pretoria rail history tourism activity

10 Things to Do at Pretoria Railway Station in South Africa

•  Austin Roberts Bird Sanctuary
•  Church Square
•  Freedom Park
•  Melrose House
•  National Zoological Gardens of South Africa
•  Pretoria Art Museum
•  Pretoria Chinese Temple
•  Pretoria City Hall
•  Pretoria City Tour
•  Pretoria Country Club
•  Pretoria National Botanical Garden
•  Pretoria National Cemetery
•  Pretoria Railway Station
•  Pretoria Science Centre
•  Pretoria Zoo
•  Pretoria
•  Rietvlei Nature Reserve
•  Sammy Marks Museum
•  Union Buildings
•  Voortrekker Monument
•  Wonderboom Nature Reserve

Home » Travel Guides » South Africa » 15 Best things to do in Pretoria

15 Best things to do in Pretoria

South Africa is known for its wildlife. However, cities like Pretoria have a wealth of attractions which have kept me enthralled and entertained every time I’ve visited. Who better then to share their thoughts on Pretoria’s best things to do than a confirmed lover of all things South African? Celebrating this incredible country has even become my day job!

Although just 40 minutes from Johannesburg by Gautrain rail, South Africa’s ‘Jacaranda City’ is a very different beast. It’s certainly more conservative in outlook than Jozi, but also arguably more attractive to explore. Not only are there a slew of impressive buildings, but also some 50,000 purple-bloomed jacaranda trees. Even when they’re not in bloom (in October and November), there’s still plenty to delight. From parks to museums, these are the 15 best things to do in Pretoria.

1. Freedom Park Heritage Site & Museum

Named after the father of the first president of the former Transvaal Republic, Marthinus Pretorius, historic racial discrimination and the apartheid era looms large in Pretoria. Freedom Park was created as a way of honoring and remembering those involved in the struggle for democracy, alongside South Africans who died during the country’s wars.

The centerpiece of the park on Salvokop Hill is a simple ring of upstanding stones marking figures such as Steve Biko, killed by apartheid security agents in 1977. A peaceful place to ponder the beauty of Pretoria’s surrounding landscapes, Freedom Park also contains the ‘//hapo’ building. Here you’ll find a potted history covering no less than 3.6 billion years.

2. Union Buildings

The Union Buildings are situated on another hill, Meintjieskop, overlooking Pretoria’s central neighborhoods. The offices of the South African president, Nelson Mandela’s historic inauguration as president took place here in 1994.

Today, the great man is honored with a literally larger-than-life bronze statue in the wonderfully maintained gardens. Open to the public daily, the gardens are a much-loved part of the city, used by locals, visitors, and even the occasional visitor to the president. Their heritage and significance to the country’s history makes a visit to the Union Buildings unmissable.

3. Pretoria Art Museum

The sleek, single-story lines of Pretoria Art Museum are the perfect backdrop to discovering one of South Africa’s most important art collections. Founded in 1930, the early items obtained by the museum mainly comprised 17th century artworks from Europe, as was common at the time.

Now though, Pretoria Art Museum has expanded its collections to include many of South Africa’s leading artists. Look out for landscapes by Henk Pierneef, sculpture by Anton van Wouw, and canvases by once-exiled painter Gerard Sekoto.

4. Church Square

For the heart of historic Pretoria, make a beeline to Church Square (Kerkplein). A statue of another president of the Transvaal, Paul Kruger, sits on its central plinth. It was created by Anton von Wouw.

On the square’s edges stand a number of significant buildings, including the Palace of Justice, Ou Raadsaal, Tudor Chambers, and Old Netherlands Bank Building. The Palace of Justice is rich in Victorian detail, though the structure is perhaps best known for events inside. That’s because it was here that Nelson Mandela was tried during the Rivonia treason trial which led to his imprisonment for 27 years.

5. Pretoria National Botanical Garden

A short distance east of Church Square, this is one of nine national botanical gardens in South Africa. Comparatively small in stature, with an area of 76 hectares, it still manages to span a huge variety of landscapes, covering succulents, wetlands, grasslands, and medicinal gardens. There’s also an arboretum, artificial waterfall, and a restaurant.

One of the best ways to explore is by following the short Dassie Walking Trail. Sightings of these cute mammals isn’t guaranteed, but joining it for even a small distance will put you within touching distance of a multitude of natural wonders.

