Thembisa Gauteng, South Africa Travel Guide
Navigating Tembisa relies heavily on its public transportation systems, notably minibus taxis. These privately owned 10-16 seater vans represent the dominant and most common form of transport within Tembisa and for connecting to surrounding areas like Kempton Park, Midrand, and Johannesburg. Minibus taxis offer a flexible, frequent, and affordable way to move around.
Metrobuses also serve some main routes around Tembisa, connecting to larger hubs, but their internal coverage within the township remains limited. For more formal and efficient connections to major urban centers, the Gautrain provides a modern commuter rail service linking OR Tambo International Airport, Sandton, Midrand, and Pretoria. Rhodesfield Station serves as the closest major Gautrain station to Tembisa, functioning as a transfer point.
Ask your guesthouse host or a local for specific minibus taxi route guidance and where to catch a taxi.
Purchase a reloadable Gautrain Gold Card (R20) at any station and load value onto it; fares vary by distance.
Be prepared for a shared and sometimes crowded experience on minibus taxis. Patience is useful.
Informal but generally understood.
Fixed for paths, paid in cash.
Early morning to late evening.
High during peak hours.
Beyond minibus taxis, other taxi and ride-sharing options provide convenient transport in Tembisa and to surrounding areas. Metered taxis, typically sedan cars with official branding and meters, are less common within Tembisa itself. You'll discover them in nearby Kempton Park or call them by phone. Hailing a metered taxi on the street can be done in more formal areas, or you can book them via phone. Costs for metered taxis are based on distance and time. Confirm payment options (cash or card) with the driver before starting your journey. Local private taxis, often known through word-of-mouth, operate without meters; haggle the price in advance.
Book rides quickly via app, usually with transparent pricing.
Trip tracking, driver verification, and emergency assistance within the app.
Get fare quotes before you ride, helping with budgeting.
Car rental services are can be rented from main companies like Avis, Hertz, Europcar, Budget, and Thrifty, mainly located at OR Tambo International Airport. To rent a car, you will need a current driver's's license, and an International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended with your national license. Most companies need a credit card for payment and a minimum age (usually 21 or 23), sometimes with a minimum period of license holding.
Drive on the left-hand side of the road. Seatbelts are mandatory for all occupants, and speed limits are enforced.
Zero-tolerance for drinking and operating a vehicle.
Highways are well-maintained. Internal township roads can be uneven, feature potholes, and sometimes lack clear signage.
Be prepared for varied surfaces.
Parking is often informal in Tembisa. Always seek secure parking, preferably at your accommodation or a guarded facility.
Consult locals for safe options.
Tembisa does not feature tour buses or hop-on-hop-off services operating directly within the township. Such services are common for major tourist areas like Johannesburg or Soweto. If you plan to use these, you would likely need to arrange a dedicated transfer from Tembisa to the starting point of those tours.
Regular tourist bus services do not operate directly within Tembisa.
Tembisa's inland location means water-based transport options are absent.
Local minibus taxis generally lack facilities for mobility aids.
With an understanding of Tembisa's diverse transport options, you can move around efficiently and safely, tailoring your options to your comfort and travel style.
Embrace the local experience, but always prioritize your personal safety and comfort by planning ahead.
