Adventure At Your Fingertips

CityROCK Johannesburg Indoor Climbing Gym Guide

Looking for something a little different from the usual gym session? CityROCK Johannesburg in Fontainebleau, Randburg, is the sort of place where you can arrive thinking you will simply give climbing a try and quickly find yourself wondering how high you can actually get.The indoor climbing gym has towering walls, bouldering areas, auto-belays and dedicated spaces for kids, as well as a fitness gym, yoga and Pilates studio, café and gear shop. Whether you are completely new to climbing, bringing the kids for an active day out or already know your way around a climbing wall, there is plenty to keep you busy.Inside CityROCK Johannesburg Indoor Climbing Gym: What Makes This Place SpecialThe first thing that catches your attention at CityROCK is the height. The Johannesburg gym has 16m high walls, 2,000m² of high-wall climbing, 124 top-rope anchors, 14 automatic belay walls and a 500m² bouldering area. There is also a dedicated beginners’ climbing area used for courses, kids’ activities and birthday parties.There are several ways to climb, including top rope, lead climbing, auto-belay and bouldering. If you are new to the sport, you are not expected to walk in knowing how to tie yourself to a rope or operate the equipment. Introductory courses are available to teach you the basics, while the auto-belay walls offer an option for climbing without a partner once you have completed the required safety orientation.For more experienced climbers, there are also technique, lead climbing and advanced coaching options. This means CityROCK can be somewhere you visit once for a bit of fun or a place where you gradually build your skills and become more confident on the walls.Image: CityROCKBouldering, High Walls and Plenty to TryIf the idea of immediately climbing a 16m wall feels slightly ambitious, start with bouldering. The shorter walls do not require ropes, but that does not mean they are easy. You still need to work out how to move between the holds, where to place your feet and how to use your body efficiently to reach the next one.Once you are ready to go higher, the high walls offer top-rope, lead and auto-belay climbing. Different types of climbing have different requirements, so beginners can start with the appropriate introduction while experienced climbers can work towards more advanced options.There is also a nice sense of progression for anyone who gets bitten by the climbing bug. You can start with an introductory session, learn the basics, try different routes and eventually work on technique and more advanced climbing skills. It is the sort of activity where even getting a little further up the wall than you did last time feels like a win.Image: CityROCKYour Workout Can Look Very Different HereYou could come to CityROCK purely for the climbing, but there is enough happening under the same roof to make it easy to turn your visit into a proper outing. Alongside the climbing areas, there is a fitness gym with cardio equipment and strength-training facilities, as well as a yoga and Pilates studio.The studio is open to beginners and non-climbers too, so you do not need to be interested in climbing to make use of it. Yoga and climbing can also complement each other nicely, with both involving balance, mobility, body awareness and focus.Then there is the café, which is particularly welcome after a session on the walls. Grab a coffee or something to eat, watch other climbers tackling their routes and give your arms a chance to recover before deciding whether you are brave enough for one more climb.There is also a gear shop on site, along with lockers, showers and free Wi-Fi. So if you discover that climbing is becoming more than a once-off activity, you can even start looking at your own gear.Image: CityROCKCityROCK Johannesburg Is a Proper Adventure for KidsIf your kids are natural climbers, they are likely to have a lot of fun here. CityROCK has a dedicated kids’ climbing area where younger climbers can explore the walls, work out how to reach the next hold and experience that very satisfying moment when they make it to the top.Children can start climbing from the age of five, with kids’ courses available to help them learn the skills they need in a structured environment. As they gain experience, there are opportunities to progress and, where appropriate, earn climbing tags that allow access to additional areas of the gym.CityROCK also offers kids’ birthday parties, which take climbing