6. Voortrekker Monument

The Transvaal Republic formed after Dutch-speaking settlers to South Africa left Britain’s Cape Colony in the mid-1800s in order to live independently of Britain. Calling themselves voortrekkers (pioneers), but also known as Boers, their Great Trek is part of the founding story of South African colonization.

This huge monument, rising 40 meters, was built in the 1930s. Its interior includes the world’s largest marble frieze in the Hall of Heroes, which comprises 27 panels. There’s also a Cenotaph decorated with the flags of the Boer Republics, alongside artefacts from the Great Trek. Although this can all feel a little at odds with the modern rainbow nation, it’s a fascinating insight into the minds of these early European settlers all the same.

7. South African State Theater

Impressive in both size and scope, the South African State Theater is the largest complex of its kind in Africa. In a Brutalist architectural style of raw unfinished concrete, it contains six performance spaces, and is capable of seating 2,700 people.

The Theater’s long list of monthly shows and events is a who’s who of South African and international talent. Comprising everything from new plays to fringe festivals, it’s well worth checking out the latest schedules before arriving into Pretoria to see what’s on.

8. Ditsong National Museum of Natural History

This natural history museum has the sorts of displays of taxidermy animals and cases of insects you’re probably already expecting. What makes the Ditsong National Museum of Natural History stand out among similar attractions is its vast fossil exhibits.

These include incredibly important hominid fossils from several sites within the nearby Cradle of Humankind UNESCO World Heritage Site, including Sterkfontein, Kromdraai, and Swartkrans. The star of the entire museum is a fossil known as Mrs Ples – the most complete skull of Australopithecus africanus ever discovered. Mrs Ples has been dated to around 3.4 million years old, and even made it onto a list of Great South Africans.

9. Hartbeespoort Dam Elephant Sanctuary

Hartbeespoort Dam Elephant Sanctuary is approximately an hour from central Pretoria by road. It provides a home for elephants which wouldn’t survive in the wild in any of South Africa’s famed national parks.

The sanctuary’s elephants are instead looked after by a team of caretakers. Guides also lead visitors through the sanctuary on foot three times a day. An activity only otherwise available in a handful of national parks in Africa, it allows visitors to really get close to these mesmeric creatures.

My tip – head to Hartbeespoort in time for the 8 am tour. You’ll not only find the elephants at their most active in the cool of early morning, but also get to join the caretakers in brushing them down.

10. Fort Klapperkop

Fort Klapperkop was one of four defensive structures built to defend Pretoria against the British during the Anglo Boer Wars of the late 19th century. Dating to 1898, it’s one of the best preserved of Pretoria’s historic forts.

In addition to its long building and defensive bastions, Fort Klapperkop contains a dry moat and one of the large French-built guns known as Long Tom. Despite its perceived importance, the fort was only ever manned by 30 troops, and never fired a shot except in practice.

If you like your music as much as I do, Fort Schanskop might be the fortification for you, since it hosts an outdoor music festival at the end of most months.

11. Van Tilburg Collection

Housed in the Old Arts Building of the University of Pretoria, the Van Tilburg Collection spans a treasure trove of decorative arts. Alongside paintings, its collection includes furniture from the 17th and 18th centuries, as well as the largest collection of oriental ceramics in South Africa.

The latter includes vases from the personal collection of the Kangxi Emperor, who reigned from 1661 to 1722, and 550 pieces of Ming porcelain. Sadly, its small self-portrait of Rembrandt van Rijn was recently proven to be a fake.

12. Burgers Park

You’re unlikely to hear the words ‘do you want onions with that?’ at Burgers Park. Created in the 1870s, this historic green space is named after Thomas Francois Burgers, the fourth president of the Transvaal Republic.

Pretoria’s oldest public park, its wide lawns and curving paths weave between a smorgasbord of attractions, including a cast-iron bandstand, fish pond, and statue of Thomas Burgers. Just opposite is Melrose House, a museum with interiors detailing the shift between Victorian and Edwardian tastes. It also acted as the British military headquarters when Pretoria was occupied for 18 months from June 1900.

13. African Window

The African Window is the name given to the building housing the Ditsong National Museum of Cultural History (DNMCH). With one of the broadest missions of any of Pretoria’s museums, its displays cover everything from Stone Age axheads to early Apple Macs.

Exhibitions comprise a mix of permanent and temporary displays, and looks after an estimated three million artefacts belonging to South Africa’s mix of cultural groups. If you’re short of time, head straight for the galleries containing San rock art thousands of years old.

