Guidebook for Pretoria
Sightseeing
The Union Buildings form the official seat of the South African government and also house the offices of the president of South Africa.
54 locals recommend
Union Buildings
The Union Buildings form the official seat of the South African government and also house the offices of the president of South Africa.
The Air Force Museum depicts the history of the South African Air Force. It houses a collection of old aircraft, uniforms, missiles, aeronautical displays and paintings; Flying days are held periodically.
This museum is the only one of its kind in South Africa; It portrays the development of the penal system and displays the hobbies of prisoners – and illegal items manufactured by them.
6 locals recommend
Waterkloof Air Force Base Entrance
The Air Force Museum depicts the history of the South African Air Force. It houses a collection of old aircraft, uniforms, missiles, aeronautical displays and paintings; Flying days are held periodically.
This museum is the only one of its kind in South Africa; It portrays the development of the penal system and displays the hobbies of prisoners – and illegal items manufactured by them.
Arts & Culture
The Voortrekker Monument is located just south of Pretoria in South Africa. This massive granite structure is prominently located on a hilltop, and was raised to commemorate the Voortrekkers who left the Cape Colony between 1835 and 1854.
195 locals recommend
Voortrekker Monument
Eeufees RoadThe Voortrekker Monument is located just south of Pretoria in South Africa. This massive granite structure is prominently located on a hilltop, and was raised to commemorate the Voortrekkers who left the Cape Colony between 1835 and 1854.
Named after the famous Melrose Abbey in Scotland, Melrose House was built in 1886 by prosperous Pretoria businessman George Jesse Heys. Today, the mansion stands as a superb example of the transition between the Victorian and Edwardian architectural styles. The Peace Treaty of Vereeniging, which ended the Second Anglo-Boer War, was signed in the dining room of Melrose House on 31 May 1902. The table on which the treaty was signed can still seen in the museum today, and an example of the peace treaty is also on display.
19 locals recommend
Melrose House Museum
275 Jeff Masemola StNamed after the famous Melrose Abbey in Scotland, Melrose House was built in 1886 by prosperous Pretoria businessman George Jesse Heys. Today, the mansion stands as a superb example of the transition between the Victorian and Edwardian architectural styles. The Peace Treaty of Vereeniging, which ended the Second Anglo-Boer War, was signed in the dining room of Melrose House on 31 May 1902. The table on which the treaty was signed can still seen in the museum today, and an example of the peace treaty is also on display.
This is the Ditsong National Museum of Cultural History centre for cultural exhibitions. An appreciation of culture and traditions through community involvement, educational activities and public programmes, including song, dance and much more, is promoted. The museum boasts a coffee shop, a traditional craft shop, conference facilities, guided tours and archaeology programmes. Reservations for traditional meals are recommended.
9 locals recommend
The National Cultural History Museum
This is the Ditsong National Museum of Cultural History centre for cultural exhibitions. An appreciation of culture and traditions through community involvement, educational activities and public programmes, including song, dance and much more, is promoted. The museum boasts a coffee shop, a traditional craft shop, conference facilities, guided tours and archaeology programmes. Reservations for traditional meals are recommended.
It is a space where South Africans and visitors to the country can reflect on the past, and is an inspiration for the future. It is regarded as one of the most ambitious heritage projects the government has invested in; an attempt to encapsulate the heart and soul of South Africa in a physical space.
The park is established on the cornerstones of human dignity, rights and freedom and reflects the sacrificial achievements of the nation. It serves, according to Dr Wally Serote, “as a permanent reminder for us, now and for future generations, that South Africans did take a step forward to put closure to the past while not forgetting it.”
34 locals recommend
Freedom Park
7th AvenueIt is a space where South Africans and visitors to the country can reflect on the past, and is an inspiration for the future. It is regarded as one of the most ambitious heritage projects the government has invested in; an attempt to encapsulate the heart and soul of South Africa in a physical space.
The park is established on the cornerstones of human dignity, rights and freedom and reflects the sacrificial achievements of the nation. It serves, according to Dr Wally Serote, “as a permanent reminder for us, now and for future generations, that South Africans did take a step forward to put closure to the past while not forgetting it.”
Shopping
Maxi's - Jakaranda Centre
Parks & Nature
The National Zoological Gardens of South Africa is an 85-hectare zoo located in Pretoria, South Africa. It is the national zoo of South Africa, and was founded by J. W. B. Gunning in 1899.
53 locals recommend
National Zoological Gardens of South Africa
232 Boom StThe National Zoological Gardens of South Africa is an 85-hectare zoo located in Pretoria, South Africa. It is the national zoo of South Africa, and was founded by J. W. B. Gunning in 1899.
Groenkloof Nature Reserve is located near the famous Fountains Valley. This valley on the southern outskirts of Pretoria was proclaimed a game sanctuary by President Paul Kruger on 25 February 1895, the first in Africa. Its main purpose was to protect the shy and timid oribi, which occurred there, and other game that were being wiped out by hunters.
72 locals recommend
Groenkloof Nature Reserve
Christina De Wit AvenueGroenkloof Nature Reserve is located near the famous Fountains Valley. This valley on the southern outskirts of Pretoria was proclaimed a game sanctuary by President Paul Kruger on 25 February 1895, the first in Africa. Its main purpose was to protect the shy and timid oribi, which occurred there, and other game that were being wiped out by hunters.
The Pretoria National Botanical Garden is one of South Africa's nine National Botanical Gardens. The garden is wedged between Pretoria Road and Cussonia Avenue in Brummeria, in eastern Pretoria, Gauteng, and flanks a central rocky ridge that runs from east to west. The 76 hectares (0.76 km2) garden was established in 1946, and of late hosts the headquarters of the South African National Biodiversity Institute.
Fountains Valley Resort
Christian de Witt AveThe Pretoria National Botanical Garden is one of South Africa's nine National Botanical Gardens. The garden is wedged between Pretoria Road and Cussonia Avenue in Brummeria, in eastern Pretoria, Gauteng, and flanks a central rocky ridge that runs from east to west. The 76 hectares (0.76 km2) garden was established in 1946, and of late hosts the headquarters of the South African National Biodiversity Institute.
Everything Else
Rugby flows through the veins of many Pretorians across all divides. A popular slogan and newspaper headline for the city is “Our blood is blue” and this is commonly used to describe the fans of the Pretoria based South African Rugby Union team: the Blue Bulls. Rugby mania is especially evident on match days, when the Jacaranda City turns blue. People wear their Bulls jerseys to work, blue flags are hoisted wherever possible and souvenirs and bulls products are sold on the street corners of the City of Tshwane.
38 locals recommend
Loftus Versfeld Stadium
416 Kirkness StRugby flows through the veins of many Pretorians across all divides. A popular slogan and newspaper headline for the city is “Our blood is blue” and this is commonly used to describe the fans of the Pretoria based South African Rugby Union team: the Blue Bulls. Rugby mania is especially evident on match days, when the Jacaranda City turns blue. People wear their Bulls jerseys to work, blue flags are hoisted wherever possible and souvenirs and bulls products are sold on the street corners of the City of Tshwane.