Benoni Hotels

On this visit to Johannesburg I decided to stay somewhere a little different to the traditional Sandton or Rosebank. The town of Benoni in the East Rand is just 10km from OR Tambo International Airport (Johannesburg International Airport). Steeped in the history of mining and horse racing, this small city has much to tell of Gauteng’s legacy. Originally known as “Little Cornwall”, but declared the township of Benoni in 1906 its series of dams & reservoirs, originally built for mine use, remain today. Populated with fish, these reservoirs are large enough for boating and picnic sites nestle under thousands of trees, along the banks.

This is more than a day trip; this is somewhere to spend time. Looking into the Benoni hotels on offer, I chose to stay at The Lakes Hotel, a local treasure for many people, due to its beautiful setting on the banks of the Benoni natural lakes. It’s also the ideal location to watch the local and international skiing competitions hosted by the water Ski-World next door.

This particular of Benoni hotels, offers all the necessities for a tourist, such as I, who loves to enjoy all her comforts. The African Sun team have ensured a great night’s sleep, with crisp white duvets and soft pillows, making breakfast in bed a must! However, with so much to explore a quick run around the on-site tennis court and a dip in the swimming pool, soon awakened the senses. For those who prefer to dress for breakfast the traditional buffet is sure to satisfy!

Exploring some local history, I visited the museum, which details the 1922 Rand Revolt that broke out throughout the mines on the Witwatersrand, Benoni being one of the headquarters for the striking miners. Benoni’s horse-racing legacy dates back to 1907 with the opening of the Race Track, breathtaking by its sheer size. The first race horses were imported from England to here and it is now believed that Benoni has more horse stables per square kilometre than any other place in the Southern Hemisphere.

Within striking distance of this Benoni hotel is also the Lakeside Shopping Mall, in the shape of a Mississippi Steamboat; the Korsman Bird Sanctuary, home to waterfowl and antelope and the Rynfield Children's Park, a 17.5 hectare playground, inhabited by hundreds of rabbits, sheep and birds. I opted to return to The Lakes, collapse in the Sundowner Bar and order a pre-dinner cocktail.