14. Groenkloof Nature Reserve

Open daily during daylight hours, Groenkloof protects the region’s endangered bankenveld flora. It’s located just 15 minutes south of central Pretoria, between the Fountains Valley resort and Waterkloof Golf Club.

Groenkloof boasts a range of typical South African animals, including kudu, blesbok, giraffe, and jackal. Free of any big cats, the reserve is popular with both cyclists and walkers. There’s a 20 kilometer off-road cycling route, and three hiking trails spanning 3.5 to 10.5 kilometers. That said, the short vehicle route is best for wildlife viewing.

15. Kruger House

Surrounded by modern tower blocks, Kruger House was the city residence of the Transvaal’s best-known president, Paul Kruger. One of the first buildings in Pretoria to get electricity, the house has been laid out with a blend of original and period furnishings, to show how the president would have lived.

The long partially-covered front veranda (or stoep) in particular was known as a spot Kruger liked to sit in. Exhibition halls depict his battle from freedom from the British of Cape Colony, while the grounds feature his presidential railway coach.

15 Best things to do in Pretoria:

• Freedom Park Heritage Site & Museum
• Union Buildings
• Pretoria Art Museum
• Church Square
• Pretoria National Botanical Garden
• Voortrekker Monument
• South African State Theater
• Ditsong National Museum of Natural History
• Hartbeespoort Dam Elephant Sanctuary
• Fort Klapperkop
• Van Tilburg Collection
• Burgers Park
• African Window
• Groenkloof Nature Reserve
• Kruger House

14 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Pretoria

Written by Karen Hastings , Carri Wilbanks and Becca Blond Updated Dec 25, 2023 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

In the fertile valley of the Apies River, at the foot of the Magaliesberg range, Pretoria is known as the Jacaranda City, thanks to the blaze of purple blooms that brighten its many parks and gardens in the spring. Pretoria is also the administrative capital of South Africa , sharing capital city status with Cape Town and Bloemfontein . The city lies about 55 kilometers from Johannesburg , yet the two cities seem a world apart.

Pretoria is a city of civil servants, diplomats, and trim and tidy residential districts with a large population of Afrikaners. It is also an important industrial town and an educational and cultural hub. The University of Pretoria was founded in 1930, and UNISA, the University of South Africa, is one of the largest open universities in the world.

Top things to do include checking out the city's many historic buildings, monuments, and museums, as well as its beautiful botanical gardens and nature reserves, some of which offer excellent game-viewing opportunities just a short drive from the city center. For more ideas on the best places to visit, see our list of the top tourist attractions in Pretoria.

See also: Where to Stay in Pretoria

1. Pretoria National Botanic Garden

2. voortrekker monument, 3. national zoological gardens of south africa, 4. ann van dyk cheetah centre, 5. union buildings, 6. freedom park, 7. moreleta kloof nature reserve, 8. melrose house, 9. ditsong museums of south africa, 10. rietvlei nature reserve, 11. kruger house museum, 12. horseback africa, 13. hazel food market, 14. pretoria art museum, where to stay in pretoria for sightseeing, map of tourist attractions in pretoria, pretoria, south africa - climate chart.

The Pretoria National Botanic Garden, in the city's eastern suburbs, is a peaceful oasis close to the city. The 76-hectare gardens spotlight South African species, with more than half the country's tree species, as well as many flowering plants, cycads, aloes, and other impressive collections. A quartzite ridge slices the park into two sections, with vegetation in the warmer north-facing half contrasting with that in the colder south-facing section.

The plants are grouped according to their climatic region, such as the savannas of the Karoo, coastal forests, and the grassland plains of Namibia. Paved nature trails lead through the natural vegetation of the rocky ridge above the garden. Also on the grounds, the National Herbarium is home to the largest collection of plant specimens in South Africa, with more than a million species catalogued and stored here. After exploring the lovely gardens, visitors can enjoy a meal at the lakefront restaurant.

Address: 2 Cussonia Avenue, Brummeria, Pretoria

Official site: http://www.sanbi.org/gardens/pretoria

High on a hilltop south of the city center, the Voortrekker Monument is a South African National Heritage site and one of the country's most visited historic monuments. It was built in 1949 to commemorate the Voortrekkers, the Boers who pushed northward into unknown territory in the mid 19th-century.

