Outdoor & Parks
8 best padel courts in Johannesburg you need to book in 2026
The new Jozi sport you keep “meaning to try”
It starts the same way for most people. One friend posts a sweaty selfie holding a padel bat. Another sends a screenshot of a booking confirmation with the caption, “Who’s in?” Before you know it, you are hearing padel talk at school gates, in office kitchens, and across weekend brunch tables.
Padel has that sweet spot energy Johannesburg loves: competitive enough to feel like a proper sport, social enough to turn into a long coffee after, and beginner-friendly enough that you do not have to be a tennis pro to enjoy it.
The only real problem is availability. Courts fill up fast, and most of the top venues in Joburg run their bookings through Playtomic, which means the best slots go quickly.
If you want to play where the city is currently playing, here are eight padel venues worth putting on your shortlist for 2026.
1. Africa Padel, Sandton and Royal Johannesburg
Africa Padel has become one of the most recognisable names in the local padel scene, and their Gauteng clubs are built for high-rotation play. The brand leans into padel as a lifestyle, not just a booking, with a club feel that suits both casual games and more serious training.
A practical bonus for many Joburg players: Africa Padel promotes booking through Playtomic, and certain venues within the Discovery Vitality padel network offer booking incentives via the Playtomic platform.
Why locals like it: it is geared for regular play, not once-off novelty, and the booking system is straightforward when you know your usual time slots.
2. Padel and Social Club, James and Ethel Gray Park, Melrose
If your ideal Jozi afternoon includes trees, fresh air, and a match that ends with something cold on the table, this is the one. Padel and Social Club’s James and Ethel Gray Park location puts padel into a green, central setting that feels removed from the city rush, even though you are right near it.
The club runs long daily hours, which helps if you are squeezing in a session before work or chasing daylight after.
Why locals like it: it feels like a day out, not just a workout, and it is the kind of venue where padel naturally turns into a social plan.
3. Net Set Padel, Sandton City rooftop and indoor courts
This is padel with a Sandton skyline. Net Set at Sandton City offers a split experience: rooftop courts for that open-air, golden hour vibe, plus indoor courts when you want a controlled environment.
Net Set also publishes clear rate guidance, and the venue lists practical facilities on site, including secure parking, showers, lockers, a pro shop, and an on-site café.
Why locals like it: you can make it a quick match between errands or turn it into a proper evening plan, and the setting feels unmistakably Johannesburg.
4. Indoor Padel Revolution, Laser Park, Honeydew
Johannesburg weather loves drama, especially when you have plans. Indoor Padel Revolution is a dedicated indoor arena in Laser Park, positioned as a year-round solution when storms roll in or winter mornings bite.
The venue lists its location in Laser Park, Honeydew, and focuses on indoor play designed for all levels.
Why locals like it: it removes weather from the equation, which makes it easier to commit to leagues, regular games, and consistent training.
5. RBCLUB Melrose Arch
RBCLUB’s Melrose Arch venue is built for high-energy padel days. It is a premium setup with eight outdoor courts, plus lifestyle extras that matter when you are making padel your regular thing: coaching, events, and spaces designed for hanging around after the match.
The venue also highlights its on-site SHOTT Restaurant and Bar, which is exactly where many “quick games” quietly become long lunches.
Why locals like it: it works for both competitive and social players, and it suits groups planning birthdays, corporate sessions, or weekend tournaments.
6. ProPadel Craighall, Craighall Park
Craighall’s padel community has been growing steadily, and ProPadel sits right in the mix. The club is listed at 33 Abercorn Avenue, Craighall Park, and is bookable through Playtomic, which makes it easy to grab a slot once you know your routine.
Why locals like it: it is a strong option for people who want a dependable local club feel, with booking convenience and an easy location for central suburbs.
7. Padel Lab Rivonia, Paulshof
Padel Lab is not just a place to play; it is also a padel brand with multiple clubs and services across South Africa. Their Rivonia club is listed at 47 Achter Road, Paulshof, and their club page encourages booking via Playtomic.
It is the kind of venue that suits players who like their padel with a proper community network around it, especially if you want to stay plugged into club updates and regular play.
Why locals like it: it has that “padel home base” feeling, and it is part of a wider padel ecosystem.
8. Qurtuba Padel, Linbro Park
Qurtuba Padel offers a more resort-style atmosphere while still being firmly in Joburg. The club lists its address in Linbro Park and promotes Playtomic bookings, plus it positions itself as a space where sport and social time go together, with a lounge-style setup and an on-site café offering.
Why locals like it: it is a calmer setting that still feels polished and organised, which makes it great for newer players easing into the sport and regulars who enjoy a slower post-match wind-down.
A quick booking tip that will save you stress
If you are aiming for peak time play, especially evenings and weekends, book early on Playtomic. Many of these venues actively funnel bookings through the app, and the most popular time slots disappear quickly once people settle into weekly routines.
Also, do not overlook daytime play. If you can squeeze in an off-peak match, you will often find far better availability and a more relaxed pace on site.
Also read: 10 of the best tennis and padel clubs in Johannesburg right now
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Featured Image: Time Out
