OR Tambo International, East Rand
Formerly known as Johannesburg International Airport, the OR Tambo International Airport is a large airport near the city of Johannesburg, South Africa.
OR Tambo International Airport serves as the primary airport for domestic and international travel to or from South Africa. TheAirport is Africa's busiest airport, handling over 16 million passengers yearly. The airport is the hub of South Africa's largest international and domestic carrier, South African Airways (SAA), and a number of smaller local airlines. Interestingly, the airport was founded in 1952 as "Jan Smuts Airport", two years after his death, near the town of Kempton Park on the East Rand. It displaced the "Palmietfontein International Airport", which had handled European flights since 1945.
During the 1980s many countries stopped trading with South Africa because of the United Nation sanctions forced against South Africa in the struggle against apartheid, and many airlines had to stop flying to the airport. These sanctions resulted in South African Airways being refused rights to fly over most African countries. Following the ending of apartheid, the airport's name, and that of other international airports in South Africa, was changed to politically-neutral names and these restrictions were ceased.
There are two parallel runways, which run north-south, and a disused cross runway. The western runway, is over 4400 m in length, making it one of the world's longest international airport runways. There are six terminals at the airport, but these can be broken down into three major areas: the international terminal; the domestic terminal; and the transit terminal.
OR Tambo International Airport also serves as grounds for the South African Airways Museum. This is a large room filled with South African Airways memorabilia and which started as an idea by two fans of the airline until they could set it up in one of Jan Smuts International's buildings in 1987. The Oliver Tambo International Airport has experienced numerous developments and improvements over the years and is always increasing in size. The entire airport is beautifully designed and decorated making it one of the best and most comfortable airports in South Africa.
Travellers' Reviews
4 Reviews from SA-Venues.com travellers. All reviews are verified.
Verified review
I must say that as the owner of Avon Rd Guest House I collect International Guests weekly and I cannot praise the airport enough, everything is very easy to find and there are many restaurants to visit should any of my guest's flight be delayed, the employees on the Information Desk are very friendly and obliging. Enjoy your day Christine
Christine (Boksburg)
Verified review
I don't think OR Tambo holds a candle to Cape Town International Airport. It is long overdue for an upgrade. The restaurants could be better. But I do like that you can have a massage at the international terminal (if you have some extra time to kill).
Stef (Cape Town)
In the vicinity
Hotels & other accommodation options

Safari Club SA
Conveniently located just five minutes from OR Tambo International Airport, Safari Club SA has 16 en-suite rooms all with TV, air-conditioning, W...

3 Brothers Bed & Breakfast
Situated in Edenvale, 3 Brothers provides accommodation in 11 rooms. The establishment has a beautiful garden with a lapa and braai facilities. T...

The Willows @ OR Tambo
Set amongst a natural wetland where bird life abounds, The Willows @ OR Tambo offers accommodation in a collection of superbly appointed, one or ...

Silverbirch @ Birchwood Hotel
Set on 30 acres of beautifully landscaped gardens, the Birchwood offers a selection of 450 well appointed rooms, 40 conference rooms, and a perfe...

All Danquah Guest Lodge
All Danquah Guest Lodge offers the warmest accommodation in Kempton Park, about 4 kilometres away from OR Tambo International Airport. Each room ...

Edenvale Guest House
Edenvale Guest House is well situated to accommodate all your business and holiday requirements. From here you close to the airport and major hig...

Airport Lodge Guest House
Airport Lodge offers accommodation just 6 minutes from OR Tambo Airport, set in tranquil gardens with 24 hour secure parking, electronic access p...

Big 5 Guesthouse
Big 5 Guest House is conveniently situated 5km from OR Tambo Airport in the middle of a very nice suburb. Accommodation is offered in There are 4...

House On Morninghill
Situated in Bedfordview, House on Morninghill offers elegant and well-designed, air conditioned en-suite rooms which have been individually decor...

Elsje's Country Inn
Elsje's Country Inn offers accommodation in the quiet area of Bredell, Kempton Park. All rooms have an en-suite bathroom, DStv, heater / fan and ...

Towers Lodge
Towers Lodge offers accommodation situated on border of Boksburg and Germiston in an upmarket suburb next to the N17 Highway. We are close to res...

Villa Stella Bed & Breakfast
Villa Stella's location is ideal for the business person who needs to be central to Edenvale or the East Rand, near the airport and Johannesburg ...

OR Tambo Guest House
OR Tambo Guest House offers accommodation in luxurious rooms with en-suite bathrooms, LCD TV's with communal DStv Premium bouquet, coffee and tea...

The Munday
The Munday is perfectly situated in the tranquil up market residential suburb of Bedfordview, Johannesburg. Accommodation is offered in four apar...

Africa Ekhaya
Africa Ekhaya offers guests home away from home accommodation in Kempton Park. Choose from a King Room or Double Room, both offered on a bed and ...

Airport Tower Lodge
Staying at Airport Tower Lodge, you can use the honesty bar and enjoy the sun at the swimming pool. We prepare meals in the Guest Lodge, therefor...

