Pretoria Attractions

The Grahamstown History and Natural Science Museums displays fossils, settler artifacts and Xhosa dress and hut.

Pretoria National Botanical Garden

The magnificent Pretoria National Botanical Garden is located on a 35m high quartzite outcrop (Silverton Ridge) to the east of Pretoria lies the Botanical Garden.

This outcrop divides the Garden into two sections. Its frosty south-facing section and the north-facing, warmer section present two different worlds to the visitor and botanist. There are paved walkways and nature trails to view the natural vegetation with its diversity of indigenous fauna and flora and an artificial waterfall in the forest adjoining the tea garden.

The Desmond Cole Lithops Collection (succulents known as ‘flowering stones’) and the Hardy Collection of plants from Namaqualand, Madagascar and Namibia are on display.

Cullinan, Witbank, Middelburg and Boitshabelo
 
Cullinan: 

The South African town of Cullinan was developed around the Premier Diamond Mine and has beautiful terraced Victorian cottages. The famous Cullinan Diamond, 3,106-carat is the largest rough gem ever found was recovered from this mine. It was presented to King Edward VII and forms part of the British Crown Jewels.

There are a number of tours available to enter the mine shaft, hoist room and big hole. 10km north of the town is the Pretorius Agricultural Museum which is on an old farmstead dating back to 1880. View the historic house, outbuildings, stables and there are exhibits of old agricultural implements.

Witbank: 

The name Witbank (White Ridge) is named after the white sandstone outcrop where wagon transport drivers rested. It is mainly a coal mining town and the first shaft was sunk in 1896. Of historic interest, Winston Churchill hid in the mine shaft at the Transvaal and Delagoa Bay Mine after his escape from Pretoria.
 
Middelburg:

The town of Middleburg in South Africa lies in an area rich in coal deposits. Its original name in 1866 was Nazareth but renamed Middelburg in 1874. Places of interest are the White Church, built in 1890 for the Dutch Reformed Church, the concentration camp cemeteries south of the town and on Kanonkop, and the sandstone Meyer Bridge built in 1895 over the Little Olifants River.

Botshabelo: 

In 1865 this town was established as a mission station, it is a Sotho name meaning ‘place of refuge’. It is 8km from Middelburg. The main attraction is the South Ndebele open-air museum with displays of Ndebele history and culture. A living museum depicts the development of Ndebele architecture from the early dome-shaped grass homesteads to mud-walled homes with their famous mural decorations. Guided tours are available. A nature reserve surrounds the mission and can be explored along day walks.
 

Tswaing Crater and Bela-Bela Warmbaths
 
Tswaing Crater: 

The famous Tswaing Crater in South Africa is the best-preserved meteorite impact crater in the world which was formed 220,000 years ago. The diameter is just over 1km and it has a depth of about 120m.

A brine lake lies in the centre of the crater. The Tswana name means ‘place of salt’. A guided tour is offered but displays on the natural and cultural history is on site. Visit the Tswaing Crater Museum and view the living village of the Ndebele culture.

Bela-Bela / Warmbaths: 

Bela-Bela / Warmbaths is world renowned as a holiday and health destination. Its original name was Hartingsburg but in 1920 it was renamed Warmbad (warm bath) after a hot spring surfaced and once again renamed to Bela-Bela which means ‘boiling boiling’ in North Sotho.

The hot mineral springs bubble out of the earth at about 22,000 litres per hour and the temperature is 53oC and is rich in sodium chloride, calcium carbonate and other mineral salts that have healing properties. The spring resort, has a hydro spa, outdoor pool complex, water slides, wave pool and river ride. Cable water-skiing is one of many leisure and recreational activities on offer.  

Union Buildings in Pretoria, South Africa:

A Pretoria landmark, the Sir Herbert Baker designed Union Building complex is the official seat of South Africa's government, housing the Presidency and Department of Foreign Affairs. Set on its very own acropolis of Meintjieskop – the highest point of the city – and surrounded by a lovely terraced garden that is open to the public.

The Union Buildings in Pretoria are the seat of the South African government. The building is 275m long and was designed by Sir H. Baker. It is the official residence of the presidency and parliament is held here during the winter months, during the summer months it is held in Cape Town. The view over the city is magnificent.

