Bedfordview, Johannesburg

Other than Edenvale, the garden suburb of Bedfordview is one of the closest suburbs of Johannesburg to the OR Tambo Airport, so for business people dipping into the city only briefly, Bedfordview is an ideal location.

Aside from that, this part of Johannesburg, east of the city centre is a quiet and leafy place to stay for anyone, the upmarket neighbourhood almost park-like due to the tree-lined streets and lush gardens with prolific bird life. Bedfordview is only 15 minutes from the Johannesburg vibrant CBC (downtown Johannesburg). The inner city is not only the historical centre of the city but is part of an inner city regeneration project that hopes to reinstate this part of Jo’burg to its former economic and cultural glory. The aim is to transform the inner city to a place that is clean and green and safe for residents and visitors alike.

The leafy suburb of Bedfordview is close to a number of shopping malls, including the epic Eastgate with its myriad shops, entertainment venues and excellent restaurants; and Bruma Lake flea market, which is a conversion of an old sewerage catchment area into a lakeside market, mall and commercial parks. It’s a great place to while away a couple of hours and with at least 600 traders, there’s a lot to choose from.

You probably have to be a Jo’burger to know about Gillooly’s farm, set in the heart of Bedfordview. It’s virtually a farm in the middle of the city and the tranquil atmosphere is very popular amongst locals for picnics along the lake under the trees. There are some wonderful views over the Kensington valley and the northern suburbs from here.