This 40-meter-high square granite structure is a prominent landmark in the city with steps leading up to the Hall of Heroes, where 27 marble reliefs depict the Great Trek of 1838. Surrounding the monument is a wall depicting ox-wagons representing the trek wagons. On 16 December each year, a shaft of sunlight shines through an opening in the dome and illuminates a cenotaph below, which reads. "Ons vir jou, Suid-Afrika" ("We are for you, South Africa").

Occasionally, the hall hosts classical music performances, which highlight its excellent acoustics. Museum exhibits depict snapshots of life during this important period. After browsing the interior, visitors can admire panoramic views of Pretoria from the roof or enjoy a meal at the restaurant.

Address: Eeufees Road, Pretoria

Official site: http://www.vtm.org.za

Spanning 85 hectares, the National Zoological Gardens of South Africa provides a full day of animal fun for the family. This large zoo encompasses a walk-through aviary, a reptile house with a collection of animals from all over the world, as well as the country's only inland aquarium where visitors can see many species of fish including ragged tooth sharks.

Among the large mammal collection, highlights include the lion and tiger exhibit, hippos, and elephants. To tour the zoo, visitors can rent golf carts by the hour, ride the cableway for a bird's-eye view, or stroll along the paths for a close-up look at the animals; wear comfortable shoes as the grounds are expansive. Night visits and overnight camping adventures are also available.

Address: 232 Boom Street, Pretoria

Official site: http://www.nzg.ac.za

At the Ann van Dyk Cheetah Centre, about a 45-minute drive from Pretoria, animal lovers can get up close and personal with some magnificent African creatures. This non-profit center was established in 1971 as a cheetah breeding project and has since successfully bred African wild dogs, Cape vultures, and brown hyenas among other animals.

The center was also the first breeder of the rare king cheetah. Visitors can choose from a variety of educational tours, including a three-hour guided tour and touch experience, where guests accompany keepers on the feeding rounds and enjoy a petting experience with these graceful animals. This is a fantastic opportunity for photographers to capture close-up images, and the cost helps fund conservation projects.

Official site: http://www.dewildt.co.za/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=21&Itemid=62

Set in beautiful gardens, the Union Buildings command the highest point of the city on Meintjieskop Hill near historic Church Square, site of the city's first settlement. Designed by Sir Herbert Baker in 1913, this impressive range of sandstone buildings mixes Italian Renaissance, English Renaissance, and Cape Dutch styles. It's the seat of government and also houses the offices of the president and the state archives.

In the gardens, which slope down in terraces to Church Street, are the Delville Wood Memorial , commemorating the South African soldiers who fell in the First World War; statues of the South African prime ministers Louis Botha, J. B. M. Hertzog, and J. C. Smuts; as well as a nine-meter-tall statue of Nelson Mandela. Visitors come here to stroll among the gardens, ogle the architecture, and admire the impressive city views. The site also holds a special place in the hearts of many South Africans after former President Nelson Mandela's inauguration took place here in 1994.

Address: Arcadia Park, Church Street, Pretoria

Sitting on Salvokop Hill with panoramic views, Freedom park traces the story of South Africa's liberation and honors those who played an important role. The site opened to the public in 2007 and encompasses a series of poignant memorials and an impressive museum with exhibits examining the nation's history from the dawn of humanity to the present day.

The site overlooks the nearby Voortrekker Monument and other key landmarks of the city below. A highlight is the Wall of Names, inscribed with the names of all those who lost their lives in South Africa's major conflicts; an eternal flame; and the Gallery of Leaders, an inspirational look at role models on the road to freedom. Guided tours take about two hours and provide fascinating insight to the stories represented here, as well as the symbolic features of the architecture.

Official site: http://www.freedompark.co.za/

A haven for hikers and nature lovers, Moreleta Kloof Nature Reserve spans 100 hectares in the foothills of Moreleta Kloof near the city center. In the 19th century, the reserve was a dairy farm, and one of the original buildings has been converted to a restaurant where visitors can dine on a beautiful deck, often with a parade of animals in view.

Springbok, impala, bushbuck, zebra, and ostrich are among the wildlife found in the park, as well as an abundance of birds. A tributary flows through the reserve providing water for the animals, and hiking trails range in length from 1.5 kilometers to more than three kilometers.

Other lovely green spaces close to the city center include Faerie Glen Nature Reserve , part of the Moreleta Spruit Nature Trail, which follows a winding course along the banks of a stream through ever-changing scenery, as well as Groenkloof Nature Reserve with hiking, horseback riding, and 4WD trails. Birders will enjoy the Austin Roberts Bird Sanctuary, named after the South African ornithologist who wrote a popular handbook on the birds of South Africa. Bird hides line the shores of the reservoir, and more than 100 indigenous species make their home here.

