Things To Do
in Westonaria

Weathered mining infrastructure and slag heaps create dramatic industrial landscapes—great for gritty, atmospheric photographs especially at golden hour.

Wide skies on the Highveld produce striking sunsets and cloud formations; find elevated spots on the West Rand for panoramic shots.

Candid photography opportunities among vibrant market stalls, colorful produce and community gatherings—bring permission and respect people’s privacy.

Birdlife, grasslands and seasonal wildflowers in nearby reserves provide good wildlife and macro photography opportunities, particularly in spring.

The South African barbecue—grilled beef, lamb or boerewors (sausage). Widely available at local events, pubs and family-run eateries; ask for boerewors or chakalaka on the side.

Must-Try!

Pap (maize porridge) served with spicy vegetable relish (chakalaka) and meat — a Highveld staple found at many local restaurants and home kitchens.

Deep-fried dough often filled with curried mince or served with jam; commonly sold at markets and street vendors.

Traditional South African sweets—syrupy fried dough (koeksisters) and a cinnamon-topped milk tart (melktert); look in bakeries and local cafés.

Small weekly or daily markets selling fresh produce, grilled meats, vetkoek and fried snacks. Best for trying authentic street food and buying fruit, vegetables and home-baked items.

For a wider selection of artisanal foods, craft stalls and international cuisines, visit larger markets a short drive away in Randfontein or Johannesburg on weekends.

A friendly handshake and eye contact are common; greet shopkeepers and neighbours before launching into business. Use polite forms in Afrikaans or local languages when appropriate.

Respect for elders and local community leaders is important—ask permission before photographing people or private property and accept invitations courteously.

Dress modestly for visits to religious or community gatherings. Avoid loud or aggressive behavior in public and be mindful of local sensitivities around poverty and mining heritage.

Conversations about apartheid and local politics can be sensitive—approach these topics respectfully and listen to local perspectives.

In restaurants in South Africa a 10–15% tip for good service is customary; rounding up for casual cafes, leaving small change for taxi drivers and R5–R20 for porters or attendants is common.

Cash (South African rand) is widely used for small purchases and markets, while credit/debit cards are accepted at most shops and restaurants. Mobile payment apps and instant EFT systems (SnapScan, Zapper) are increasingly common—carry some cash for informal vendors.

November to March brings hot days and afternoon thunderstorms. Expect warm temperatures, lush grassland and brief heavy rain—carry sunscreen, a light rain jacket and insect repellent.

March to May is milder with cooling temperatures and generally drier weather—comfortable for hiking and outdoor activities, with clearer skies for photography.

June to August are dry and cool with chilly mornings and nights; daytime can be sunny. Pack layers for cold mornings and evenings; frost is possible on colder mornings.

September to November features warming temperatures and wildflower season in the grasslands—great for nature walks and birding, though late spring can bring thunderstorms.

Major international airport approximately 45–60 minutes’ drive (depending on traffic); offers international and domestic connections and many car-hire and shuttle options to the West Rand.

Smaller domestic/international airport northwest of Johannesburg, often quicker for domestic flights and private charters; roughly 40–60 minutes by car depending on route and traffic.

Vegetarian options exist but can be limited in small local eateries—pap and vegetable stews, salads and bread-based meals are common. Ask for vegetable-based chakalaka, samp and beans, or seek out Johannesburg for more vegetarian-specialty restaurants.

Vegan choices are scarcer in Westonaria itself; plan ahead by visiting larger supermarkets or heading to Johannesburg where vegan cafés and restaurants are more common.

Halal-certified outlets are not guaranteed in small towns; look for certified vendors in larger centres nearby and check with restaurants in advance for dietary requirements.

Food labelling can be limited in informal markets. Communicate allergies clearly in English or Afrikaans and prefer established cafés or supermarkets for packaged food with ingredient lists.