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Sentech Tower
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Landmark
The Sentech Tower, commonly known as the Brixton Tower, is a major telecommunications tower in Johannesburg, completed in 1962. Standing at 237 meters tall, it serves as the primary transmission site for radio and television broadcasting across the Gauteng province. The reinforced concrete structure was engineered to withstand extreme weather conditions, including wind speeds of up to 186 kilometers per hour. Originally, the tower included a public observation deck that offered panoramic views of the city, but it was closed to visitors in 1982 due to security considerations. It remains an vital hub for South Africa's broadcasting infrastructure, now managed by the state-owned Sentech company. The tower's sleek, functional design is a landmark of the Brixton suburb and continues to be an integral part of Johannesburg's urban identity.
- Location: South Africa
- Top sights: Sentech Tower · Lindfield Victorian House Museum · Fietas Museum
- Nearby: Johannesburg (4 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Feb, Sep, Oct.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 22 | 21 | 20 | 17 | 13 | 10 | 10 | 13 | 17 | 20 | 21 | 21 |
| Rain mm | 123 | 82 | 73 | 43 | 16 | 7 | 3 | 7 | 16 | 57 | 89 | 127 |
📋 Practical info
Visiting
The Sentech Tower is a 237-meter television and radio mast in Johannesburg, normally not open to the public. Visitors can view the tower only from the outside, as there is no public observation deck.
Typical hours
Since the tower is not publicly accessible, there are no visiting hours. The exterior can be viewed at any time during daylight from the surrounding streets.
Photography
Photography of the tower from outside is allowed, as it is part of the cityscape. For impressive shots, position yourself at a distance to capture the full height of the tower.
Time needed
A brief stop is enough for photos - about 10 to 15 minutes. As the tower itself cannot be visited, no longer time is needed.
Combine with
Combine the visit with other Johannesburg sights, such as Constitution Hill or the Apartheid Museum. The Brixton area where the tower stands also gives some cafés.
Getting there
The tower is located in the Brixton area, about 5 km west of Johannesburg city center. It is easily reachable by car or taxi via main roads, with parking available on surrounding streets.
Insider tip
Tip: The best photo spot is the nearby intersection of Smit Street and King George Street. At sunset, the tower often glows red - a great backdrop.
Geography
Facts
- The tower stands at a total height of 237 meters.
- Construction was completed in 1962 after 20 months of work.
- The foundations are anchored 13 meters deep into the ground.
- The structure is designed to withstand wind speeds up to 186 km/h.
- Public access to the viewing deck was discontinued in 1982.
- It is currently the primary transmission tower for Sentech in Johannesburg.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Sentech Tower (3)
Lindfield Victorian House Museum🏛 museum
The Lindfield Victorian House Museum immerses visitors in a meticulously preserved 19th-century middle-class home.
🌐 lindfield.wixsite.com🕒 Mo-Su 10:00-17:00
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
What is the Sentech Tower?
A broadcast tower in Johannesburg used for TV and radio transmissions.
Is it open to visitors?
No, the tower is a technical facility and not open to the public.
How high is the tower?
It stands at a proud 237 meters.
Can you see the tower at night?
Yes, it is illuminated at night and a distinct point of the skyline.
Where is it located exactly?
It is located in the Brixton suburb of Johannesburg.
Sentech Tower: where is it located?
Sentech Tower is located in South Africa.
Sentech Tower: what is there to see?
Highlights include Sentech Tower, Lindfield Victorian House Museum, Fietas Museum.
Sentech Tower: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Feb, Sep, Oct.
Sentech Tower: why is it worth visiting?
The Sentech Tower, commonly known as the Brixton Tower, is a major telecommunications tower in Johannesburg, completed in 1962.
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