Melrose House, a National Monument, offers visitors the experience of stepping back in time to the late 19th century. Built in 1866 by wealthy businessman George J. Heys, this handsome Victorian house was where the Treaty of Vereeniging, the Peace Treaty terminating the Anglo Boer War, was signed in 1902.

Filled with antiques, the house is an excellent example of preserved Victorian architecture. Highlights include the stained-glass windows, porcelain ornaments, paintings by British artists, and ornate architectural flourishes. Guided tours are available. The house is also used for art exhibitions, concerts, and antique fairs, and the café serves snacks in the tea garden.

Address: 275 Jacob Maré Street, Pretoria

Ditsong Museums of South Africa is a group of eight national museums with significant cultural collections. The Ditsong National Museum of Natural History , formerly known as the Transvaal Museum, has an extraordinary collection of mammals, amphibians, fossils, geological specimens, and archaeological material.

In the Austin Roberts Bird Hall, visitors can see more than 800 species of birds indigenous to South Africa. Another Ditsong Museum is the National Museum of Cultural History with Bushman rock engravings, an ethnological section, Cape Dutch furniture, silver, and archaeological material.

Sammy Marks House is a historic house worth visiting. This grand Victorian mansion was home to the successful industrialist and his family from 1885 to 1909 and still contains most of the original furniture and ornaments. After a tour here, visitors can enjoy tea and scones in the garden.

Official site: https://ditsong.org.za/

On the outskirts of Pretoria, Rietvlei Nature Reserve offers a peaceful escape to nature and great game viewing less than a 20-minute drive from the city center. The dam was built during the Great Depression, and now constitutes 15 percent of Pretoria's water supply, as well as supporting a range of highveld game that was reintroduced to the area. Eland, red hartebeest, buffalo, blesbok, waterbuck, zebra, black wildebeest, hippo, and even cheetah are among the animals found here. Birders should keep a lookout for the comical secretary birds, as well as the blue crane, South Africa's national bird, and a breeding pair of fish eagles.

The reserve encompasses 3,800 hectares of rolling hills, sprawling grassland, well-marked roads, and of course, the dam itself, where anglers can cast their lines from the northern and western shores. Other highlights include the lion tours, hiking and horse trails, bird hides, a popular tea garden, and a playground to keep the kids entertained.

Official site: http://rietvlei-reserve.co.za/

Inside a modest Victorian on Church Street, the Kruger House Museum is the oldest and best known house in Pretoria. From 1883 to 1900, it was the home of Paul Kruger, President of the former Transvaal Boer Republic.

Today it has been turned into a museum with mementos and exhibits relating to his life and the politics of the time. Note the two stone lions on the verandah. They were gifted to President Kruger for his birthday in 1896 by the Northern Cape mining magnate Barney Barnato.

Location: 59 WF Nkomo Street, Pretoria Central

From walking with baby lions to horseback safaris, Horseback Africa is a private wildlife reserve just under 50 kilometers from Pretoria and one of top attractions in the area. The Lion Tours are the most special experience here. The mission is to create greater awareness of animal conservation while allowing you to interact with young lions up to one year old.

Begin in the garden feeding the baby lion cubs and learning interesting facts about their species. Then take a walk with the adolescent lions through the reserve. While amazing for guests, the walks are also super important to the lions who need to hone their hunting skills. That said, the lions often ask to stop and cuddle.

Beyond the big cats, the reserve offers horseback riding safaris that let you get up close and personal with other wildlife like zebra, wildebeest, kudu, and giraffe on trail rides. These are suitable for beginners and experienced riders alike, as each group includes at least two guides. Although you can choose to stay the night here, many visit on a day trip, and the reserve offers a package that includes a morning horseback riding safari, lunch, and an afternoon Lion Tour.

Official site: www.horsebackafrica.com

The European-style Hazel Food Market is one of the top things to do in Pretoria on a Saturday. Located adjacent to the Greenlyn Village Centre in the Menlo Park suburb, the market has more than 70 stalls selling everything from artisanal breads to fresh fruits and veggies, flowers, baked goods, and local meats like biltong.

You'll also find a wide range of prepared food from South Africa and the globe with Thai, Mexican, Indian, and American BBQ all among the international choices. When it comes to a taste of South Africa, try the sosaties (a skewer of BBQ meat) or the koeksisters (deep-fried dough with syrup).

