Ten Things to Do in Pretoria
1. Visit a Komodo Dragon: Along with 4000 other animals, the Pretoria Zoo is home to a Komodo Dragon in its 80ha park close to the CBD.
Tel: 012 328 3265 or click here to view the website.
2. Dream of flight: Visit the SA Air Force Museum (a must for anyone with small (or big) boys who love planes). You’ll get to view some of the Air Force’s retired bombers, fighters and helicopters dating back to the Second World War. Stroll through the hangars, which now also house displays of uniforms and weaponry.
Tel: 021 508 6576 o click here to view the website.
3. Take a short stroll to freedom: Visit Freedom Park (not far from the Voortrekker Monument) and stop by the Garden of Remembrance, built in memory of all who died in the struggle against apartheid.
Tel: 012 336 4000 o click here to view the website.
4. Take the whole family to the roof-top Drive In at Menlyn Shopping Centre – or take your partner for a date with a difference. You can even hire a restored classic car (1955 Chevy, 1957 Studebaker and the like) and grab a picnic basket for a real treat.
Tel: 012 348-8766 or click here to view the website.
5. Step back in time: Take a township tour with a whole lot of history thrown in: ‘A Taste of History of SA’ Tour begins with a drive through Soweto before heading for Liliesleaf Farm where Nelson Mandela and the Treason Trialists plotted against the apartheid government. You’ll finish the tour at the former death squad base at Vlakplaas via the Voortrekker Monument.
Tel: 011 463 9905 or click here to view the website.
6. Pack a picnic: Pack a delicious picnic and head for the Pretoria National Botanical Garden, home to the head office for SANBI (South African National Botanical Institute). Stroll along paved nature trails and enjoy the fascinating natural vegetation on the ridge – there is 50ha to explore, most of which is planted with plants indigenous to SA. While you enjoy your lunch on a green lawn under shady trees, you’ll be serenaded by some of the 198 bird species that live here.
Tel: 012 8435194 or click here to view the website.
7. Take to the high tea: Rosemary Hill Farm serves High Tea every Saturday from 11am until 2pm. Sip fragrant tea, nibble on cucumber sandwiches, tartlets, cream scones and meringues. What could be more elegant!
Tel: 083 235-6857 or click here to view the website.
8. Market yourself: There are a couple of great Markets in the Pretoria area. We recommend Rosemary Hill Farm Market, Hazel Food Market and Hatfield Market.
- Rosemary Hill Farm Market focuses on organic farm produce and also sells good quality conventional produce. Arts, crafts, activities for children and of course the lovely Rosemary Hill restaurant serving delicious meals and refreshments are all additional draw cards.
When: The second and last Sunday of each month from 9am to 2pm.
Tel: 083 235-6857 or click here to view the website.
- Hazel Food Market is an authentic food market that not only sells all the usual tasty fare, but also specialises in foods from other countries and cultures.
When: Every Saturday from 8am until 1pm.
Tel: 083 554 5636 or click here to view the website.
- Hatfield Market is an entertaining and trendy market with live music that is held on the last Sunday of every month. Over 200 undercover stalls offer incredible bargains on a wide variety of the funkiest merchandise - chic clothing, décor, accessories, art, crafts, jewellery and furniture. There’s also great food at the Food Court. The Hatfield Antiques & Collectables Fair is held here on the first Sunday of every month.
When: Every Sunday from 9am until 5pm.
Tel: 011 442 4488 or click here to view the website.
9. And for the students… Be captivated by the colour purple. A leisurely walk down the street can be something pretty special in Pretoria, known as the Jacaranda City for the approximately 55 000 purple-blossomed trees that line the streets of the city. Jacarandas bloom in Pretoria at the same time as the year-end exams at the University of Pretoria… Legend has it that if a flower from the Jacaranda tree drops on your head, you will pass all your exams! Be sure to take your camera with to capture these incredible blossoms.
10. Get cultured: Enjoy local theatre productions at the South African State Theatre. Visit the website for a full programme including Arts Festivals.
Telephone: 012 322-7944 or click here to view the website.
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