Top 5 places to visit in Pretoria this Festive Season

Pretoria, the business hub of South Africa, also serves as one of three capital cities in South Africa. Pretoria is the executive branch of the government. As you get ready to take a break over the Festive Season, why not explore some favourite spots in this beautiful city.

Voortrekker Monument

The Voortrekker Monument is not just a place of history, but also somewhere to enjoy outdoor activities like jogging, walking, cycling and adventure activities as well as educational guided tours. The monument is situated on a secure enclosed property so you can enjoy yourself knowing you and your family is safe. Once you have enjoyed all this historical monument has to offer, get some retail therapy browsing the gift shop or refuel at the coffee shop while your take a load off your feet from all the walking. Visit the website for further details.

National Zoological Garden

The Pretoria Zoo is the largest in the country and the only one with national status. Visitors can explore the aquarium – the only inland one in the country – and reptile park. You can explore the zoo by night on a guided walking tour which lasts one hour from 18h30. Pack a picnic basket and enjoy your own food and drinks in a unique setting. There’s also the option of sleeping over in the zoo in one of the tents. The National Zoological Garden is open daily from 09h00 until 17h30, tickets are R80 to R120. Visit the website for further details.

#3 Parks

The National Botanical Garden in Pretoria is the sister to the Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden in Cape Town, both showcasing the best of South Africa’s indigenous plants. There are a number of other parks which can be enjoyed too:

• Burgers Park is the oldest park in Pretoria and is a national monument
• Jan Cilliers Park (Protea Park) is home to beautiful South African plants and water features.
• Springbok Park is a very popular choice for wedding photos.
• Venning Park is a formal Rose Park that was established by the Northern Transvaal Rose Society, the roses were donated by various rose nurseries.

The Market @ the Sheds

The Market at the Sheds is a vibrant and energetic place for anyone to explore the city and provides an exceptional experience unlike any other, with 50 stands, seven live performances, pop-up art exhibitions and an open stage for local artist to perform for the audience. Entry fees are R50 before 2pm and thereafter it’s R100. Trading hours is 11am until 8pm. Visit the website for more information.

Adventure Zone

If you want a little more physical action and adrenalin-induced fun, Adventure Zone has various branches, the branch located at Loftus is the newest and just as popular as the others. Situated right in the hustle and bustle of Pretoria, you can choose between 10 different activities, a unique experience at this branch is the bag-jump, other activities include abseiling and a high ropes course or just relax in the hospitality suite. Visit their website to make a booking.