Location: 64 14th Street, Menlo Park

Covering an entire city block, the Pretoria Art Museum has been around since the 1930s. It was originally established to house the City Council of Pretoria's Art Collection after a large donation of 17th-century pieces from the "New Dutch" school.

Over the decades, the museum's collection has increased and now focuses mainly on South African art. The permanent collection has more than 3,000 pieces on display, including works by South African masters like Henk Pierneef, Irma Stern, and Pieter Wenning, among others. It also has a contemporary art collection with pieces by the likes of Sam Nhlengethwa, Judith Mason, and Lucas Sithole.

The museum decided to focus on South African art because Cape Town and Jo'burg already had substantial European art collections from the 17th to the 19th centuries. It hosts a permanent collection, as well as national and traveling exhibitions. These include shows by local artists, and some of the pieces are for sale.

Pretoria is also home to some excellent galleries. If landscape art is your jam, then pay a visit to the Chris Tugwell Gallery. One of South Africa's top landscape artists, Tugwell works mostly in oil, and his pieces have a subtle quality that intrigues. Located in the Brooklyn Mall Shopping Center, the gallery also features ceramics, bronzes, and sculptures from other top South African artists.

Address: Corner of Franscis Baard and Wessels Street

We recommend these highly rated Pretoria hotels with easy access to the top sites in town:

Luxury Hotels:

• For a luxe boutique experience with excellent service and stylish decor try the Menlyn Boutique Hotel . The five-star hotel also has a gourmet restaurant, spa, and wellness center.

Mid-Range Hotels :

• For comfortable rooms in the mid-range bracket, try the Southern Sun Pretoria .
• The palm-shaded pool and fitness center are perks. Morning Star Express Hotel is another option. The three-star hotel has welcoming staff and contemporary decor and runs a shuttle service.

Budget Hotels:

• Holiday Inn Express Pretoria-Sunnypark is a good budget pick in a safe location. It is connected to a shopping mall and comes with modern rooms and a lovely outdoor pool.

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Exploring The Mother City: Cape Town is South Africa's most stunning city, just a short flight from Pretoria. It is home to the iconic Table Mountain , which rises out of the city, as well as other peaks like the Twelve Apostles , which keep watch over the beaches around Camps Bay, and the favorite sunrise hiking spot Lion's Head. Read more in our Top Tourist Attractions in Cape Town article.

Wild Wanders in the Northern Cape: The wild and remote Northern Cape Province is also worth exploring. The province is filled with wide-open spaces, dark starry night skies, spring wildflowers, and the red earth grounds of the Kalahari Desert with a fantastic game reserve in the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park . It is also home to Kimberley , which was once the diamond capital of the planet. For more, check out our article on the Top Tourist Attractions in the Northern Cape .

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11 Top Things to See and Do in Pretoria

Pretoria is jam-packed with fun things to see and do. Whether you like exploring nature, learning more about South Africa’s history, or just relaxing with a cold beer in hand, the Jacaranda City has you covered. Here are 11 of the top things to see and do in Pretoria.

See the jacarandas in bloom.

In October every year, the streets of Pretoria are lined with purple blossoms and the sweet scent of jacarandas fill the air. Although the jacaranda tree is an invasive alien species and no new trees may be planted, the older suburbs of the city are still a beautiful sight to behold in jacaranda season. Take a drive through Groenkloof, Brooklyn, Arcardia or Lynnwood and surrounds to see the blooms at their best.

1. Picnic at the Union Buildings

Although the Union Buildings, seat of the South African government, are not open to the public, the gardens are and it’s a popular picnic spot on warm summer days. There are tall trees to wander underneath, manicured gardens to admire, a statue of Nelson Mandela to pay your respects to and grand architecture to stand in awe of. Not to mention the view over Pretoria from the top Meintjieskop hill!

Government Ave, Elandspoort, Pretoria, South Africa , +27 12 300 5200

View over Pretoria from the Union Building Gardens | © Derek Wolmarans / Wikimedia Commons

3. Shop at Africa’s largest mall

With more than 500 shops and over 177,000 m2 (211,690 yd2 ) of floor space, Menlyn Park shopping center is the largest mall in Africa. Everything from fashion to food to fun can be found here, including high street brand names, some of the best restaurants , cafes and bars in Pretoria, and one of only four 4DX cinemas in the country. There is even a large outdoor space with an oversized chess set and fountains to keep the little ones entertained while mum and dad rest their weary feet.

