Although Johannesburg is the economic dynamo of South Africa, Pretoria / Tshwane remains the administrative capital. It is 48 km (30 miles) south of the metropolis. Officially, only the city centre is still called Pretoria. The city in its entirety has been renamed Tshwane, which means “We are the same”; a tribute to the end of the apartheid system. This is a graceful city, with many historic buildings and lovely parks and gardens. It is also one of the country’s leading centres of academia.

Explore Pretoria On Foot

Old Pretoria is quite compact. It grew around tiny Church Square during the formative colonial era of South Africa. The square is surrounded by impressive buildings whose construction was funded by the gold strike of 1886. Here you can see the statue of the Afrikaner hero Paul Kruger. You can visit the Raadsaal, built in 1890, which was once the parliament building of the Boer Republic. Directly opposite is the old Palace of Justice, which was once used by the British as a military hospital. Also of interest to lovers of history and architecture are the original South African Reserve Bank, Cuthbert’s Corner, and the neoclassical Standard Bank. Be sure to see Kruger House, once the home of the national hero.

Diamonds Are Everybody’s Best Friend

South Africa is one of the world’s greatest producers of diamonds. Many a treasured family heirloom came from here, including the world’s largest diamond, the 3,106 carat Cullinan diamond. This magnificent gem was discovered in the Cullinan Mine here in 1905, and is now part of the British Crown Jewels. Visitors can now go underground and tour the Cullinan Mine. Those who can afford it can buy custom made sparklers from a resident jeweller. That’s a valuable souvenir you’ll appreciate all the more, having learned about the awful conditions under which the old time miners worked.

Houses, Museums, and Gardens

The African Window is part of the city’s National Cultural History Museum. It is a venue for the traditional songs, dances, and crafts of South Africa. Here you can see Bushman (also called San) art, as well as archaeological exhibits. Melrose House, built in 1886, is one of the most beautifully preserved Victorian mansions in South Africa. It was here that the Treaty of Vereeniging was signed in 1902, ending the Boer War. The National Zoological Gardens covers nearly 200 acres and houses 9,000 animals from every continent. Wildlife lovers will also want to visit the De Wildt Cheetah and Wildlife Centre a few miles outside the city. This internationally renowned centre breeds cheetahs, hyenas, African wild dogs, and other endangered species for release into the wild. The Transvaal Museum is a natural history museum with a great collection of stuffed animals and some fascinating archaeological and geological exhibits. Go to the Voortrekker Monument and Museum to learn the story of the Afrikaner pioneers who made the Great Trek from the Cape to the interior in the 1830s to escape British domination. Visitors to Pretoria / Tshwane will find that history, nature, and a lot more are just outside the hotel door.

Author Bio: Rachel Hill is a Southern Africa Travel specialist, a company specialising in luxury, tailor-made South Africa holidays, as well as holidays to other destinations in Southern Africa. Our experienced consultants will help you design your very own luxury holiday, and will be happy to provide you with a free quote.

Category: Travel
Keywords: South Africa