Location:

Church Street, Arcadia, Pretoria, South Africa

An architectural icon that commemorates the early pioneering days of South Africa and the history of the Afrikaner people. Designed by architect Gerard Moerdijk, the massive monument stands as an architectural translation of the Great Trek and the lives of the Voortrekkers. The site contains a number of significant attractions, including a wall of remembrance, a Heritage Centre and Fort Schanskop.

Location:

Eeufees Road, Groenkloof, Pretoria

Telephone number:

012 326 6770

Situated in the home and studio of the late sculptor Anton van Wouw. Bronze maquettes and casts are on display as well as a collection of documents, photographs and paintings.

Location:

Clark Street, Waterkloof, Pretoria

Telephone number:

012 460 7422

Situated in Hatfield Plaza, with over 200 stalls peddling a range of merchandise from traditional African art and craft to local clothing brands and décor items. An Art and Craft Fair is held on the last Sunday of every month.

Location:

Hatfield Plaza, Burnett Street, Hatfield, Pretoria

A buzzing open square lined with pubs, bars, clubs and restaurants. This is where the student crowd congregates on evenings and weekends.

Location:

Corner Burnett and Hilda Streets, Hatfield, Pretoria

Telephone number:

012 362 5617

A satellite gallery of the Pretoria Art Museum that hosts regular commercial exhibitions of South African art, particularly emerging talent from the greater Tshwane area.

Location:

Corner Cantonments Road and Unie Avenue, Lyttelton Manor, Centurion, Pretoria

Telephone number:

012 358 3477

Over 200 retailers grace this expansive shopping destination on the edge of Centurion Lake. Apart from the shops and restaurants, the mall hosts regular events and entertainment activities throughout the year. Visit in the evening for the musical fountain illuminated with coloured lights.

Location:

Heuwel Avenue, Centurion, Pretoria

Telephone number:

012 663 1702
 

Strike your own proof coin here on "Oom Paul" - one of the oldest mint presses in the world. With such an extensive collection of South African coins and all things related to the history of South Africa's minting industry, you'll find it hard not to trade your coins (and more) for a Kruger rand or two.

Location:

Old Johannesburg Road, gateway, Centurion, Pretoria

Telephone number:

012 677 2777

A short drive east of Kameeldrift will bring you to this 'living museum', a historic mining village where the world's largest diamond was unearthed in 1905. Take a tour of the mine and explore the streets of this Victorian village to see several restored buildings.

Location:

The Cullinan Arts, Crafts and Lifestyle Meander is also worth following. R513, east of Pretoria.

http://www.cullinandiamonds.co.za/

Set on 52 hectares overlooking Tshwane, Freedom Park is an interactive and visual exploration not just of humanity and freedom, but also of South Africa's heritage, heroes and its historic path towards truth and reconciliation. Imaginatively designed architectural elements wrap Salvokop, with a memorial, S'khumbuto, perched on the apex of the hill.

Location:

Entrance off Potgieter Street, across Pretoria Central Prison, Salvokop

Telephone number:

012 336 4000

Just west of Waterkloof lies this 500ha nature reserve, the first proclaimed game sanctuary on the African continent. It is a popular hiking, mountain biking and 4x4 destination.

Location:

Fountains Road, Groenkloof, Pretoria

Telephone number:

012 440 8316

As many as 1,149 names can be seen on the slate memorial stones that were hand carved by women living in this concentration camp during the second Anglo Boer War.

Location:

Corner Stopford Road and Schormann Street, Irene, Centurion, Pretoria

Held on the second and last Saturday of each month in the grounds of Smuts House Museum. A strict bi-annual selection process has ensured that the arts, crafts and food are unique and of excellent quality. Browse the stalls, walk the three-kilometre Smuts' Trail that meanders through bird-rich grassland and return to the market for refreshments in the tea garden.

Location:

Jan Smuts Avenue, off Nellmapius Avenue, Irene, Centurion, Pretoria

A village-style mall wrapped around a crescent-shaped boulevard with water features, unique outside artworks and al fresco restaurant areas. A lovely organic fair is held here on the third Sunday of every month.

Location:

Corner Nellmapius Avenue and Van Ryneveld Drive, Irene, Centurion, Pretoria

Telephone number:

012 662 4446

A well-maintained road network makes game viewing a pleasure at this small nature reserve of endangered Bankenveld grassland. The dam near the entrance is popular for yachting and fishing. Facilities include bird hides, braai facilities and organised night drives.