Cnr Atterbury & Lois Avenue, Menlo Park, Pretoria, South Africa , +27 12 764 9600

Menlyn Park, the largest mall in Africa | © Travel Ground

4. Taste a variety of craft beers

The best bars in Pretoria serve not only our local SAB brands, but also a selection of craft beers for the more refined palate. If you know your lager from your ale and your tongue can tease out the tastes each micro brew has to offer, then you’ll be happy to know the capital city has you covered. One of the most popular places for craft beer tasting is the Capital Craft Beer Academy restaurant and bar in Menlo Park. Come for beer with your mates, stay for the good food and great atmosphere.

Greenlyn Village Centre, Cnr Thomas Edison & 12th Street East, Menlo Park, Pretoria, South Africa , +27 12 424 8601

Craft beers at Capital Craft | © Kate Els

5. Spot Big Five animals at a nature reserve

Would you believe you can see four of the Big Five roaming around within the borders of a nature reserve just on the outskirts of Pretoria? Admittedly, the predators are confined within their own encampment which you can visit on an escorted game drive and perhaps even take part in the feeding. However, the rest of the 3,800 hectare Rietvlei Nature Reserve is yours to explore by car and chances are good you’ll encounter rhino, buffalo, black wildebeest, Burchell’s zebra, springbok and a variety of other antelope and smaller animals on your drive. Guided hiking and horse trails are also available upon request.

14 Game Reserve Ave, Rietvallei, Pretoria, South Africa , +27 12 345 2274

Cape Buffalo at Rietvlei Nature Reserve | © Suneé Jones

6. Early bird gets the best fresh produce

Do yourself a favor and get up before the birds do one fine Saturday morning to visit the Pretoria Boeremark farmer’s market, which has been popular with lovers of fresh, local produce for more than 20 years now. You can find anything from farm produce to homemade milk tart, cheese and fruit preserves, to local handcrafts, spices and flowers for sale.

670 Krige St, Silverton, Pretoria, South Africa , +27 12 804 8031

Farm fresh produce | © Lori L. Stalteri / Flickr

7. Watch a rugby game at Loftus Versfeld

South Africans are obsessed with rugby and here in Pretoria it’s almost become a religion. If you want a true taste of local culture, then don’t miss out on a Blue Bulls game at Loftus Versfeld stadium. The crowd may be rowdy but they’re friendly and you’ll soon be arm in arm with your fellow supporters, and perhaps even meet up afterwards for a pint or two at the local sports bar. Come dressed in blue and you’ll be welcomed with open arms any day of the week.

Kirkness St, Arcadia, Pretoria, South Africa , +27 12 420 0700

Loftus Versfeld stadium, home of the Blue Bulls rugby team | © flowcomm / Flickr

8. See a show at the State Theater

9. Take a trip on a steam train

The luxury Blue Train departs from Pretoria Station and is a bucket list item for many, but few can actually afford it. But if a trip on a train appeals to you, then consider taking a day-trip on a steam train from Pretoria to the nearby little mining town of Cullinan with Friends of the Rail. Sit back and relax in one of the 60-year-old railway coaches while the train goes clickety-clack and the locomotive whistles and steam pours past the window. Point out the familiar sights of Pretoria as the train passes by the Union Buildings, Loftus Versfeld, Unisa and more, until you leave the city behind and head for Cullinan, where you can spend the afternoon exploring a diamond mine or taking in the sights of this quirky town.

Hermanstad Station, Miechaelson St, Hermanstad, Pretoria, South Africa , +27 73 789 5429

Steam train | © Friends of the Rail

10. Hang out at the zoo

Aquarium, Park, Zoo

Regardless of how you feel about the ethics of zoos, there is no denying that seeing wild animals up close is an experience that will leave you both amazed and aware of the need to protect them. The National Zoological Gardens, situated in the Pretoria CBD, is the largest zoo in the country and also features an aquarium and reptile park. It’s a fantastic place to spend the day, where you can see anything from African elephants to hippos to lions to lemurs to komodo dragons. The zoo is home to more than 3,000 animals and there is ample room to have a picnic under the tall trees next to the Apies River.

Cnr Boom Street and Paul Kruger Street, Pretoria, South Africa , +27 12 339 2700

Pink flamingos at the Pretoria Zoo | © Suneé Jones

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16 Unique Things to do in Pretoria

Looking for the best things to do in Pretoria? Read on...