well beyond simply walking up a wall. Parties can include bouldering, top rope, auto-belays and climbing games, making it a fun option for children who would happily swap a traditional party venue for something a little more adventurous.There are some rules around younger climbers to keep things safe, including supervision requirements and restrictions on which areas they can use. Children aged five to 12 are limited to the dedicated children’s area unless they have completed the relevant courses and assessments, while children under 16 must be supervised by an adult.For more ideas for active family outings around the city, take a look at our guide to 6 Joburg spots kids will love.Image: CityROCKNew to Climbing? You’re Not Expected to Know What You’re DoingClimbing can look intimidating when you are watching someone casually make their way up a huge wall, but everyone has to start somewhere. CityROCK offers introductory courses that take beginners through climbing safety, equipment, tying in, belaying, auto-belay safety and basic technique.There are also courses for bouldering and technique if you decide you want to learn more. For those who become completely hooked, lead climbing and further coaching provide ways to keep progressing.Wear comfortable clothing that allows you to move freely, and remember that proper climbing shoes are required on the walls. If you do not own your own equipment, gear can be hired at the gym.Make a Day of ItOne of the best things about CityROCK is that you do not have to make the whole experience about climbing. You could start with bouldering, try a few higher routes, grab a coffee, join a Pilates class or spend some time in the fitness gym.It can work just as well for a solo workout, a different date idea, an outing with friends or an active family day. And if you discover that you really enjoy climbing, there are memberships, courses, coaching and community events to keep you coming back.For more things happening around the city, have a look at our guide to upcoming events and shows heading to Joburg.Practical Details Worth Knowing Before You GoCityROCK Johannesburg is located at 46 Fourth Avenue South, Fontainebleau, Randburg. The gym is open Monday to Thursday from 11:00 to 22:00, and Friday to Sunday from 09:00 to 18:00. It is also open from 09:00 to 18:00 on public holidays, but is closed on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.Children under 13 need to be booked in advance, while courses and organised activities should also be booked ahead. If you are simply visiting as an adult over 13, a booking is not generally required.Frequently Asked QuestionsDo I need climbing experience to visit CityROCK Johannesburg?No. Beginners are welcome and can start with an introductory course or use the auto-belay facilities after completing the required safety orientation.Can I climb without a partner?Yes. CityROCK has automatic belay walls, which allow you to climb without a belay partner. First-time users need to complete the required safety orientation before using them.What happens if it is my first visit?All first-time visitors need to complete a liability waiver and present a government-issued photo ID or driving licence for verification. Visitors under 18 need to have the waiver signed by a parent or legal guardian.What age can children start climbing?Children can start climbing from the age of five. There are dedicated kids’ areas and courses, with access to different parts of the gym depending on their age, experience and climbing qualifications.Is CityROCK suitable for a family outing?Yes. There is a dedicated kids’ climbing area and children’s courses, while older children can progress to more areas of the gym as they gain experience. Children under 16 must be supervised by a parent, guardian or coach.What should I wear to CityROCK?Wear comfortable clothing that allows you to move freely. Proper climbing shoes are required on the climbing walls, and climbing equipment can be hired if you do not have your own.Do I need to book before visiting CityROCK?A booking is not generally required for visitors over 13 who are simply coming for a day visit. Children under 13 need to be booked in advance, while courses and certain organised activities also require bookings.Is CityROCK only for climbing?No. Alongside climbing, there is a fitness gym, yoga and Pilates studio, café, coffee shop, gear shop, lockers and showers.Where is CityROCK Johannesburg?CityROCK Johannesburg is at 46 Fourth Avenue South, Fontainebleau, Randburg.

