Things To Do
in Meyerton
Meyerton is a small, semi-rural town in the Midvaal municipality of Gauteng, South Africa, set near the Vaal River and surrounded by farmland and low hills. It serves as a quiet commuter town for people working in Johannesburg and Vereeniging while keeping a relaxed, community-oriented feel. The area is known for its proximity to outdoor attractions like the Vaal River and Suikerbosrand Nature Reserve, offering opportunities for water sport, birding and hiking.
Local life mixes Afrikaans and English cultural influences with a growing residential and light-industrial footprint.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Kick off your day with a visit to the Meyerton Historical Society, where you can learn about the town's rich history and cultural heritage. Wander through the museum's exhibits that showcase the area's early settlers and significant events. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at a nearby café, sampling local delicacies to fuel your exploration.
Stroll through the charming streets of Meyerton, taking in the architecture and soaking up the small-town atmosphere. Stop by local craft shops to admire and purchase handmade goods from talented artisans. For lunch, indulge in a hearty meal at a popular eatery that features traditional South African cuisine.
As the sun sets, head to the Meyerton Golf Club for a round of golf or a casual dinner overlooking the greens. Enjoy the relaxed ambiance while savoring a meal made with locally sourced ingredients. End your day with a walk around the club's grounds, enjoying the peaceful sounds of nature.
Start your morning with a hearty breakfast before heading to Suikerbosrand Nature Reserve, just a short drive from Meyerton. Once there, embark on a guided walking trail that showcases the stunning landscapes and diverse wildlife of the area. Keep your eyes peeled for antelope and various bird species as you immerse yourself in the beauty of nature.
After your hike, enjoy a picnic lunch at one of the designated spots within the reserve, surrounded by the tranquil sounds of nature. Spend the afternoon exploring the various trails on your own or opt for a mountain biking adventure to see more of the park. Capture the beauty of the flora and fauna with some photography as you navigate through the scenic routes.
Return to Meyerton and unwind at a local restaurant, sharing stories of your day’s adventures with fellow travelers. Relish a dinner featuring a mix of traditional and contemporary South African dishes, paired with a glass of local wine. After dinner, take a relaxed stroll through the town center to soak in the evening atmosphere.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $8-12 |
| ☕Coffee (regular) | $1.50-3 |
| 🍺Domestic beer (pub) | $2-4 |
| 🚖Short taxi/ride-hail trip | $3-8 |
| 🛏️Budget guesthouse / B&B (per night) | $30-60 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Close to outdoor attractions like the Vaal River and Suikerbosrand Nature Reserve
- Relaxed, small-town atmosphere with friendly local communities
- Good base for day trips to larger Gauteng centres
- Limited nightlife and entertainment options within the town itself
- Public transport is basic; a car is useful for exploring
- Some services and specialised healthcare require travel to bigger towns
- "Hallo" - Hello
- "Dankie" - Thank you (Afrikaans)
- "Asseblief" - Please / You're welcome (Afrikaans)
- "Ngiyabonga" - Thank you (isiZulu)
- "Waar is die...?" - Where is the...? (Afrikaans)
- "Sorrie/Verskoon my" - Sorry / Excuse me
Places to Visit in Meyerton
Visit one of these nice places.
Golden-hour shots of the river, boats, pelicans and riverside activity make this a prime spot for landscapes and wildlife photography.
Rolling fynbos-covered hills and panoramic viewpoints provide dramatic dawn and late-afternoon vistas; wildflowers in season add color.
Street-level scenes of local life, old churches and municipal architecture capture everyday Meyerton character.
Long country roads, farm fences and grazing livestock are perfect for classic pastoral compositions at sunset.
Food in Meyerton
Meyerton Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A South African sausage traditionally grilled over coals — the local favourite at weekend gatherings and many restaurants; try it with pap and chakalaka (a spicy relish).
Must-Try!
Maize porridge commonly served as a starchy side, paired with a spicy vegetable relish — available at local eateries and home-style restaurants.
A spiced minced meat bake with an egg custard topping, reflecting Cape Malay influence but commonly found across South Africa in family-run restaurants.