Ah Ha Guest House
Ah Ha luxury accommodation is situated in a lush garden in the centre of Bedfordview and offers 3 double suites and 2 double en-suite rooms, most...

African Moon Corporate House
African Moon Corporate House welcomes you to a luxurious and comfortable stay only 10 minutes from Johannesburg International Airport. Situated i...

The Lazy Grape Guest Lodge & Spa
The Lazy Grape is just 15 km from OR Tambo International airport in Benoni. The Lodge offers accommodation in spacious rooms which range from del...

Glendower View Guest House
Glendower View Guest House provides executive accommodation with a personal touch. We cater for long-term stays as well as those just visiting So...

Moshitametsi Guest House
Built in a distinctive style, Moshitametsi Guest House is located in Kempton Park. Accommodation is offered in en-suite rooms (bathrooms have bot...

TreeTopia Guesthouse
Situated five kilometers outside of Benoni, TreeTopia Guesthouse offers accommodation for up to eight guests in four rooms. Here you are near to ...

Homestead Lake Cottage
Homestead Lake Cottage is situated in a quiet safe residential area close to all major highways. We have different options of accommodation optio...

Newlife B&B
Newlife Bed & Breakfast is an accommodation establishment approximately 10km from OR Thambo International Airport which offers eight luxury and c...

La Coscello Guest House
La Coscello is a private home, peacefully situated behind the main house in a private section of a beautiful garden. We take great pride in provi...

Afton Safari Lodge
Afton Safari Lodge offers accommodation in Kempton Park which is only seven minutes from the OR Tambo International Airport. This is ideal accomm...

Radisson Hotel & Convention Centre
Located in Kempton Park, Radisson Hotel & Convention Centre is ideally located with easy access to major highways joining Johannesburg and Pretor...

Acre of Africa Guest House
Acre of Africa is a small hotel in Johannesburg offering comfortable accommodation in Boksburg. Each room has air-conditioning, a mini fridge, a ...

Dunvegan Execu Lodge
Dunvegan Execu Lodge is proudly a four star luxury guesthouse, conveniently situated in the tranquil residential area of Dunvegan in Edenvale. We...

President Lodge
You will always experience five-star hospitality and always feel like a Very Important Person when you visit President Lodge. President Lodge is ...

Croydon Hotel
Croydon Hotel in Johannesburg offers self-catering units and well-trained staff who provide excellent service to guests. Room facilities include ...

Villa Victoria Executive Guest House
Villa Victoria Executive Guest House offers fantastic hospitality and exceptional accommodation in Benoni. The Victorian double storey guesthouse...

Golden Quilt Accommodation
Golden Quilt offers comfortable accommodation in Kempton Park, just 10 minutes from OR Tambo International Airport. Choose from our two rooms eac...

Blue Mango Lodge
Blue Mango Lodge is set on three acres of beautiful park-like gardens. Here you can enjoy comfortable rooms in a great location. You can expect t...

Louhallas Cottages
Louhallas offera three fully furnished accommodation cottages and five rooms which sleep from two to four guests respectively, all accommodation ...

Willow Tree Guesthouse
Willow Tree Guesthouse offers guests a home away from home experience. We offer accommodation in eleven luxuriously furnished rooms which each sl...

Sonyador Guesthouse
Sonyador offers fine accommodation in five luxurious double rooms with percale linen and en-suite bathrooms. Three rooms open up onto a veranda o...

Sunrock Guesthouse
Sunrock Guesthouse offers accommodation in Kempton Park - each room has a tea / coffee station, a TV with DStv, free Wi-Fi and an en-suite bathro...

Goodnight Guest Lodge
Goodnight Guest Lodge offers guests a choice of elegant suites. All come with private entrances and the lodge has a unique country lodge atmosphe...

Emma's Guesthouse
Emma's Guesthouse offers accommodation in Kempton Park centrally located close to OR Tambo International Airport and Gautrain stations with easy ...

Meridian Hospitality Guest House
Nestled in the quiet tree-lined avenues of Edenvale, Meridian Hospitality Accommodation is one of a kind Boutique Guest House unashamedly a cut a...

3Liebeloft Guest House
3Liebeloft Guest House is a select, intimate establishment offering the very best in luxury accommodation, whilst offering superb and personal cu...

Airport Game Lodge
Situated a mere 10 km north of Johannesburg International Airport, the secluded Airport Game Lodge combines the solitude of the African bush with...

Angelica Guest House
Angelica Guest House is situated on the southern side of Boksburg's central business area, and offers a friendly and relaxed stay under the manag...

50 Homestead Street
50 Homestead Street B&B is a magical place with a secret garden and a lake in the heart of the city. Situated in leafy Benoni, our establishment ...

The Maple Village Guest Lodge
The Maple Village Guest Lodge Bed & Breakfast is a four star graded, tranquil up market home away from home which offers five comfortable en-suit...

Woodpecker's Inn
Woodpecker's inn is an up market Bed & Breakfast guesthouse situated in Kempton Park, 15 minutes drive from the OR Tambo International Airport. T...

