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 houses 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. The
spacious gardens are a popular venue for picnics and wedding photos
and visitors are welcome every day.
However, the buildings themselves are never open to the public.
There are various monuments to see in the gardens, including the
South African Police Memorial and a monument to General Louis
Botha, the first prime minister of the Union of South Africa.
Union Buildings
Hühnerauge
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. Golf carts and children's pushcarts
are available for rent and there is even a Zoo Choo-Choo Tractor
Train for the kids to enjoy. The cable car, which runs up a hill
and offers great views over the city, is one of the highlights.
Visitors will also find a restaurant, a cafeteria with a wide
variety of take-away options, a few snack kiosks, and numerous
pretty picnic sites where they can relax in the shade. Some picnic
sites even have barbeque facilities.
There are a variety of tour options at the zoo and those who
want to take something away with them can try the curio shop for
souvenirs.
Address:
232 Boom St
Lion
Tambako the Jaguar
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. Enthusiastic sports fans may
want to add the stadium to their sightseeing itinerary, and rugby
supporters travelling to Pretoria should try and take in a game at
this famous South African venue. Those who are indifferent to rugby
and sport in general may want to check for other events showing at
this superb venue during their stay.
Loftus Versfeld
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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. Adjacent to Kruger House is the
former Bantu Commissioner's Office. Erected in 1932, it was also
used as the Native Pass Office. 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. Present too are many gifts that were presented
to Kruger, such as the lion statues on the veranda, as well as
other memorabilia. The museum mainly aims to recreate the living
conditions of the time, but also gives some insight into the life
of this South African character.
Although the museum may not be entertaining for all tourists,
those interested in the historical period should find it
worthwhile.
Address:
60 Church Street
Coach at Kruger House Museum
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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 like 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. A great place for a relaxing walk or picnic, the gardens
also feature Mokha Restaurant, which overlooks a small wetland. No
pets are allowed in the garden, except guide dogs. Picnics are
encouraged, though no fires or braais (barbeques) are permitted
anywhere in the grounds. Neither bicycles nor skateboards are
allowed.
Address:
2 Cussonia Avenue, Brummeria
Arum Lilly
Lollie-Pop
Pretoria enjoys a very favourable climate, with dry and sunny
weather most of the year. The city has a dry subtropical climate,
with long, hot, and rainy summers and short, cool, and dry winters.
Pretoria is situated in a valley, which ensures that the weather is
generally hotter than one might expect considering the high
altitude.
In summer, between November and February, the average
temperatures in Pretoria range between 64°F (18°C) and 84°F (29°C),
and in winter, between June and August, the average temperatures
range between 41°F (5°C) and 66°F (19°C).
Like Johannesburg, between the months of October and April,
Pretoria experiences frequent heavy afternoon thunderstorms with
downpours of rain that disappear as quickly as they arrive. These
storms come as a relief from the heat and are generally not much of
a hindrance to travel.
Winter days are only slightly cooler than the pleasant summer
average temperatures, but it can become frosty on winter nights.
There is virtually no rain during the winter months and snow is
extremely rare. The best time to visit Pretoria is in the shoulder
months of spring and autumn, but the hot, rainy summer is also
pleasant.
Pretoria is a bustling city with limited safe and convenient
public transport, to the detriment of its visitors. City transport
consists of an unreliable bus network and a series of minibus taxi
routes, neither of which operate much after dark.
The quickest and cheapest way to get around is on a minibus
taxi, an informal bus service that goes everywhere but has no
schedule or formal stops and can be picked up at taxi ranks or
hailed anywhere along its route.
Dangerous driving, overcrowding and high crime rates at taxi
ranks have deterred many from using them as a means of transport.
If necessary, visitors should use them for short hops only and
never with baggage.
Safer but far more expensive are metered taxis or Uber services,
which need to be booked in advance. The best way to get around is
by private car and there is an excellent network of highways and
well-maintained roads.
There are a number of car rental agencies, most require drivers
to be over 23 years old and hold a full driving license. A passport
and credit card are also necessary. However, some may have
additional stipulations applied to younger drivers.
Drivers should keep their windows up and doors locked at all
times, never leave anything visible in a parked car, and never stop
for hitchhikers. They should be aware that there is a risk of car
hijacking and remain alert, especially when leaving or returning to
the car, and seek out secure parking.
The high-speed rail link called the Gautrain connects Pretoria,
Johannesburg, and OR Tambo International Airport, and provides the
perfect means of transport between the two cities.
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 landmarks 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.
Travellers should look out for Friends of the Rail, a heritage
company that runs steam train trips from Pretoria to Cullinan and
back.