Things to do in Pretoria
The best sightseeing opportunities in Pretoria involve its historical attractions. As the South African seat of government and the administrative capital of the country, the city has some famous landmarks.
These include the Union Buildings, where visitors can picnic in the lovely grounds and admire numerous monuments and memorials, the imposing Voortrekker Monument, which has been the topic of some controversy in South Africa, Melrose House, a restored Victorian mansion, and Kruger House, which serious history buffs will enjoy.
For those travelling with children, Pretoria is a surprisingly fun city full of family activities. The zoo is a must, and a picnic in the Pretoria National Botanical Garden is a fun excursion. Parents could also start by taking the older kids paintballing. This is a high adrenaline game that involves a fair degree of pain when shot and is not suitable for kids younger than 12.
Another option outside of the city is quad biking, which involves visitors renting mini quad bikes for riding around a large dirt track. It's a fun experience, closely supervised, but is also not suitable for kids under 10. A better bet for younger kids is skating at the Grove Ice Rink.
Of course, the many attractions of Johannesburg are very close by. Another fun excursion from Pretoria is a trip to Cullinan.
Union Buildings
Designed by renowned South African architect, Sir Herbert Baker, the Union Buildings are located on Meintjieskop hill: a sentinel overlooking the city of Pretoria. They are the off…
Union Buildings
Designed by renowned South African architect, Sir Herbert Baker, the Union Buildings are located on Meintjieskop hill: a sentinel overlooking the city of Pretoria. They are the official seat of the country's government and house the offices of the South African President and other government officials. The Union Buildings are a South African Monument and have seen such icons as former South African president, Nelson Mandela, inaugurated. The main semi-circular building is considered an architectural masterpiece and is an easily recognisable South African landmark. It is worth seeing and photographing for tourists in the area. With spectacular terraced gardens full of indigenous flora, the Union Buildings are not only historically important, but also rather beautiful.
National Zoological Gardens of South Africa
Commonly known as the Pretoria Zoo, the National Zoological Gardens of South Africa is often described as one of the leading zoos in the world. It is the largest zoo in South Afric…
National Zoological Gardens of South Africa
Commonly known as the Pretoria Zoo, the National Zoological Gardens of South Africa is often described as one of the leading zoos in the world. It is the largest zoo in South Africa and the only one with national status. Tickets include a visit to the zoo, an aquarium, and a reptile park. The Pretoria Zoo cares for more than 200 mammal species, more than 200 bird species, around 190 fish species, and more than 90 reptile species. The zoo is known for its large enclosures and animals, which include cheetahs, chimps, lemurs, leopards, rhinos, hippos, elephants, red pandas, koala bears, lions, and tigers. Among other things, the Zoo's Animal and Conservation Department provides high quality and modern facilities for the animal population, and protects their freedoms.
Website www.nzg.ac.za
Loftus Versfeld Stadium
A shrine for many of Pretoria's rugby fanatics, the Loftus Versfeld Stadium seats over 50,000 people and was one of the stadiums that hosted matches in the 2010 FIFA World Cup. The…
Loftus Versfeld Stadium
A shrine for many of Pretoria's rugby fanatics, the Loftus Versfeld Stadium seats over 50,000 people and was one of the stadiums that hosted matches in the 2010 FIFA World Cup. The land on which the stadium was built was first used for sporting events in 1903 and is named after Robert Owen Loftus Versfeld, who is attributed with establishing organised sport in Pretoria. Loftus Versfeld stadium is home to the Blue Bulls: the local rugby team. Passionately supported by Pretorians, the team has been very successful locally and internationally. The stadium has hosted numerous big sporting events, such as the 1995 Rugby World Cup and the 1996 CAF Africa Cup of Nations.
Kruger House Museum
The former residence of Boer leader and President of the Republic of South Africa, Paul Kruger, is now the Kruger House Museum. Built in 1884, the house was the last one in which P…
Kruger House Museum
The former residence of Boer leader and President of the Republic of South Africa, Paul Kruger, is now the Kruger House Museum. Built in 1884, the house was the last one in which President Kruger would live before leaving South Africa to go into exile in Europe. Exhibitions in the museum detail Kruger's leading role in the South African War, formerly known as the Anglo-Boer War, against Britain. It also provides information regarding his presidency at a formative and tumultuous period in South African history, and his exile to Europe. Kruger's government used the same site as police headquarters. The house contains some original furnishings from Kruger's residency and some other items from that historical period.
Pretoria National Botanical Garden
Featuring indigenous plants and flowers from all over South Africa, the Pretoria National Botanical Garden bridges the gap between scientific research and recreational garden pleas…
Pretoria National Botanical Garden
Featuring indigenous plants and flowers from all over South Africa, the Pretoria National Botanical Garden bridges the gap between scientific research and recreational garden pleasures. The garden is home to over 198 bird species, a few reptiles and even small mammals such as the adorable duiker. A high quartzite outcrop divides the grounds into two sections: a colder, south-facing section, and a warmer, north-facing section, presenting slightly different natural moods. A paved nature trail provides access to the ridge, which boasts a wonderful diversity of indigenous flora and fauna. More than half of the total area is dedicated to landscaped garden, using almost exclusively South African vegetation, including 50 percent of the country's tree species. The garden includes several distinct biomes, with savanna and forest sections.
Website www.sanbi.org/gardens/pretoria