Tour to Pretoria

Pretoria, also known as the “Afrikaner Jerusalem”, is a city of architectural marvel and blossoming Jacaranda.Located in the northern part of Gauteng Province, the city serves as the executive and administrative capital of the country. The city was founded in 1855 by the Voortrekker leader Marthius Pretorius who named the city after his father Andries Pretorius. Since then, the city stands as the lively evidence of intermingling of Afrikaner traditionalism with today’s cosmopolitan culture.

Pretoria’s diverse culture reflects itself through its magnificent state buildings, sculptures and monuments. The dignified Union Buildings designed by Sir Herbert Baker and built with golden stones with Italian roofs are really a treat to one’s eyes. Church Square, the first site of church in Pretoria, is a major tourist attraction. It is well known for the bronze statue of former president Paul Kruger surrounded by the statues of sentries. Famous historical buildings including the Palace of Justice encompass the Square. To experience architectural elegance, one must also visit Voortrekker Monument, Melrose House, Freedom Park, Pretoria City Hall to name a few.

Museums are the storehouse of Pretoria’s natural, cultural and political history. The Paul Kruger House Museum, South African Police Museum, Pretoria Art Museum, Museum of Anthropology, National Cultural History Museum, Transvaal Museum and Museum of Natural History are not to be missed. The African Window is a unique destination of Pretoria. Based on the archaeological and anthropological records of South Africa, it focuses on the tribes of Gauteng and incorporates tribal engravings, a traditional restaurant and dance and art exhibitions.

Adventure lovers can spend a free evening at the Pretoria National Zoological Gardens. It is the largest zoo in South Africa and consists of additional features like a huge reptile park, a large walk-through aviary, the country’s largest inland aquarium and cable car rides. Travelers can also enjoy the lush green nature at Pretoria National Botanical Gardens.

To experience luxurious shopping, one must visit the Menlyn Park Shopping Centre, Brooklyn Mall, Kolonnade, and Centurion Mall – to name a few. Pretoria’s nightlife is concentrated in Hatfield with plenty of bars and nightclubs. The Blue Train, which runs from Pretoria to Cape Town and back, is the epitome of luxury. The overnight journey with a combination of royal elegance, warmth, services and cuisine proves to be once in a lifetime experience. But the ultimate essence of Pretoria is felt in a lazy, lonely walk along the roads lined with the blooming purple flowered Jacaranda trees.