Summer (Nov–Mar)

Hot, humid afternoons with frequent late afternoon thunderstorms; great greenery and bird activity but pack sun protection and a light rain jacket.

Autumn (Apr–May)

Milder temperatures and clearer skies; comfortable weather for sightseeing and outdoor activities with less rain.

Winter (Jun–Aug)

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.

Spring (Sep–Oct)

Warming temperatures and wildflowers in nearby reserves; occasional thunderstorms begin to return toward October and November.

Nightlife Guide

Kempton Park at Night

Kempton Park's nightlife is low-key compared with central Johannesburg—expect pubs, sports bars, casual clubs and hotel lounges, many catering to business and transit travelers. For a livelier scene, residents and visitors often travel into Johannesburg (Sandton, Melville, Maboneng) or Pretoria for late-night dining, live music and larger clubs.

Hiking in Kempton Park

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Suikerbosrand Nature Reserve (approx. 40–60 km)

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.

Hennops Hiking Trail (Centurion, approx. 35–50 km)

Riverside trails offering multi-day and day-hike options, with varied terrain and camping facilities—popular with local hikers and birdwatchers.

Klipriviersberg Nature Reserve (south Johannesburg, approx. 30–50 km)

Close-to-city reserve with rolling hills, koppies and shorter hiking loops—good for morning hikes and photography.

Melville Koppies (Johannesburg, approx. 30–45 km)

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.

O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB)

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.

Rand Airport (QRA)

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.

Lanseria International Airport (HLA)

Smaller international airport northwest of Johannesburg, convenient for some domestic and regional flights; reachable by road in about an hour depending on traffic.

Getting Around

Walkability

Certain precincts (malls, residential neighborhoods and the CBD) are walkable for short trips, but distances between attractions and the spread-out layout make driving or ride-hailing more practical for most visitors. Sidewalk quality varies; avoid long walks at night and stick to main roads.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Black South Africans (various ethnic groups)

The majority population, representing diverse linguistic and cultural groups including Zulu, Sotho, Tswana and others.

Afrikaans-speaking community

Afrikaans-speaking residents, historically from farming and industrial communities, present in suburban and commercial life.

English-speaking professionals and expatriates

Large English-speaking population involved in business, aviation and services around the airport and corporate centers.

Indian and Cape Malay communities

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.

Soccer (Football)

The most popular spectator and participation sport across communities, with local clubs and school competitions widely followed.

Rugby

Rugby has a passionate following, especially at school and provincial levels; matches draw enthusiastic crowds during the season.

Cricket

Cricket is popular in summer months, with club cricket and social matches played in suburban grounds.

Transportation

Traffic

Traffic in the Gauteng region can be heavy during weekday peak hours (morning and late afternoon), especially on routes to Johannesburg and Pretoria. Allow extra travel time for airport transfers and commuting. Public transport options include taxis, buses, minibus taxis and national rail, but many visitors rely on private cars or ride-hailing apps (Uber, Bolt) for convenience and safety.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Kempton Park.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

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

Vegan options are available but more limited; look for health-food cafés and larger malls, and ask restaurants to omit dairy/eggs where possible.

Halal

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.

Food Allergies

Major restaurants can accommodate allergies if notified, but smaller vendors may have limited capacity—carry medication and clearly state allergens.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Kempton Park and surrounding East Rand have both public clinics and private medical facilities; private hospitals and emergency care are accessible within a short drive and Johannesburg's major hospitals are reachable for specialist care. Travel insurance with medical cover is recommended; carry details of local clinics and ambulance numbers.

Discover South Africa

Read more in our South Africa 2025 Travel Guide.

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