Benoni – the unusual tourist spot

Want to visit Africa and unravel some of the less frequented places? There are numerous places in Africa that lend themselves to an off- the –beaten track exploration and discovery. There is definitely more to Africa than the glamorous safaris and the huge influx of people to such renowned places. If the unexplored excites you then Benoni in the East Rand province of South Africa is the place to be in. It is a city that has not enjoyed top billing in African destinations but nonetheless it is a great place to visit.

Once you are through with a trip to the town, you will realize that it has the potential to draw in the crowds. It will become a tourist hub with a difference. As tourism facilities are not as well developed as in the other parts of South Africa, the most suitable way to get around here would be a rental car. Benoni is also called the “City of Lakes” with five lakes that are ideal for relaxed picnics and casual strolls.

There are a number of similarly quiet towns around the city. These include the towns of Alberton, Boksburg, Brakpan, Edenvale, Germiston, Kempton Park and Nigel. A rented car has its utility and trips to these are best managed in a vehicle of your own. Besides, these help in undertaking day trips and there are  two easily manageable ones. The first is to the Rietvlei Zoo and Nature Reserve, just outside Alberton; the second to the Rondebult Bird Sanctuary.

The other tourist attractions are equally new to most people; they are very different from activities from other places. Not the usual safaris or water based sports, they are more in tune with the country side nature of Benoni’s neighborhood. Flea markets are held every Wednesday at the Horwood’s farm in Eden vale while there is nothing to beat the raw charm of a farmland at White Waters at Bokkie Park in Boksburg. Leisurely walks can be enjoyed in the towns of Daveyton, Kaltehong and Tembisa. The friendly people will gladly share a beer with you.

If you have always believed in charting your own path, whether at work or at pleasure, and then you must include Benoni in your South African sojourn. If joining the rat race has never appealed to you, then Benoni is an exclusive way of having the best trip in South Africa. The trip is sure to rejuvenate you and reaffirm your belief that things that are off the beaten tracks are the things actually worth doing.

Authors of photos: MauritsV & osde8info

Austin Ames has many years' experience in article writing and he has written many more in the past.