Ferndale sits in the heart of Randburg, one of Johannesburg's northern suburbs, and has developed into a well-connected area with a mix of residential properties, office parks, and retail facilities. The suburb lies close to the N1 highway, providing easy routes to Sandton, Midrand, and Pretoria. William Nicol Drive and Malibongwe Drive are major arterial roads that run through or near the area, making travel across the northern parts of Gauteng straightforward.
The suburb is predominantly known for its business parks and light industrial areas, though residential pockets offer a range of accommodation options. Nearby Cresta Shopping Centre and Northgate Shopping Centre provide extensive retail and entertainment facilities within a short drive. The Johannesburg Botanical Gardens in Emmarentia and Delta Park are both accessible within 15 minutes, offering green spaces for walking, picnicking, and outdoor activities.
Ferndale accommodation suits business travellers and visitors who need proximity to corporate offices in Randburg and Fourways. The area's location means that attractions like the Cradle of Humankind, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, are reachable in under an hour. Montecasino, a popular entertainment complex with theatres, restaurants, and a casino, lies approximately 10 kilometres away.
The suburb experiences Gauteng's typical highveld climate, with warm, wet summers and cool, dry winters. Afternoon thunderstorms are common from November to March. While Ferndale itself is primarily a functional suburb rather than a tourist destination, its strategic position makes it useful for those conducting business in the northern suburbs or exploring the wider Johannesburg metropolitan area.
Public transport options include minibus taxis along main routes, though most visitors find a vehicle necessary for convenient movement around the area. The suburb's proximity to major highways means OR Tambo International Airport is accessible in about 40 minutes during off-peak traffic, depending on the specific location within Ferndale and prevailing road conditions.