Location:

Entrance on Game Reserve Avenue, Doornkloof Farm Portions, Centurion, Pretoria

Telephone number:

012 358 1810

General Jan Smuts lived at this address for over 40 years. The restored home is a museum of the life and times of General Smuts, including artefacts like an elephant tusk dinner gong from 1917. Ouma's Tea Garden serves meals throughout the day.

Location:

Jan Smuts Avenue, off Nellmapius Avenue, Irene, Centurion, Pretoria

Telephone number:

012 667 1176

Named after a 1,000 year old wild fig tree (Ficus Salicifolia) that grows in the heart of the reserve. This magnificent tree was believed by local tribes to be sacred and when it was discovered by the Voortrekkers in 1836, it was named Wonderboom. The reserve lies just north of the city centre and is the site of Wonderboom Fort and two important archaeological sites.

Location:

Entrance off Lavender Road, Pretoria

Telephone number:

012 341 0591

Pretoria's only international convention centre, with state-of-the-art facilities, including auditoriums with soundproof interpreting and press booths and video-conferencing infrastructure.

Location:

Meiring Naude Road, Brummeria, Pretoria

Telephone number:

012 841 3809
 

A number of excellent art galleries can be found in the area. FRIED Contemporary holds regular exhibitions of South African artists. Phone 012-346-0158. http://www.friedcontemporary.com. For well-known contemporary masters a visit to T.H.E. Art Gallery is worthwhile.

Telephone number:

012 346 3600

An intimate, stylish theatre that stages a range of shows from classical concerts to plays. Situated in Greenlyn Village, which boasts a number of excellent restaurants for pre- or post-show meals.

Location:

Greenlyn Village Centre, corner Thomas Edison and 13th Streets, Menlo Park

Telephone number:

012 460 6033

A 128 hectare nature reserve on the Moreleta Spruit. Faerie Glen is popular for its rich birdlife, particularly grassland species. Three hiking trails of varying distances meander through the grassland and bushveld offering excellent opportunities for bird watching, particularly on summer mornings and late afternoons.

Location:

Entrance off General Louis Botha Drive

A revamped version of the 1979 Menlyn Park Shopping Centre. Over 300 stores and 37 restaurants to choose from, as well as numerous activities and entertainment such as a drive-in cinema, theatre, bungee trampoline and water walking balls. The kids will love it.

Location:

Corner Atterbury Road and Lois Avenue, Menlo Park

Named after an acclaimed South African ornithologist, this bird sanctuary is home to prolific birdlife, including a number of migratory species and water birds. Two streams feed several perennial dams and a hide offers excellent viewing of wetland species.

Location:

Boshoff Street, New Muckleneuk

Telephone number:

012 440 8316

Learn about the history of South Africa's penal system and Department of Correctional Services. Exhibitions include a fascinating array of confiscated objects such as hand-made keys and marijuana pipes confiscated from prisoners.

Location:

Central Prison, Potgieter Street, Pretoria Central

Telephone number:

012 314 1766

A quaint shopping enclave resembling a medieval castle with turrets and cobblestones. Narrow alleyways and spiral staircases link an exclusive selection of shops, from clothing and jewellery boutiques to an antique den and art gallery. Snack on a delicacy from the deli or sit down for a meal at Papa's Real Food.

Location:

1204 Prospect Street, Hatfield, Pretoria

A military museum set in an old fort – one of four erected in an effort to defend the district at the turn of the century. The South African Defence Force Memorial can be found here.

Location:

Johan Rissik Drive, Waterkloof Ridge, Pretoria

Telephone number:

012 346 7703

An extensive mineral collection (one of the largest in the world) includes meteorites, a piece of moon-rock and gemstones. An educational and informative hands-on introduction to geoscience.

Location:

National Museum of Natural History building, 432 Paul Kruger Street, opposite the City Hall

Telephone number:

012 322 7122

This nineteenth century Victorian home was the last residence of President Paul Kruger before he fled Pretoria and the advancing British forces in 1901. The interior has been restored to reflect what the Kruger household would have looked like when he lived there.

Location:

60 Church Street West, Pretoria Central

Telephone number:012 326 9172

One of Pretoria's favourite landmarks, the recently upgraded stadium played host to several World Cup matches. With a seating capacity of 49,000, this stadium is home to the Sundowns Football Club and Pretoria's adored Blue Bulls (rugby).

