Kempton Park City Guide

Local food includes braai, biltong, boerewors, and pap. International options like Portuguese and Indian food are in malls. Vegetarian and vegan options are generally available. Late-night eating is mainly fast food and casino restaurants.

Nightlife centers on Emperors Palace with bars, casino, and live shows. Other spots include local pubs and sports bars like The Real Hennie's.

Kempton Park has a growing coffee scene with local cafes and chains. Specialty spots like Café Estreito are popular.

Tipping is expected for good service. Restaurants usually get 10-15%. Taxi drivers appreciate rounding up or adding 10%. Other services follow similar rates.

SIM cards are sold at the airport and mobile stores in malls. Vodacom and MTN have the best coverage. eSIMs are available but confirm before arrival. You must register your SIM with ID or passport.

The city is fairly clean, though some public areas have litter and maintenance issues.

Limited 24/7 services. Some petrol stations and Emperors Palace offer late-night options.

Major supermarkets stock local and some international products. Stores include Checkers, Pick n Pay, Spar, and Woolworths. Most open 8am-8pm weekdays, shorter on weekends. Sundays and holidays stores often have reduced hours.

Card payments work in most shops and restaurants. Cash is handy for small vendors or informal markets.

ATMs are common at banks, malls, and the airport. Major banks include Standard Bank, FNB, Absa, and Nedbank. Expect withdrawal fees, especially on international cards.

Several local schools offer English and Afrikaans instruction. International schools are nearby in Johannesburg or Benoni.

Kempton Park has a small digital nomad scene. Most nomads prefer larger cities like Johannesburg or Cape Town.

Several parks and Modderfontein Reserve provide outdoor space. Shaded walking is limited in urban areas.

Parks and residential areas provide running routes. Modderfontein Reserve is a safer natural spot. Watch for safety and occasional air quality issues.

Major chains and local gyms are available. Golf is popular at Kempton Park Golf Course.

Tennis courts exist at clubs and private places. Padel is growing in popularity nearby.

Padel courts are emerging in Gauteng, with some near Kempton Park.

Yoga studios and spas offering classes and wellness services are found locally, including English-speaking instructors.

Martial arts schools offer Karate, Taekwondo, and some Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu or Muay Thai. Drop-in classes may be available.

No natural ski resorts. Indoor ski slope in Pretoria is not a traditional resort.

Water sports like kayaking are mostly available at locations outside the city, such as Modderfontein Reserve and Vaal Dam.

No surfing nearby; closest spots are on the coast, far from Kempton Park.

Nearest diving sites are far on the coast, like Sodwana Bay.

Private hospitals like Arwyp Medical Centre have English-speaking staff and better care. Public options exist but quality and wait times vary. Pharmacies are common and staff offer basic advice.

Tap water is generally safe to drink, but bottled water is common for visitors.

Some playgrounds and family-friendly cafes like Bossa. Attractions include Emperors Palace entertainment complex and Modderfontein Reserve. Baby supplies are widely available.

South Africa supports LGBTQ+ rights legally. Kempton Park is generally accepting though the scene is low-key compared to bigger cities.

Some accommodations allow pets. Veterinary clinics are available, but dedicated pet parks are limited. Pet import requires paperwork.