Rivonia, Sandton

About the suburb of Rivonia

Most people know Rivonia to be a busy northern suburb of Johannesburg, which has become an affluent business and residential area close to the center of Sandton, with easy access to the N1 highway. While that is true in part, "Rivonia," as it is locally known, is actually a grouping of the suburbs of Edenburg and true Rivonia. Edenburg is the district where the major commercial properties, hotels, and entertainment venues are. Rivonia Boulevard is one of the main retail areas, with an abundance of restaurants and takeaway options that cater to all tastes, with foods from Europe, the middle east, and the far-east. Your well-known American fast-food restaurants are also on Rivonia Boulevard.

Rivonia proper, originally an area of smallholdings, has just 280 freehold homes and 270 sectional title apartments/townhouses.   

Interesting facts about the history of Rivonia

The development of Rivonia began about 30 years ago when farms started to be subdivided for residential purposes.  Liliesleaf farm was a "safe house" where senior activists of the African National Congress would meet during the apartheid years. 

In 1963 while discussions were being held at Liliesleaf Farm, the police arrived and arrested several prominent members of the ANC.  The Rivonia Trial, which followed, is regarded as an important part of the country's history and resulted in several organization leaders being imprisoned, including Nelson Mandela (who was not arrested at Liliesleaf farm), Govan Mbeke, and Walter Sisulu. 

Liliesleaf Farm is now a national heritage site and a museum with various exhibits.

Schools in the area

Curro Rivonia Preschool is an independent preschool (nursery school) on Homestead Road in Rivonia. Other nursery schools in the area include Brite Beginnings, Little Lion, and Little Nicoco's.

Rivonia Primary School is a public school (a government school) with a good reputation, which is sought-after by residents of Rivonia and the surrounding suburbs. Spark School Rivonia on Edenburg Terrace is a private schooling option in the suburb for primary school. King David Primary School is nearby in neighbouring Woodmead.

Curro Rivonia High School is also on Homestead Road and is a "brilliant school with excellent management." Redhill is another private schooling option, and it is in neighbouring Morningside.

Medical facilities in the area

The Morningside Clinic and Sunninghill private hospitals are a short, ten-minute drive from the suburb of Rivonia. Many private medical and dental practitioners also have medical suites in Edenburg (Rivonia).

Shopping centers and malls in the area

There are quite a few shopping centers and malls in and around Rivonia; here is our handy list of the five nearest to the suburb:

1. Rivonia Village is a neighbourhood mall selling all the basics (groceries, electronics, takeaway foods), and there is a pet store too.

2. Rivonia Oriental Central is an Asian culture experience ... there is an Asian Supermarket, and the center is widely known as the best dining option for Chinese restaurants. According to their website, "You can experience the distinctive Western-Chinese, Chongqing-style hotpot, as well as your traditional Southern-Chinese, Cantonese style dishes."

3. Rivonia Junction Shopping Centre houses the restaurants Saravanaa Bhavan (Indian cuisine), Yamada Sushi (Japanese sushi specialties), Asanka (international flavours), and Zen Garden (Chinese dishes). Saigon is well known for its Vietnamese cuisine.

4. The Wedge in neighbouring Morningside is a bustling suburban center with over 35 stores, including Clicks, SuperSpar, and Woolworths.

5. Morningside Shopping Centre is a 5-minute drive from Rivonia and is convenient and offers over 60 stores to shop at. Anchor tenants at the mall include Pick n Pay, Woolworths, Clicks, Exclusive Books, Waltons, and @Home. There are stores for banking, travel agencies, beauty shops, and fashion. Of course, there are several restaurants too.

Restaurants to visit in Rivonia

Sheiks Palace is an institution in the suburb of Rivonia. Well known for its delicious Lebanese and Middle Eastern dishes, there are often belly dancing shows and plenty of fun for diners.

Things to do in Rivonia

Are you looking for weekend activities around Rivonia? History buffs could take a tour of the Liliesleaf Farm. The sporty types can enjoy a round of golf at either of the courses at the Country Club Johannesburg (in Woodmead). There is hockey, bowls, and tennis to be played nearby at the Morningside Country Club. Those looking to get outdoors and not break a sweat can enjoy a stroll and a picnic at Mushroom Park (now Hyundai Sky Park).

Distance to airports, main roads, and the CBD

Many main routes transverse Rivonia. Rivonia Road is a major roadway through Sandton and towards the Johannesburg inner city (eventually becoming Oxford Road, through Illovo and beyond). It's a 25-minute drive to the Johannesburg CBD. Sandton's central business district is only 8 kilometers from Rivonia.

Weather in Rivonia

Rivonia is in Johannesburg's Sandton district, and the climate is that of the South African highveld. Highveld weather is typically dry in the winter, which can get quite cool. Summers are balmy, with long hot days. Afternoon rainfall is usual, accompanied by a fair amount of lightning.

Make Rivonia your home, your story.

We would love to help you find your ideal home in Rivonia. Please look at the properties we have on the market for sale here and be in touch with us directly.