Benoni is a city on the East Rand of Gauteng province in South Africa, known locally as the "City of Lakes." Its waters are an unusual feature of the landscape: many of the lakes were created from former mine dumps left behind by the town's gold mining past, and have since been turned to recreational use.
A town shaped by gold
Benoni grew up around gold mining, and that heritage is still visible in its skyline of mine dumps. Rather than being left as bare ground, a number of these sites have been transformed into lakes, giving the city a green and open character that sets it apart from many other places in the region.
What a visit offers
- Watersports on the lakes, which the city is known for.
- Angling, with opportunities for those who enjoy fishing.
- Golf, as Benoni hosts the annual tournaments of the Benoni Country Club.
Benoni suits visitors who want an outdoor day or a sporting trip rather than a city of monuments. Its lakes are the main draw, and the country club's golf calendar gives a reason to plan around particular dates. For those travelling to Johannesburg or the wider Gauteng area, Benoni makes a relaxed stop with water and sport at its centre.