EXPLORE Pretoria

Located 50km outside of Johannesburg on the foothills of the Magaliesberg is the city of Pretoria, South Africa’s administrative capital. It has a profoundly fascinating history and a nature unlike any other. A place with magnificent architecture, many exciting places to visit, and an abundance of accommodation, Pretoria will not disappoint.  

Lined by the famous lilac Jacaranda Trees, the city of Pretoria is something of a fairytale compared to its neighbouring city. Pretoria has become a sedated city which is quite fitting considering its historical nature. Dwelling in the old and the new, you will feel a sense of nostalgia and modernity, characteristic of what makes South Africa and Pretoria in particular, unique.

When visiting Pretoria, there are some mandatory places and landmarks to visit including museums, galleries and heritage sites. The Union Building, Mahlamba Ndlopfu, the South African Reserve Bank and the South African State Theatre are but a few impressively antique builidngs. The Transvaal Museum where Mrs Ples, the australopithecine fossils that were found at Sterkfontein, can be viewed in Preotira along with the Cradle of Humankind, the Pretoria Botanical Gardens, the Pioneer Museum, Sammy Marks museum the Cultural History Museum and the Voortrekker Monument – a National Heritage site, are a must whilst here.

The Freedom Park on Salvokop, which is a monument to democracy, and the Kruger House are also interesting historical attractions to pay a visit to.

There are a number of outdoor attractions and activities for those who want to find a little more adventure such as the National Zoological Gardens, Pretoria National Botanical Garden, and nature reserves such as Groenkloof, Rietvlei, Moreleta Spruit, Faerie Glend, Wonderboom Nature Reserve and the Austin Roberts Bird Sanctuary. Pretoria being home to a top rugby team and South Africa being a big Rugby nation, watching a game at Loftes Versveld Stadium or at Ellis Park stadium should be on your to-do list; experiencing the South African culture from a whole different perspective –sport.

If history and the outdoors is not something that is of interest to you, the various suburbs of Pretoria such as Centurion, Hatfield, Maenlyk Parkm Woodlands, Wonderpark and Wonderboom Junction to name a few, are known as shopping destinations with malls, cinemas and restaurants of plenty.