Location:

Kirkness Street, Sunnyside, Pretoria

Telephone number:

012 420 0700
 

Several markets are held in this beautiful park located just south of Sunnyside in the suburb of Brooklyn. It is particularly photographic when the Magnolia trees are in full bloom. There is a restaurant in the park that serves light meals and teas.

Location:

Entrance off Queen Wilhelmina Drive, Brooklyn, Pretoria

Built in 1886 by stagecoach owner George Heys, Melrose House ended up serving as British headquarters during the Anglo-Boer War (1899-1902), and was the place where the Treaty of Vereeniging was signed, marking the end of the war.

Today it houses a collection of art, antique furniture and porcelain as well as original fittings such as beautiful stained glass windows and fireplaces. The House overlooks the landscaped Victorian-style gardens of Burger's Park.

Location:

275 Jacob Maré Street, Pretoria Central

Telephone number:

012 322 2805

A stunning indigenous haven of flora and fauna located in the suburb of Brummeria. This 76 ha property is bisected by a 35m high quartzite outcrop, separating the cooler south-facing section from the warm north-facing side. Facilities include a shop and restaurant overlooking the gardens with varied bird, mammal and plant life.

Location:

2 Cussonia Avenue, Brummeria

Telephone number:

012 843 5172

A plethora of permanent and temporary exhibitions explores and celebrates South African culture and history. Popular features include an impressive display of San rock paintings and engravings, a collection of figurines dating back to the early Iron Age and the Art Gallery, which showcases South African cultural arts and crafts over the ages.

Location:

African Window Building, 149 Visagie Street, Pretoria Central.

Telephone number:

012 324 6082

If you're looking for Mrs Ples, then this small natural history museum is the place to find her. Established in 1892, it is home not only to this Australopithecus Africanus skull, but also to a number of collections of mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians and insects.

Location:

432 Paul Kruger Street, opposite the Pretoria City Hall

Telephone number:

012 322 7632

The largest and one of the best zoos in the country, it encompasses walkways, a cableway, reptile park and the largest inland marine aquarium in South Africa. Unique offerings include camping tours, night walks and a Zoo Choo-Choo that chugs across various areas of the gardens. 

Location:

232 Boom Street, Pretoria

Telephone number:

012 328 3265

 
Visit this 1848 farmstead on the banks of the Moreleta Spruit to learn about working farm life of pioneer South Africans. Interactive tours enable visitors to assist with farm activities like bread baking and the milking of cows. The Pretoria Boeremark, a mind and body-enriching farmers' market, is held here every Saturday.

Location:

Keuning Street, Silverton

Telephone numbers:

012-803-6086 / 072-323-9758

An extensive art collection is housed in this low-slung modern building. It is well worth a visit to see South Africa's famous old masters such as Henk Pierneef and Irma Stern. The museum's current focus is on the collection and conservation of both contemporary and traditional South African art.

Location:

Corner Schoeman and Wessels Streets, Arcadia, Pretoria

Telephone number:

012 344 1807

The southern section of this nature reserve boasts abundant birdlife and excellent game viewing. Visitors can either picnic at the edge of the dam or explore the reserve on a hiking trail. Water sports (fishing and boating) are limited to the northern side of reserve.

Location:

Kameeldrift East.

Telephone number:

012 808 5131

A restored Victorian mansion that belonged to one of South Africa's leading industrialists, Sammy Marks. Set on acres of park-like gardens, the home is perfectly preserved with ornate, refined interiors. There is a restaurant and tea garden on site.

Location:

Off the R104 (Old Bronkhorstspruit Road), Zwartkoppies, Farm Donkerhoek, Pretoria

Telephone number:

012 755 9541

Cullinan, Witbank, Middelburg and Boitshabelo
 
Cullinan: 

The South African town of Cullinan was developed around the Premier Diamond Mine and has beautiful terraced Victorian cottages. The famous Cullinan Diamond, 3,106-carat is the largest rough gem ever found was recovered from this mine. It was presented to King Edward VII and forms part of the British Crown Jewels.

There are a number of tours available to enter the mine shaft, hoist room and big hole. 10km north of the town is the Pretorius Agricultural Museum which is on an old farmstead dating back to 1880. View the historic house, outbuildings, stables and there are exhibits of old agricultural implements.