The Best Coffee Shops to Work From in East Rand

Working from a coffee shop can make a long day at the laptop feel a lot more enjoyable. A good coffee, something delicious to eat and a change of scenery can be just what you need when you have emails to answer, deadlines to meet or a long to-do list to work through.The East Rand has plenty of cafés where you can do exactly that. From Bedfordview and Edenvale to Boksburg, Benoni, Kempton Park and Linksfield, you will find speciality coffee spots, neighbourhood cafés and familiar favourites that make excellent alternatives to the home office. Whether you need somewhere for a quick morning session or want to settle in for a few hours, these are some of the best coffee shops to add to your work-from-café rotation.What Makes a Good Café for Working?A good work café needs more than decent coffee. Comfortable seating, enough table space, Wi-Fi, accessible plug points and an atmosphere where you can actually concentrate all make a difference, particularly when you are planning to stay for a couple of hours.Food is another big part of it. The best spots let you turn a working coffee into breakfast or lunch, so you do not have to pack up the laptop the moment you finish your first drink. Opening hours also matter, especially if you prefer getting your work done early in the morning.If you enjoy discovering places around Johannesburg where you can work, meet a friend or enjoy some solo time, have a look at our guide to Joburg's Best Cafés for Remote Work and Solo Dates.Mugg & Bean, East Rand MallMugg & Bean at East Rand Mall is an easy choice when you want somewhere familiar with a generous menu and plenty of options for a proper coffee break. You will find it at Shop 92, East Rand Mall, Bentel Avenue, Jansen Park, Boksburg, where the menu covers all-day breakfast and brunch, lunch, freshly baked treats and coffee.It is particularly handy when you want to combine work with a proper meal rather than just ordering a quick coffee. The branch is open from 07:00 to 19:00 Monday to Friday, 07:00 to 18:00 on Saturday and 08:00 to 17:00 on Sunday, giving you plenty of flexibility for an early start or a longer working session.The Landing Coffee, BedfordviewThe Landing Coffee is one for anyone who gets excited about speciality coffee. The Bedfordview branch is at 3 Park Street and combines its coffee offering with breakfast and lunch, creating the kind of setting where you can easily turn a quick coffee into a longer morning.It is also an early starter, opening from 06:00, which is ideal if you are someone who gets your best work done before the day properly gets going. The spacious, airy setting adds to the appeal when you want a change from your usual desk.Platō Coffee, BedfordviewPlatō Coffee is another Bedfordview option worth adding to your list, particularly if speciality coffee is important to you. The Bedfordview branch is located at Bedford Arcade, 55 Van Buuren Road, making it easy to work into a coffee run around the area.It has the feel of a proper coffee destination rather than somewhere you simply stop for a takeaway. Bring your laptop, order your coffee and settle in for a productive session while enjoying a little change of scenery.Euphoria Speciality Coffee Roastery & CaféFor serious coffee lovers, Euphoria Speciality Coffee Roastery & Café is another Bedfordview option to know about. It is located at Unit L1A, Quality House, 33 St Christopher Road in St Andrews, Bedfordview, bringing a speciality coffee and roastery experience to the area.It is a great choice when you want your coffee outing to feel a little more considered. Instead of settling for the same café every time you need to work, add Euphoria to your rotation when you want to combine a productive few hours with a proper speciality coffee experience.Red Door Cafe, EdenvaleRed Door Cafe brings a cosy neighbourhood feel to Edenvale. Located at 26 5th Avenue, it is a laptop-friendly spot with free Wi-Fi, speciality coffee and freshly baked pastries, giving you the essentials for a productive morning away from home.There is also a lovely extra layer to the café experience, with books and games available if you need a proper break from your screen. It is the sort of place where you can work for a while, close the laptop and still have a reason to hang around for another coffee.Sipp Café, EdenvaleSipp Café is another option to add to your Edenvale coffee circuit, particularly if you are looking for a local spot rather than heading into a large shopping centre. Based in Meadowdale, it is a convenient option when you want to take your workday somewhere different without travelling too far.It is a good one to keep in mind for a daytime working session, whether you are starting your morning with a coffee or taking a break from the home office later in the day. With a local café like this on your doorstep, changing up your working environment does not have to involve a long drive.Verde Urban Cafe, KensingtonVerde Urban Cafe is tucked into Park Meadows Shopping Centre at Shop 21, on the corner of Allum and Cumberland Road in Kensington. It is a convenient neighbourhood café with free Wi-Fi and outdoor seating, giving you the option of working inside or taking your laptop outside when you want a little fresh air.The café is open from 07:00 to 18:00 Monday to Saturday and from 07:00 to 16:00 on Sunday, making it easy to fit into a working day. The Park Meadows location is also handy when you need to combine your coffee break with a few errands.Motherland Coffee Company, LinksfieldMotherland Coffee Company at The