Pretoria ,the administrative capital of South Africa is situated about 50 km from Johannesburg and is known as the Jacaranda city due to the profusion of magnificent purple bloomed Jacaranda trees that line the city streets.
There are many places to visit and things to do in and around Pretoria. Of particular interest is the Transvaal Museum with its displays of natural history where the skull of Mrs Ples that was found at Sterkfontein Caves is on view. The Smuts and Cultural History Museum also merit a visit.
Other places of interest not to miss are The Union Buildings in Pretoria which is both the official seat of the South African Government and house the offices of the President. The buildings were designed by Sir Herbert Baker and are regarded by many to be his supreme architectural accomplishment.
The Voortrekker Monument in Pretoria was built on Monument Hill to honour the Voortrekkers who played a large part in the establishment of Pretoria which was named after Andries Pretorius the triumphant leader of the Boers during the time of the Zulu wars.
Don’t forget to visit The Sammy Marks museum which is an authentic Victorian Mansion, preserved exactly as it was originally. It was donated by the Philanthropist Sammy Marks who was a friend of Paul Kruger – the first President of South Africa. This is only one of many varied museums of all kinds and interests.
The spectacular Pretoria Botanical Gardens spread out over 50 hectares of land are dedicated to mainly South African indigenous plants and is also home to over 150 species of birds. There are wonderfully shaded areas with green lawns that allow visitors to enjoy this fabulous garden with its amazing variety of plants.
Pretoria was one of the host cities for the FIFA World Cup 2010. Loftus Versfeld Stadium, one of South Africa’s oldest stadiums has been upgraded and can seat 50,000 spectators.
These are just a few of the pleasures to enjoy in Pretoria while on vacation in South Africa.