This upmarket neighbourhood enjoys sensational views, numerous shopping centres and excellent security.
The suburb of Zwartkop in central Centurion is a well-established, upmarket neighbourhood nestled in the hills southwest of the well-known Centurion Mall. From its elevated position, the suburb boasts terrific views over Centurion and comprises several leafy, boomed-off residential areas catering for middle- and higher-income residents.
Most dwellings in these entrance-controlled security areas are freestanding properties varying from luxurious multibedroom villas, which can accommodate extended families or be turned into guesthouses, to well-sized family homes. For those who prefer a lock-up-and-go lifestyle, Zwartkop Extension 7 comprises several townhouse complexes and apartments.
The area’s quiet streets are monitored by independent security companies and the gated communities offer a tranquil lifestyle in a serene and secure environment. Several community initiatives and residents’ associations are active in the area, promoting community participation and cohesion.
Zwartkop offers the perfect location for residents commuting between Pretoria and Johannesburg. The suburb is located alongside the N1 (on its south-eastern border), with easy access to the R21 to Ekurhuleni and OR Tambo International Airport. The N14 (in the west) to Krugersdorp and Lanseria International Airport is not very far away. Public transport infrastructure, such as the Gautrain network, is easily accessible.
Located close to the rapidly developing hubs of Centurion and Midrand, the area is a shopping mecca. On its doorstep is the regional shopping centre, Centurion Mall, with more than 200 stores and restaurants. Centurion Lifestyle Centre, offering a choice of 90 shops, is a few kilometres away, while smaller shopping complexes are dotted around the area.
Centurion has an active business sector, representing many corporate and privately-owned businesses in the area. There are many gyms and sport, health and wellness establishments nearby, and there’s no shortage of top medical facilities. Netcare’s flagship Unitas Hospital, the largest private hospital in the country, is a 10-minute drive away from Zwartkop.
The neighbourhood offers comfortable access to a number of day-care facilities and excellent primary and high schools, such as Hoërskool Zwartkop, Laerskool Zwartkop, Lyttelton Manor High School, Lyttelton Primary School, Zwartkop Christian School, among others. Zwartkop is also home to many Further Education and Training colleges. Among them are the Technicol SA College, Tshwane South College – Centurion Campus, The Open Window Institute for Arts and Digital Sciences, Centurion Academy, and Prue Leith Chef’s Academy.
The area also offers comprehensive recreational facilities, such as a variety of good restaurants, clubs, cinemas, outdoor and adventure activities, golf courses, and arts and crafts shops, to name just a few.
What I love most about the area is to come home to the peace and quiet of our neighbourhood after a long work day
-Neena Felix, resident.
Nature near Zwartkop, Centurion:
- Rietvlei Nature Reserve
- Bishop Bird Park
- Hennops Hiking Trail
- Zwartkops Resort
- Rooihuiskraal Resort/Nature Reserve
Things to do in Zwartkop, Centurion
- Enjoy an adventurous day out to Zwartkops Raceway.
- Play a round of golf at Zwartkop Country Club.
- Watch movies at Ster-Kinekor, Centurion Mall.
- Watch a game of cricket at the SuperSport Park Cricket Stadium.
- Relax at one of the many health spas in the area.
Where to eat in Zwartkop, Centurion
- The Godfather Restaurant: for succulent steaks
- Bosvelder Pub and Restaurant: for great South African food
- Zagora Grill Room and Wine Cellar: for an eclectic menu, including Mediterranean and Middle Eastern food
- Fishmonger Centurion: for tasty seafood and sushi
- Primi Piatti Zwartkop: for amazing pizza and pasta dishes
- Col'Cacchio Pizzeria in Centurion Mall: for authentic Italian cuisine
This article originally appeared in Neighbourhood, Sunday Times.
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