Hood in Linksfield is another strong option for anyone who wants speciality coffee with an African connection. The brand focuses on coffee sourced from across Africa, while the café offers breakfast and a setting that works well when you want to spend some time with your laptop.There is outdoor seating and parking, making it a practical option as well as an interesting coffee stop. If you want your workday coffee to come with a bit more personality, Motherland is well worth adding to the list.Seattle Coffee Company, Linksfield SquareSeattle Coffee Company at Linksfield Square is another familiar option for anyone working around Linksfield and the surrounding suburbs. Its convenient shopping-centre location makes it an easy stop when you need somewhere to grab a coffee, open the laptop and get through some work.It is particularly useful when you are already in the area for errands or meetings and need somewhere to work for a while. Having a few dependable café options around Linksfield means you can change up your surroundings without having to cross half of Johannesburg.Kilojoule Café, BedfordviewKilojoule Café, located at 2 Nicol Road in Bedfordview, is another laptop-friendly option for remote workers. It is a useful addition to the area's already impressive collection of coffee shops, particularly if you want to get some work done somewhere outside the usual chain cafés.Bedfordview makes this especially easy because you can build an entire coffee-shop rotation around the area. When one café is busy or you simply feel like trying somewhere different, there is always another option nearby.Starbucks, EastgateSometimes you want somewhere familiar, spacious and easy to find, which is where Starbucks at Eastgate comes in. You will find the branch at Shop U46/U47, Eastgate Shopping Centre, 43 Bradford Road in Bedfordview, making it a convenient choice when you are already in the area.It is a practical option for getting some laptop time in between errands, meetings or shopping. The familiar coffee-shop setup also means you know exactly what you are getting, which can be a bonus when you simply need somewhere convenient to work.Bembom: More East Rand Locations to KnowBembom is another name worth knowing if you like working from cafés, with several locations across the East Rand. Rather than listing every branch as a separate coffee-shop recommendation, you can keep these in mind depending on where you are based, with Bembom branches in Bedfordview, Boksburg, Rynfield, Karaglen and Maranatha in Kempton Park.The Rynfield branch at Eastfields Shopping Centre on the corner of O'Reilly Merry Street and Benoni Road in Northmead Extension 4 is particularly well suited to remote work, with fast Wi-Fi and plug points alongside its coffee, food and baked treats. The other branches offer the same broader café experience, making Bembom a useful option when you want coffee, breakfast, lunch or something sweet while getting through your workday.How to Choose Your East Rand Work SpotThe great thing about working from cafés is that you do not need to pick one favourite and stick to it. The East Rand has enough variety to build yourself a proper little coffee-shop rotation, with different spots suited to different kinds of workdays.Bembom Rynfield is an excellent choice when Wi-Fi and plug points are important, while The Landing, Platō and Euphoria are ideal when speciality coffee is high on your list. Red Door brings coffee, Wi-Fi, pastries, books and games to Edenvale, Verde offers Wi-Fi and outdoor seating, and the Linksfield options give you even more choice when you are working around that side of town.Sometimes the best productivity trick is simply getting out of the house. Find a table, order your favourite coffee, open the laptop and enjoy the fact that your workday does not have to look the same every day.Frequently Asked QuestionsWhat are the best coffee shops to work from in the East Rand?There are plenty of options depending on where you are based and what you need from a work café. Bembom Rynfield, Red Door Cafe, Verde Urban Cafe, The Landing Coffee, Platō Coffee, Motherland Coffee Company and several of the larger cafés make up a strong East Rand coffee circuit for remote workers.Which coffee shops in Bedfordview are good for working?Bedfordview has a great selection, including The Landing Coffee, Platō Coffee, Euphoria Speciality Coffee Roastery & Café, Kilojoule Café, Bembom Bedfordview and Starbucks at Eastgate. This makes the area particularly easy to explore if you like changing up your working environment.Where can I work remotely in Edenvale?Red Door Cafe and Sipp Café are both worth adding to your Edenvale list. Red Door is particularly useful for laptop sessions, with free Wi-Fi, speciality coffee, freshly baked pastries, books and games, while Sipp Café gives you another local option in Meadowdale.Where can I work from a café in Boksburg?Mugg & Bean at East Rand Mall and Bembom on North Rand Road are two convenient Boksburg options. Both offer substantial food and coffee menus, making them suitable for more than just a quick takeaway.Where can I work remotely in Benoni?Bembom Rynfield in Northmead Extension 4 is one of the strongest options in Benoni for remote workers. It has fast Wi-Fi and plug points, as well as coffee, food and baked treats.Which coffee shops open early?The Landing Coffee opens from 06:00, while Mugg & Bean East Rand Mall, Bembom Maranatha and Verde Urban Cafe all open from 07:00. These are particularly useful if you like getting your most demanding work done before the day gets busy.