Golfer's Lodge
A luxury Guest Lodge conveniently situated in Edenvale, Johannesburg, 8km from OR Tambo International Airport. Close to top golf courses with eas...

Stay-A-While Guest House
Stay-A-While Guest House offers accommodation in suites, situated in a quiet residential suburb, within 10km of OR Tambo International Airport. E...

The Mannah Executive Guest Lodge
The Mannah Executive Guest Lodge offers accommodation for the discerning guest in Kempton Park. The rooms are set in luscious gardens giving the ...

Flying Falcon Guest House
Flying Falcon Guest House is an up-market, secure accommodation establishment located in a tranquil Johannesburg suburb, suitable for a clientele...

Homestead Lake Guesthouse
Homestead Lake Guesthouse is an upmarket accommodation eatlablishent situated in a quiet and safe residential area. We are situated virtually on ...

Our Heritage Guests
Gauteng hospitality at its best; in the heart of Kempton Park and only 10 minutes from OR Tambo International Airport. Come and experience five s...

Afrique Boutique Hotel O R Tambo
Afrique Boutique Hotel OR Tambo has peaceful and tranquil surroundings and is ideally situated in a prime position for both the corporate and pri...

African Tribes Guest Lodge
African Tribes is ideally situated for travellers with early departures or late arrivals. We also accommodate day visitors who need a room betwee...

The Gateway Hotel
The Gateway Hotel offers prestige suites, all of which boast en-suite bathrooms, a television and tea / coffee making facilities. Visitors can ch...

Aerotropolis Guest Lodge
Aerotropolis Guest Lodge offers accommodation in Kempton Park in a selection of en-suite rooms. All the rooms have a balcony, complimentary toile...

Dove's Nest Guest House
Dove's Nest Guest House provides affordable accommodation near OR Tambo International Airport. Dove's Nest offers comfortable accommodation, a fr...


African Rose
African Rose is a self catering holiday home located in a Kempton Park security village close to OR Tambo Airport and easily accessible to all ma...

Morulana Guest House
Morulana Guest House offers fine accommodation within walking distance from three shopping centers with restaurants, banks and shops and is withi...

47 On Manson
47 on Manson offers accommodation ideal for business and leisure travellers. This is a small guesthouse in Boksburg with two rooms that are equip...

D'Oreale Grande Hotel
The luxurious D'Oreale Grande Hotel in Johannesburg is centrally situated next to the OR Tambo International Airport. Luxurious accommodation, le...


29 on Koedoe Guest House
29 on Koedoe offers accommodation with easy access to major highways and is situated in Kempton Park and conveniently close to OR Tambo Internati...

Nkanga Lodge
Conveniently situated 8km's from OR Tambo International Airport makes Nkanga Lodge offers accommodation for the business traveller and tourist al...

24 on Vrey Boutique Hotel
At 24 On Vrey Boutique Hotel you can expect personal service in an intimate atmosphere. Accommodation is offered in luxury or honeymoon suites, f...

Premier Hotel OR Tambo
Boasting a central location, Premier Hotel OR Tambo is the perfect stop for both business and leisure travellers. The hotel has easy access to th...

Journey's Inn Africa Guest Lodge
Journey's Inn Africa Guest Lodge is a privately owned, exclusive guest lodge situated in the quiet up market residential area of Glen Marais, Kem...
Things to do in the area

Sparkling Tour
Witness first hand, the art of diamond cutting and the careful craftsmanship of jewellery manufacturing from our skilled professionals - all whil...
Noteworthy attractions

Benoni Country Club
Benoni Golf Course and Country Club is located on Johannesburg’s East Rand and serves as a wonderful break from the city yet remains within the c...

Benoni Lake Golf Club
One of the four large expanses of water that form a chain through this East Rand municipality is known as Middle Lake, and it is on the shores of...

ERPM Golf Course
The ERPM Golf course has bent grass greens and kikuyu fairways, and has a flat parkland layout. The long-time home of US Senior PGA star John Bla...

Germiston Country Club
18 holes, par-72. Rating 71, 6 523 metres. The course has kikuyu fairway and bent grass greens. The Germiston Lake comes into play on the par-thr...

Glendower Golf Club
Conveniently located within 10 minutes of OR Tambo International Airport, Glendower Golf Course is a well designed 6770m course, situated against...

Glenvista Golf Club
The Glenvista golf course boasts 18 superb bent grass greens built to United States Golf Association standards. Five dams, four of which come int...

Kempton Park Golf Club
The Kempton Park Golf Course is on the corner of Plein and Green Avenue in Spartan, Kempton Park. Ernie Els learnt to play golf at the Kempton Pa...

Modderfontein Golf Club
Modderfontein Golf Course has Kikuyu fairways and bent grass greens. Water comes into play on 11 of the 18 holes. The club has had a top 20 ratin...

Reading Country Club
Reading Country Club boasts a 18-hole golf course in a typical woodlands layout. The course is tree-lined with water featuring on 10 of the 18 ho...
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