Pretoria - Tshwane

Jacaranda trees supply colour in abundance. Although not indigenous, it has become synonymous with Pretoria and hence the name, The Jacaranda City. © Martie Swart , License

Pretoria - Tshwane

The Greater Pretoria region of Gauteng includes the towns Centurion, Cullinan and Bronkhorstspruit, Pretoria and Bapsfontein and all their surrounding areas. All of the aforementioned towns, each of which used to be a separate municipality, have been incorporated into the new Tshwane District Municipality. Greater Pretoria is situated in the transitional area between the Highveld and the Bushveld. It starts approximately halfway between Johannesburg and Pretoria and extends some 70 kilometres both East and West of the latter.

The city of Pretoria was founded in 1855 and named after Andries Pretorius, a Voortrekker leader. The city was the Capital of the Zuid-Afrikaansche Republiek from 1860 until 1910, administrative capital of the Union of South Africa from 1910 until 1961, and of the Republic of South Africa from 1961. The city is full of wide avenues lined with Jacaranda trees and houses a great number of embassies and consulates. Overlooking the centre of the city from a hilltop are the magnificent Union Buildings, built in golden stone with Italian tiled roofs. Pretoria houses two of South Africaï¿½s leading universities.

To the south-east of Greater Pretoria lies the small town of Bronkhorstspruit with its extensive shopping facilities. Just to the North of this charming town and near to KwaMhlanga there is a traditional Ndebele Village and Museum. This is an ideal stopover for visitors making their way to the resorts and game reserves of Mpumalanga. Here you can see demonstrations of traditional dress, beading, weaving and dance. In Bronkhorstspruit is the Willem Prinsloo Agricultural Museum, an informal living museum where children can see farm animals and old farm machinery and implements. Demonstrations of candle making, bread baking and distilling as well as sheep shearing can be seen. The Bronkhorstspruit Dam is a favourite weekend attraction for water sports enthusiasts, and close to the town is the Nan Hua Buddhist Temple.

Further North in Greater Pretoria is the small mining village of Cullinan, where the worldï¿½s largest diamond was found in 1905. Be sure to visit the McHardy House Museum, the extraordinary small restaurant La Casa located in a 1905 house, and the barber shop. Tours of the diamond mine are held at regular intervals and are an attraction not to be missed.

Centurion is a more modern developed town in Greater Pretoria and is situated just to the North of Midrand (once known as Halfway House as it is situated exactly halfway between Johannesburg and Pretoria). This Greater Pretoria town has wide open spaces, parks and delightful industrial and commercial developments. One of Centurion's aims is to develop into a garden city. Just outside Centurion is the Zwartkop Nature Reserve where there is a 13 kilometre hiking trail along the Hennops River. At one end of the reserve is the famous Centurion Cricket Ground. The South African Mint opened its new factory in Centurion in 1992 and is one of the most modern mints in the world. Guided tours are available and last about two hours.

There are many other attractions in the Greater Pretoria region. You can be wandering around the centre of the city on a shopping spree in the morning and just a short while later witnessing a herd of elephants or a pride of lions. A little to the West beyond the Magaliesberg mountains lies Sun City with its casino and the adjoining Lost City. In the centre of the region in the south part of the city is the Fountains Valley Recreation Resort where you can indulge in the traditional braai, play tennis on the public courts, swim or just relax. Fountains lies on the Appies River, and is the country's oldest nature reserve. But don't miss Pretoria in October when the streets are a mass of purple in the Jacaranda City.

The Pretoria-Tshwane region in Gauteng offers a variety of attractions and activities that cater to diverse interests.

Here are 20 things you can see or do in this area:

1. Union Buildings: Visit the seat of the South African government and enjoy the beautiful gardens and panoramic views of the city.

2. Voortrekker Monument: Explore this massive granite structure commemorating the Voortrekkers who left the Cape Colony in the 19th century.

3. Pretoria National Botanical Garden: Relax in this serene garden featuring a diverse range of South African plant species.

4. National Zoological Gardens of South Africa: Enjoy a day at one of the largest zoos in the country, home to a variety of animals and an aquarium.

5. Freedom Park: Learn about South Africa’s history and heritage at this significant cultural and heritage site.

6. Church Square: Visit the historic center of Pretoria, surrounded by important buildings including the Palace of Justice and the Old Capitol Theatre.

7. Pretoria Art Museum: Explore a diverse collection of South African artworks, ranging from early colonial to contemporary pieces.

8. Loftus Versfeld Stadium: Catch a rugby or soccer match at one of the oldest stadiums in South Africa.

9. Melrose House: Tour this beautifully preserved Victorian mansion, which played a role during the Anglo-Boer War.

10. Austin Roberts Bird Sanctuary: Enjoy bird-watching in this peaceful sanctuary named after the famous ornithologist.

11. Kruger House Museum: Visit the former residence of Paul Kruger, the President of the South African Republic.

12. Rietvlei Nature Reserve: Explore this reserve with opportunities for game viewing, bird-watching, and picnicking.

13. Wonderboom Nature Reserve: Hike up to see the ancient Wonderboom fig tree and enjoy stunning views of Pretoria.

14. Hazel Food Market: Sample local delicacies and artisanal foods at this popular weekend market.

15. Pretoria Boeremark: Experience a traditional farmers' market offering fresh produce, baked goods, and more.

16. State Theatre: Enjoy a performance at this premier performing arts venue featuring drama, opera, ballet, and concerts.

17. Fort Klapperkop: Visit this historical fort offering insights into the military history of the region.

18. Ditsong National Museum of Natural History: Explore exhibits on South African flora, fauna, and geology.

19. Jan Smuts House Museum: Learn about the life of Jan Smuts, a prominent South African statesman, at his former residence.

20. Groenkloof Nature Reserve: Enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking, mountain biking, and wildlife viewing in this scenic reserve.

These attractions provide a mix of cultural, historical, and natural experiences that showcase the rich heritage and diversity of the Pretoria-Tshwane region.

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Pretoria - Tshwane