Africa Fashion House: A Midrand Destination for African Fash...

Traditional weddings, bespoke dresses and African fashion are at the heart of Africa Fashion House in Midrand. With hundreds of designs to browse and the option to customise a look, the fashion destination offers plenty to explore whether you are shopping for a wedding, a special occasion or simply looking for something beautiful to wear.From traditional wedding dresses and coordinated bridal-party looks to men's shirts, accessories and ready-to-wear pieces, the collection covers a lot of ground. The designs are colourful, detailed and eye-catching, with options ranging from traditional wedding looks to contemporary pieces that bring African prints and design elements into a modern wardrobe.What Can You Find at Africa Fashion House?Africa Fashion House has a wide-ranging collection of clothing and accessories, from beautifully detailed dresses and statement pieces to shirts, coordinated outfits and ready-to-wear styles. There is a strong focus on African design, but the collection covers plenty of different looks, making it just as interesting for someone shopping for a special occasion as it is for someone looking to add something distinctive to their wardrobe.There is plenty for both women and men, with dresses, tops, coats, shirts and accessories alongside coordinated pieces for couples and families. You will also find designs suited to celebrations, cultural occasions, formal events and everyday dressing, with a mix of bold prints, intricate detailing, flowing silhouettes and more structured styles.The variety is one of the things that makes the collection interesting to explore. The in-store catalogue contains more than 500 designs, giving you plenty of starting points if you have an idea of what you want but are still deciding on the exact style, colour, fabric or details.Image: Africa Fashion HouseTraditional Wedding Wear Takes Centre StageFor anyone planning a traditional wedding, this is where Africa Fashion House really comes into its own. The collection includes traditional bridal and wedding designs in a range of styles, with plenty of options for creating a look that feels personal to the bride and the occasion.You can choose an existing design or bring your own inspiration, with the option to mix and match different elements. Fabrics and design details can then be selected before the garment is made.The wedding offering extends beyond the bride too. Bridesmaid and groomsmen outfits are available, as well as coordinated pieces for couples, making it possible to work towards a cohesive look across the wedding party.There is also plenty of visual variety within the collection. You will find bold prints, intricate detailing, flowing silhouettes, structured dresses and statement bridal gowns, alongside designs that combine traditional influences with more contemporary styling.Image: Africa Fashion HouseAfrican Fashion for More Than WeddingsAlthough traditional weddings are a major part of Africa Fashion House, you do not need to be getting married to find something worth wearing. The collection includes ready-to-wear dresses, shirts, tops, coats and accessories that can work for celebrations, cultural events, special dinners or other occasions where you want something distinctive.There are several collections and labels to browse, including Anna-Mo, Kundai and Passa, giving shoppers a range of different looks and styles to explore. You can go for a complete traditional outfit for a significant occasion or choose a single statement piece that brings African print or design into your wardrobe.The online collection also shows how varied the clothing can be. Alongside traditional wedding dresses, there are pieces such as Shweshwe garments, Ndebele designs, Venda pieces and more contemporary dresses and shirts, so the range is not limited to one particular style of African fashion.Image: Africa Fashion HouseTailoring Your Own LookOne of the biggest attractions of the bespoke service is the opportunity to create something around your own preferences rather than simply selecting a standard size from a rail. You can start with an existing design, bring your own inspiration or combine different elements to create the look you want.Once the design and fabric have been selected, the pattern is cut and the garment is made. Fittings form an important part of the process, with a