Location: Pretoria
Top Things to do in Pretoria
Top 10 Things to do in Pretoria, South Africa
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. Horseback Africa
Overall Ratings
5 based on 158 reviews
Reviewed By Dan W - London, England, United Kingdom
I have been here twice - once in 2008 and again in November 2017. Both times were spectacular. The people are great and they obviously really care about the animals and their conservations work. This is not a zoo - you see animals in the wild but you also get really close to baby lion cubs before they become bigger / too dangerous to interact with. The horse riding safari is also a really good way to see other animals they have - including giraffes, zebra and kudu. The animals let you get much closer when you are on a horse. I have never ridden a horse other than at Horseback Africa - it is suitable for total beginners because the tuition from the guides is so good. It is a magical place, and I would highly recommend. It was one of the highlights of both my stays in South Africa.
The second time I visited I also stayed the night in the accommodation on site. The rooms are nice and quite quirky (in a good way). The food is pretty basic. For me, that adds to the experience but if you are looking for 5* luxury accommodation and gourmet food it may be better to stay elsewhere - but do not miss out on visiting during the day
You must visit this place if you can!
2. Ann van Dyk Cheetah Centre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 504 reviews
The Cheetah Centre in South Africa was established in 1971, initially as a cheetah breeding project and the Centre has during the past 40 years bred over 800 cheetah cubs. Various conservation projects have been initiated since its inception which also inlcudes a successful African wild dog breeding programme. Known in the past as the De Wildt Cheetah Centre the name has recently been changed to the Ann van Dyk Cheetah Centre as a tribute to the woman who has devoted her life to the survival of the cheetahs as well as other rare and endangered species
Reviewed By ToTrebor - Toronto, Canada
They are conserving both cheetah and wild dogs. The latter is particularly threatened so this work is very important Two safari type trips a day which are both entertaining and very informative. The staff are clearly very dedicated to their work. Opportunity to “adopt” animals...MoreMany thanks for your kind words - we all live by Ann's motto: "Conservation through Education". It is only through people like yourselves that we can continue to grow the Ann van Dyk Cheetah Centre.
3. Voortrekker Monument
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1 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 Madeline B - Windsor, United Kingdom
Definitely a must do if you are in Pretoria. Beautiful building with amazing panoramic views from the top. The museums both in the visitors centre and in the monument are great and give you a real understanding of the Afrikaans history and South African history as a whole.
4. Hazel Food Market
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 128 reviews
Discover a uniquely international food market in the heart of Pretoria's old East - Menlo Park. The tastes and smells of the world will have your returning every week with food from Greece, Portugal and Italy to name just a few. Hazel Food Market is open every Saturday from 08h00 to 14h00.
Reviewed By Denzil S - Johannesburg, South Africa
This is a special market. Food on the one side, crafts on the other and one of the largest selection of craft beers in the middle at capital craft. Small selection of crafts but you come to this market for the food and beer. All...MoreThank you for the rating and kind words. Unfortunately no music is allowed at the market.Seating will be addressed.
5. The Blue Train
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 268 reviews
Reviewed By Heather D - Bath, United Kingdom
We took the train from Cape Town to Pretoria which is approximately a 27 hour journey. The accommodation is very comfortable and quite spacious. The suite comprises two comfortable chairs which are transformed into very cosy and comfortable beds at night by your butler. There is also a table and chair in the room and a wardrobe plus Anne suite shower room.
There are two lounges (a smoking and non smoking) which both have bars and are set up for snacks and afternoon tea. The service is all inclusive so the drinks flow all day as well as tea and coffee. The restaurant is very stylish and the service is impeccable. For dinner you have to dress up - men in a jacket and tie and women something dressy but not too formal. There is certainly no requirement for a DJ and long flowing gowns.
The train moves at a sedate pace which allows passengers to take in the varying geography of the route and to take photos.
6. Pretoria National Botanical Garden
Overall Ratings
4 based on 498 reviews
The Pretoria National Botanical Garden is a colourful 76ha botanical tapestry showcasing glimpses of various habitats, each with their own distinctive features and charm.
7. Rietvlei Nature Reserve
Overall Ratings
4 based on 616 reviews
Reviewed By AHidler - Pretoria, South Africa
Thoroughly enjoyed my visit. Ample bird watching at the higher part where the reeds are. Saw three rhino...horn removed so that the scum bags cannot do anything terrible. Lots of buck. Well looked after.
Did a small pick nick at the small pick nick site by the dam. Peaceful quiet and clean. Again well looked after.
8. Sammy Marks House
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 141 reviews
Reviewed By surya77 - athens
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.
9. Union Buildings
Overall Ratings
4 based on 1 reviews
Reviewed By Mathapelo T - Stellenbosch
Very historical, the sight is breath taking from "above President Mandela's" statue. And one can take an action picture touching the hand of the President ?
10. Loftus Versfeld Stadium
Overall Ratings
4 based on 180 reviews
Reviewed By JUSTINE-JESSE - Pretoria, South Africa
This would be a super stadium if the parking situation was improved surrounding the area. People are encouraged to double park on traffic Islands and illegal spots by car guards trying to make a quick buck! The area is being developed so hopefully some improvements will be made.
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