Cured and dried meat snacks sold at farm stalls and markets — ideal for picnics on the riverbank.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Small weekend markets and farm stalls near Meyerton sell fresh produce, baked goods, biltong and artisanal preserves — great for sampling local flavors and buying picnic supplies.
Seasonal pop-up stalls and markets near the river on weekends often offer street-food style offerings like grilled meats, vetkoek, and locally made sweets.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
A firm handshake and direct greeting (in English or Afrikaans) are common; taking a moment to say hello is appreciated in shops and markets.
Dress modestly when visiting churches or community events and be respectful when photographing people — ask permission first. Be mindful of displays of wealth in a community with diverse income levels and avoid insensitive remarks.
Local culture values hospitality and community; if invited to a home or braai, it’s polite to bring a small contribution and to be punctual to start times while understanding that social gatherings can be relaxed about exact timing.
Safety
Tipping in Meyerton
Ensure a smooth experience
A 10% tip in restaurants for good service is customary; rounding up or leaving small change for café staff, delivery drivers and taxi drivers is appreciated. For guided tours and drivers, discretionary tips are common when service meets expectations.
South African rand (ZAR) is used; credit and debit cards (Visa/Mastercard) are widely accepted in shops and restaurants, and contactless payments and mobile-wallet apps are increasingly common. Small stalls and some rural vendors may be cash-only, so keep some rand on hand and use ATMs in town for withdrawals.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
November to March brings hot weather and afternoon thunderstorms. Days are warm-to-hot with high humidity on some days; sunscreen, light clothing and rain protection for sudden storms are recommended. This is a great time for water sports on the Vaal but watch for stormy weather on the river.
March to May offers milder temperatures, clearer skies and pleasant hiking conditions. Evenings cool down — layers are useful. Golden light and less rain make it a good season for photography and outdoor activities.
June to August is generally dry, cool to cold in the mornings and evenings with warm daytime sunshine. Frost is possible on clear winter mornings; bring warm layers for early hikes and evenings.
September to November sees warming temperatures and blooming wildflowers in nearby reserves. Spring is excellent for birdwatching and scenic drives, though late-season storms can occur as summer approaches.
Meyerton at Night
Hiking in Meyerton
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Well-known reserve with several marked trails through grassland and rocky outcrops, suitable for day hikes and panoramic viewing points.
Informal paths and picnic spots along the river allow relaxed walks, birdwatching and sunset photography.
Several farms and private reserves in the Midvaal area offer guided walks or horse-riding trails by appointment, providing quieter countryside hiking options.
Airports
How to reach Meyerton by plane.
The main international gateway to the region with extensive domestic and international connections; reachable by car or shuttle services in around an hour or more depending on traffic, making it the most convenient airport for international arrivals.
A smaller airport northwest of Johannesburg offering some domestic and regional flights; useful for select domestic itineraries and typically less busy than O.R. Tambo, but requires a longer drive from Meyerton.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
A significant portion of the population identifies as Afrikaans-speaking, many with roots in farming and local trades.
Commuters and families who work in nearby urban centres contribute to a mixed English-speaking community with suburban housing developments.
Meyerton and surrounding areas have speakers of Sotho, Zulu and other South African languages, reflecting regional diversity and migrant worker communities.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Rugby is widely followed and played at school and club level across Gauteng, with community support for local teams.
Soccer is hugely popular both as spectator sport and recreational play in townships, schools and informal fields.
Cricket is commonly played in season in schools and local clubs, especially during the summer months.
Boating, fishing and water-skiing on the Vaal River and nearby dams are popular recreational activities.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Meyerton.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are increasingly common in cafés and bistro-style restaurants; expect vegetable stews, salads, grilled vegetable platters and pap with chakalaka. Ask about dairy- or egg-free preparations and seek out farm stalls for fresh produce for self-catering.
Smaller town eateries may have limited vegan or gluten-free menus — larger nearby towns or speciality cafés will have more choices. Bring snacks if you have strict dietary needs and ask staff about ingredients.
Halal and kosher options are limited in smaller towns; if you require these, plan ahead, bring supplies or visit larger nearby urban centres where certified establishments are easier to find.