minimum of three fitting sessions required for bespoke orders. More complex garments, including jackets, evening gowns, wedding gowns and matric dance dresses, can require four fittings.This is something to plan ahead for if you have a specific event coming up. You need to allow enough time for the design, making and fitting process, particularly when you are ordering a wedding or special-occasion outfit with a firm date.Africa Fashion House also offers lifetime alterations on garments made by the business, which is useful if a piece needs adjusting later.When You Want Something Made for YouThere is a real difference between choosing a garment from a standard clothing rail and having the opportunity to shape the design yourself. At Africa Fashion House, the bespoke process allows you to start with an existing look, bring your own idea or combine different elements until you have something that feels right for you.The process includes design selection, fabric sourcing, measurements and fittings before the finished garment is completed. This can be particularly appealing for wedding wear, matric dance dresses and other special-occasion clothing where the fit and overall look matter just as much as the design itself.There is still plenty to choose from if you are not looking for something bespoke. The ready-to-wear collection gives you the opportunity to browse a wide range of dresses, shirts and other pieces, while the online store makes it easy to explore different designs before visiting the Midrand store.Visit Africa Fashion House in MidrandAfrica Fashion House is located at 53 Oudekraal Close, Noordwyk, Midrand. It is worth knowing about if you are shopping for traditional wedding wear, a bespoke outfit or simply want to explore a large collection of African fashion in person.You can browse the collection online before visiting, which is particularly useful if you already have a particular style or design in mind. If you are ordering a bespoke garment for a wedding, matric dance or another important event, give yourself plenty of time for the fitting process rather than leaving it until the last minute.Opening hours can change, so it is worth checking the latest information before heading out.Frequently Asked QuestionsWhat is Africa Fashion House?Africa Fashion House is a South African fashion destination specialising in African traditional and wedding wear, alongside ready-to-wear women's and men's fashion, accessories and bespoke garments.Where is Africa Fashion House located?Africa Fashion House is located at 53 Oudekraal Close, Noordwyk, Midrand, Gauteng.What can I buy at Africa Fashion House?The collection includes traditional wedding dresses, bridal wear, bridesmaid and groomsmen outfits, women's dresses, men's shirts, tops, coats, accessories and other African fashion pieces.What traditional styles are available?The collection includes designs labelled for Pedi, Xhosa, Venda, Tsonga, Swati, Tswana and Ndebele styles, alongside other African fashion and contemporary designs.Can I have an outfit made specifically for me?Yes. Bespoke orders allow you to select an existing design or bring your own inspiration and work with the designers to create a personalised garment.Can I bring my own design?Yes. You can bring your own design or inspiration and mix and match elements to create a garment suited to your preferences.How many fittings are needed for a bespoke order?A minimum of three fitting sessions is required. More complex garments such as jackets, evening gowns, wedding gowns and matric dance dresses may require four fittings.How long does a bespoke order take?The standard turnaround time is listed as 10 working days, but you also need to allow enough time to complete the required fitting sessions. If you have a specific event date, it is best to start the process well in advance.Does Africa Fashion House sell men's clothing?Yes. The collection includes men's shirts, groomsmen outfits and other men's fashion, including pieces that can be coordinated with traditional wedding looks.Can I shop online?Yes. Africa Fashion House has an online store where you can browse women's clothing, men's clothing, wedding collections, accessories and other pieces before deciding what you would like to order or see in person.Does Africa Fashion House offer alterations?Yes. Lifetime alterations are available on garments manufactured by Africa Fashion House.