Location: Pretoria
Top Things to do in Pretoria
10 Sights & Landmarks in Pretoria That You Shouldn't Miss
Pretoria is a vision of purple, thanks to its plethora of blossoming trees that gave the South African metropolis its nickname: Jacaranda City. Give in to the animal magnetism of the National Zoological Gardens of South Africa, then get up close and personal with the big, bad kitties of the Cheetah Research and Breeding Centre. The buildings of Pretoria reflect diverse architectural styles and influences, creating a unique urban landscape.
Restaurants in Pretoria
1. Sammy Marks House
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 168 reviews
Reviewed By surya77 - Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
This 48 room, beautiful Victorian mansion which is now a museum, with it's lovely garden, is definitely worth a visit. The Mansion, which is called Zwartkoppies Hall and dates from 1884, is situated about 23 klms outside Pretoria. It was the home of Sammy Marks( Samuel Markovits), a Lithuanian, who arrived in SA in 1868, a poor man, and ended up being one of the country's leading industrialists. To visit the house - which is a must- one has to join a guided tour, as we did. There are so many precious, historical and antique items including porcelain, silver, painting and furniture in the museum that it would not be possible to do it otherwise. What is so special about this Museum is that the Mansion with all it's interior has been preserved as it was. This, ofcourse, is responsible for the amazing atmosphere one feels when inside. What an opulent life the family lived! Very happy and grateful that something with so much history and beauty is being taken care of and still stands as it was, a memorial to a man who followed his dream and reached amazing heights in doing so.
2. African Battlefields
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 15 reviews
Welcome, I am Bob Wood a Battlefields Historian and owner of African Battlefields a South African based specialist tour & safari operation. We pay tribute and celebrate the courage of the many British and Commonwealth soldiers, the sacrifice of the Boer forces and the warriors of the mighty Zulu empire who gave battle on the frontier of Queen Victoria's British Colonial Africa, we travel into the Battlefields of the South African Wars of the 19th century of the British, the Boers and the Zulu's. Bringing to life South African Military History of the Anglo Zulu Battlefield of Isandhlwana when 20,000 motivated celibate man slaying Zulu warriors of Cetshwayo's mighty army defeated the British #3 column, recorded in the annuals of British military history as the greatest single defeat ever inflicted on a modern British army against the spears of a native foe,
Reviewed By Denavictor
For those of you who love history and traveling to places off the beaten path, this is the tour for you. You'll never find a more professional tour guide than Bob. He provides individualized tours and services for his clients that truly go above and beyond, complete with a personalized tour itinerary and brochure complete with historical timelines and descriptions of the Boer and Zulu War battlefields you will be visiting on your trip. I went by myself this past July, and Bob met me at the airport and gave me a personalized individual tour throughout KwaZulu-Natal, visiting the battlefields that I wanted to see, while throwing in a few extras as well. I had a great experience, learned a lot, and would highly recommend this tour to anyone.
3. Voortrekker Monument
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,848 reviews
The majestic Voortrekker Monument is situated in the northern part of South Africa in the Pretoria (Tshwane) region in a nature reserve. It is a unique Monument which commemorates the Pioneer history of Southern Africa and the history of the Afrikaner and is situated in a beautiful setting. Today it is the most visited heritage site of its kind in Gauteng and one of the top ten cultural historical visitor attractions in the country.
Reviewed By happychemist123
The building is an engineering marvel surrounded by the lager of ox wagons ! The setting is really outstanding & it's well worth a visit . There's plenty of parking & friendly welcoming staff.
4. Ludwig's Rose Farm
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 121 reviews
Millions of colourful roses to see! Garden advise Rose specilaist Tractor rides on weekends Bird watching The Rose Kitchen Restaurant Huge Play Garden Rosy Shop Rose accessories Rose paradise!
Reviewed By agiabreu - Pretoria, South Africa
Very nice farm with so many variants of roses. Very beautiful place, nice restaurant, the staff was very friendly and the gift shop was great.
5. Intiem Love Bridge
6. Statue of Nelson Mandela
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 200 reviews
Reviewed By 660ilsev - Pretoria, South Africa
What a lovely site and sight - the statue of Nelson Mandela in front of the Union Buildings. This is quite a remarkable tourist attraction to visit and we enjoyed this experience together with foreign friends.
7. Melrose House
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 107 reviews
Victorian opulence abounds at this tastefully preserved historic home.
Reviewed By 98stephannies - Centurion, South Africa
A lovely museum that shows daily life from the late 1800's and early 1900s of the South African elite. The house has been beautifully and accurately restored and is rich with the elegance of the era. Our fabulous guide told us all about the Heys family who built and lived in the house. We were blessed to have had High Tea organized while we there and we were treated to tasty sweets and tea on fine bone china. The grounds have the most stunning old trees and are a delight. A nice place to visit if you are spending the day in downtown Pretoria. I would couple it with a trip to the National Museum of Natural history a few blocks away and a stop at the Parliament building or the Voortrekker Monument. R25 for adults No flash photography Parking on Jeff Masemola street (not secured but with a parking attendant), or in the parking lot behind the museum.
8. Smuts House Museum
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 97 reviews
Reviewed By EHBSA
Amazingly beautiful and incredible atmosphere with excellent food. We were here for a Valentine’s breakfast. There special attention for the occasion was worderful.
9. Fort KlapperKop Military Museum
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 72 reviews
Fort overlooking Pretoria, designed to defend against riots and raids on the city, but it is said, “never a shot was fired in anger from this fort.”
10. Union Buildings
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 1,385 reviews
Reviewed By YoWi79 - Pretoria, South Africa
The Union Buildings is part of Pretoria's pride! And if you really want to treat yourself, be sure to visit it while the Jacaranda trees are in bloom in October. The beautiful architecture combined with the purple flowers on the trees, make for some stunning photos!
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