Benoni, located in the Gauteng Province of South Africa, offers a rich blend of history, culture, and modern amenities. This article delves into the area's landmarks, dining options, and convenient accommodations, including a closer look at SUN1 BENONI.
Map of Gauteng Province in South Africa
A Brief History of Tshwane - Pretoria
Before discussing Benoni, it's worth noting the nearby city of Pretoria, now officially known as Tshwane. Founded in 1855 by Marthinus Pretorius, a leader of the Voortrekkers, Pretoria was named after his father, who achieved a significant victory over the Zulus at the Battle of Blood River. This battle is commemorated annually in December with a national holiday and a Day of Reconciliation to mark the 1838 Zulu/Boer war.
Tshwane - Pretoria is strategically situated at the northern end of Gauteng Province, part of the old Transvaal. This province, though the smallest in South Africa, is remarkably rich and densely populated. In the Sotho language, Gauteng means "Place of Gold," hinting at the golden memories awaiting tourists who explore this vibrant city.
The Union Buildings in Tshwane - Pretoria
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Monuments and buildings underline Tshwane’s role as one of three capital cities in South Africa; as do the many government buildings. Commerce is a further vital facet and the city’s numerous sporting and entertainment events encourage a healthy tourism market. Dominating the city’s Church Square is a bronze statue of Oom Paul who, in the 1800s, was regarded as the Father of Afrikanerdom. From Union Buildings at Meintjes Kop, there are panoramic views of the city, a Garden of Remembrance and war memorial. Political leader, Paul Kruger’s house retains some of his personal belongings from the 1800s although Kruger National Park is probably his most famous legacy. Then, Mapoch Ndebele Village houses examples the architecture and art of the Ndebele people. Tshwane - Pretoria’s many specialist museums provide a further insight into life as it used to be in this Gauteng Province.
Attractions and Events in Tshwane - Pretoria
Tshwane - Pretoria is a sightseer’s delight. The African Window Museum is a top tourist haunt with exhibitions ranging from South African Heritage to Rock Art. There always seems to be something happening in Tshwane - Pretoria, including and of special interest to the city’s many tourists; antique and craft fairs. The physically more inclined will want to join in the Springbok Vasbyt race. During the August and September period, the annual Pretoria Show also draws crowds of hotel-staying visitors. There is an agricultural theme here and the show is staged at the Events Centre. The Formula 1 Powerboat Grand Prix takes place annually, just north of Pretoria and every three months sees - and hears - the Jazz Indaba Festival. The Jacaranda Festival is staged in October when the estimated 50,000 trees are gloriously in full bloom.
Outstandingly beautiful are the many purple-flowered jacaranda trees; leading to Tshwane’s third name, Jacaranda City.
Tshwane city tour, Pretoria
Dining in Tshwane - Pretoria
In this cosmopolitan city of Tshwane - Pretoria, there are, of course, restaurants catering for every cuisine preference. Hotels too; offer varied menus. French and Indian cuisine is very popular and there’s a re-assuring supply of chips on many menus. Venturing into the more adventurous, you might find items such as Tilapia and Kinklip . These are among some of the region’s fish dishes and may not be familiar to visiting tourists. Chicken, beef and steak dishes also appear on menus, but those featuring goat and antelope may be more difficult to digest. One traditional favourite which has a universal appeal, is Bobotie . This consists of spicy mince with an egg topping. Vegetable selections might include plantain, cassava leaves and green banana cooked in sauce. Droëwors is a type of dried sausage and there isn’t the space to begin describing Bunny Chow . There are different flavours to savour, but you are in a different country; so … in for a penny.
SUN1 BENONI: Location and Nearby Landmarks
SUN1 BENONI is conveniently located at Bunyan Street Cnr Bunyan & Mowbray Avenues, Benoni, Gauteng, 1501, South Africa. Several landmarks are within close proximity:
Read also: Exploring Sun1 Port Elizabeth
- Benoni City Centre Library: 0.39km
- Sheet Street - Benoni Lake: 0.44km
- Benoni Saps Married Quarters: 0.62km
SUN1 BENONI Hotel
Transportation
- Airport: O. R. Tambo International Airport is 15.5km away (approximately 15 minutes by car).
- Train Stations: Elandsfontein Station is 13.73km away (approximately 13 minutes by car). OR Tambo is 15.31km away (approximately 15 minutes by car).
- Metro Stations: OR Tambo International Airport Metro Station is 11.18km away (approximately 15 minutes by car).
Recommended Hotels Similar to SUN1 BENONI
Here are some recommended hotels in the Benoni area, similar to SUN1 BENONI, offering convenient access to the airport and other amenities:
| Hotel Name | Location | Distance from O. R. Tambo International Airport |
|---|---|---|
| InterContinental Hotels Johannesburg O.R.Tambo Airport | 64 Jones Road, Kempton Park, Gauteng, 1620, South Africa | 5.1km |
| Holiday Inn Johannesburg Airport | 94 Wilge Rd, Benoni, Gauteng, 1501, South Africa | 14.9km |
| Mondior at Emperors Palace | 108 The Drive, Benoni, Gauteng, 2092, South Africa | 14.9km |
| Afrique Boutique Hotel O.R. Tambo | 20 Asquith Rd, Ravenswood, Boksburg, Gauteng, 1459, South Africa | 9.6km |
| Metcourt at Emperors Palace | 64 Jones Rd, O.R. Tambo, Kempton Park, Gauteng, 1640, South Africa | 3.3km |
| Birchwood Hotel and OR Tambo Conference Centre | 100 North Rand Road Bardene, Boksburg, Gauteng, 1462, South Africa | 9.5km |
| Lakeview Boutique Hotel & Conference Center | 17 Williams Rd, Beyers Park, Boksburg, Gauteng, 1459, South Africa | 10.9km |
| Airport Gardens Boutique Hotel | 243 Glen Gory Rd, Norton's Home Estates, Benoni, Gauteng, 1501, South Africa | 14.7km |
These hotels offer various amenities and proximity to the airport, making them suitable alternatives for travelers visiting Benoni.
Read also: Benoni Overview
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