Centurion, Northern Gauteng

Lying just outside of Midrand on the N1, part way between Jo-burg and Pretoria, Centurion is probably best known for its mall - one of the largest shopping centres in South Africa with over 200 stores and restaurants. But the suburb has become a ‘lifestyle of choice’ for many who don’t want to live in either city, yet need easy access to both, whilst managing to retain a country feel at the same time.

Centurion is dotted with estates touted as the latest in lifestyle living. These gated villages have attracted a cosmopolitan community and Centurion functions as something of a mini city of its own - one that will eventually close the now almost nonexistent gap between Johannesburg and Pretoria. Centurion developed from what was the Lyttelton township on the farm Droogegrond, and today includes 20 to 30 different suburbs - its exact boundaries a little unclear - that extend (refers to suburbs) roughly from Midrand in the south to Valhalla in the north and all the way from the Hennopsrivier in the west to the R21 (the route to the airport) in the east.

The main advantage to staying in Centurion is the ease of access to major roadways linking it to Johannesburg, Midrand, Krugersdorp, Pretoria and Oliver Thambo International airport. There’s also now a convention and entertainment centre hosts some 2000 delegates in congresses, exhibitions and special events with 20 breakaway rooms and two hotels - positioning Centurion as a hub of tourist activity and an ideal business person’s location.