Witbank: 

The name Witbank (White Ridge) is named after the white sandstone outcrop where wagon transport drivers rested. It is mainly a coal mining town and the first shaft was sunk in 1896. Of historic interest, Winston Churchill hid in the mine shaft at the Transvaal and Delagoa Bay Mine after his escape from Pretoria.
 
Middelburg:

The town of Middleburg in South Africa lies in an area rich in coal deposits. Its original name in 1866 was Nazareth but renamed Middelburg in 1874. Places of interest are the White Church, built in 1890 for the Dutch Reformed Church, the concentration camp cemeteries south of the town and on Kanonkop, and the sandstone Meyer Bridge built in 1895 over the Little Olifants River.

Botshabelo: 

In 1865 this town was established as a mission station, it is a Sotho name meaning ‘place of refuge’. It is 8km from Middelburg. The main attraction is the South Ndebele open-air museum with displays of Ndebele history and culture. A living museum depicts the development of Ndebele architecture from the early dome-shaped grass homesteads to mud-walled homes with their famous mural decorations. Guided tours are available. A nature reserve surrounds the mission and can be explored along day walks.
 

A collection of old aircrafts, weapons and uniforms provides a fascinating glimpse into the history of the South African Air Force. The SAAF Memorial can be found on the northern side of the base on Bays Hill. This triangular star-shaped building commemorates those members of the Air Force who have lost their lives in active service.

Location:

Swartkop Airfield, Valhalla

Telephone number:

012 351 2290

The South African State Theatre complex encompasses five separate theatres that stage a variety of shows from ballet and opera to drama and children's theatre.

Location:

320 Pretorius Street, Pretoria Central.

Telephone number:

012 392 4000

Union Buildings in Pretoria, South Africa:

A Pretoria landmark, the Sir Herbert Baker designed Union Building complex is the official seat of South Africa's government, housing the Presidency and Department of Foreign Affairs. Set on its very own acropolis of Meintjieskop – the highest point of the city – and surrounded by a lovely terraced garden that is open to the public.

The Union Buildings in Pretoria are the seat of the South African government. The building is 275m long and was designed by Sir H. Baker. It is the official residence of the presidency and parliament is held here during the winter months, during the summer months it is held in Cape Town. The view over the city is magnificent.

Location:

Church Street, Arcadia, Pretoria, South Africa

A permanent collection of early to contemporary South African art is on display here. An array of media is represented, from drawings and photography to tapestries and sculpture. Carefully selected temporary exhibitions can be quite experimental and challenging.

Location:

Main Campus, Theo van Wyk Building, Preller and Ridge Streets, Muckleneuk Ridge.

Telephone number:

012 429 6255

Several museums and art collections can be found at the University of Pretoria, including the Van Gybland Oosterhoff Collection of House of Orange memorabilia and a fine art collection that can be viewed by special appointment.

Telephone number:

012 420 4017

University museums include:
 
Mapungubwe Museum:

a collection of Iron Age artefacts discovered in 1933 on two of the richest archaeological sites in the Limpopo Valley – Mapungubwe Hill and K2. Old Arts building. Phone 012-420-3146.

Van Tilburgh Museum:

Dutch-born Jacob Abraham van Tilburg's collection of art and antiques, including Far Eastern ceramics and European furniture. Phone 012-420-3100.

Edoardo Villa Museum:

a permanent collection of sculptor Eduardo Villa. Phone 021-420-4017. Old Merensky Library.

A formal, sophisticated garden adjacent to the American Embassy and Indian High Commission. The lovely rosarium is filled with over 3,000 rose bushes, including a variety named "City of Pretoria".

Location:

Corner Schoeman and Eastwood Streets, Arcadia, Pretoria

An architectural icon that commemorates the early pioneering days of South Africa and the history of the Afrikaner people. Designed by architect Gerard Moerdijk, the massive monument stands as an architectural translation of the Great Trek and the lives of the Voortrekkers. The site contains a number of significant attractions, including a wall of remembrance, a Heritage Centre and Fort Schanskop.

Location:

Eeufees Road, Groenkloof, Pretoria

Telephone number:

012 326 6770

A contemporary mixed use complex with an upmarket shopping mall, hotel, apartments and office suites. The mall contains a good spread of chain retailers and smaller boutique shops.

Location:

Corner Jeppe and Esselen Streets, Sunnyside.

Telephone number:

012 341 7556