The IMPANGELE guesthouse is situated along Korsman's Bird Sanctuary in Benoni, a bird watchers paradise close to Johannesburg International airport. There are approximately 200 species of birds in the Sanctuary and guests can observe Flamingo, Glossy Ibis, Cormorant, Egret and Heron, amongst many others. It is as a result of the countless Helmeted Guinea Fowl resident in the Sanctuary that this guesthouse takes its name (IMPANGELE in Xhosa). The area surrounding the Sanctuary is very quiet and safe and provides an ideal setting for guests to take a relaxing walk and to enjoy the scenery and birdlife. For your safety, the guesthouse is located within a secure area, with controlled access.
For the golfing enthusiast, IMPANGELE is only a short distance away from the "Benoni Lake Club", an 18-hole golf course, rated as one of the Top 100 golf courses in South Africa. In close proximity of the guesthouse, there are a number of shopping malls and cinemas, several casinos, and a variety of good restaurants (South African, Indian, Portuguese, Italian, Austrian, German etc.). You are welcome to use the BBQ (braai) facility at the house.
Johannesburg ("EGOLI" - "Place of Gold") is a world class city that has plenty to offer to both local and overseas visitors. Learn more about beer making by taking a tour of the South African Brewery's "World of Beer", and taste their world-class products afterwards. From the top of the 50 level Carlton Center, there are fantastic views all over Johannesburg and the surrounding suburbs. Visit the Apartheid Museum at Gold Reef City Casino (kids will enjoy the theme park!) or take a tour of Soweto, have lunch at a "shebeen" and meet the friendly residents. Shop at the many antique or collectibles shops that offer good buys or during a weekend, visit a flea or craft market. Alternatively, you might enjoy a good theatre/musical performance at the Market or Civic Theatre.
In 2004, Benoni’s own Charlize Theron won the Best Actress Award at the OSCARS for her stunning performance as Aileen Wuornos, a prostitute and serial killer. Charlize grew up in Benoni, where she attended school and started her modeling career. After working in Paris and Milan, she left for Hollywood where she has become a major movie star. She is the first South African woman to have won a major OSCAR and naturally, the residents of Benoni are very proud of Charlize! And Charlize says: BENONI ROCKS! But Charlize is not the only celebrity from now world-famous Benoni: HER SERENE HIGHNESS THE PRINCESS OF MONACO (previously Ms. Charlene Wittstock, a Champion swimmer) also grew up in Benoni, how about that!