Also known by its official name Tshwane, Pretoria is South Africa’s administrative capital and is approximately 45 minutes from Johannesburg . Recently listed as one of the top 100 most loved destinations in the world by the Tourism Sentiment Index , it is a city of historic monuments and memorials, as well as natural spaces, . The city is divided into seven regions and its cost of living compares well to other big cities in South Africa .

Some Pretoria history

Pretoria was founded in 1855 by Marthinus Pretorius , the first president of the South African Republic, who named it in honour of his father Andries Pretorius, also a Voortrekker leader.

The city’s name was officially changed to Tshwane in 2005.

Here are 16 unique things to do in Pretoria

1. the union buildings.

Union Buildings

The Union Buildings are one of South Africa's Architectural masterpieces. Designed by Sir Herbert Baker, they were completed in 1913. This is where Nelson Mandela was inaugurated as South Africa’s first democratically elected president in 1994. A nine-metre high bronze statue of him, the tallest one in existence, stands at the foot of the Union Buildings. The landscaped gardens offer a great view of the city and are ideal for a picnic.

2. Voortrekker Monument

Voortrekker Monument

The Voortrekker Monument is a massive granite monument which was built to commemorate the Voortrekker history in Southern Africa. Located on a hilltop in a nature reserve, the design was inspired by ancient  Egyptian  architecture. Inside the monument, you will find a high domed hall known as the Hall of Heroes, decorated with an ornate marble frieze depicting the Great Trek. There is also a museum with a collection of original Great Trek antiques.

3. Freedom Park

Freedom Park Memorial

Freedom Park is a National Heritage Destination. It consists of a spacious indoor museum which tells the story of South Africa's turbulent history by means of moving displays and striking exhibitions, and outdoor memorials which pay tribute to those who lost their lives for our country. It's a beautiful reminder of how far our country has come. You can read more about it on fellow blogger, Heather’s blog 2Summers .

4. Hennops Hiking Trails

Hennops Hiking Trail Suspension bridge

This is one of the most popular hiking spots in Gauteng . It consists of an expansive nature reserve with several hiking, mountain biking and off-roading trails, as well as a historical background. The Hennops river flows through a valley flanked by mountain ranges and the hiking trails start by crossing a meandering river. You can read more about our experience at Hennops Hiking Trails here .

5. Pretoria National Botanical Gardens

Pretoria Botanical Gardens

This 76 hectare urban oasis is one of South Africa's ten National Botanical Gardens. It is divided into two sections by a 50 m high quartzite outcrop, one facing south and the other north – and quite different from each other. The mostly indigenous gardens include a cycad garden, medicinal garden, useful plants garden, and a small waterfall. It is also popular with birding enthusiasts and over 220 bird species have been seen here.

6. Pretoria National Zoological Gardens

Pretoria National Zoological Gardens (cc: NJR ZA via Wikimedia)

Although I am not a fan of animals in captivity, not everyone can afford to go on a safari. And zoos have some educational value, especially for children, as long as the animals are taken care of well. The Pretoria National Zoological Gardens is the largest zoo in Africa and one of the highest rated zoos in the world .  The 85 hectare zoo contains more than 700 species of creatures and has a cableway.

7. Dinokeng Game Reserve

Giraffe at Dinokeng Game Reserve

Dinokeng Game Reserve is unique in that it is a Big 5 game reserve located within the boundaries of a metro city and half an hour away from the city centre. Meaning “a place of rivers”, it is the first and only game reserve in Gauteng with free-roaming B ig 5 . Although, we did not get to see any of them, other visitors have. Read about our experience at Dinokeng Game Reserve.

8. Irene Dairy Farm

Irene Dairy Farm

This is a historic, working dairy farm with two restaurants, in a picturesque setting. It makes a great family outing, especially with younger kids who will enjoy seeing the farm animals, exploring the antique tractors, and having fun on the playground.

9. Tswaing Meteorite Crater

Tswaing Crater (cc: Martin Tuchscherer via Wikimedia)

This is one of four impact craters in South Africa and one of the best preserved in the world. Formed around 220000 years ago when a meteorite hit the earth’s crust, the 100 metre deep crater is also the most accessible. A hiking trail will take you along the outskirts of the massive crater, then down to the lake at the bottom. Tswaing means place of salt and the site contains the remains of a factory which produced salt and soda ash.

10. Cullinan

Cullinan is a quaint, historic town  of which the focal point is a diamond mine which is still operational. Some of the largest diamonds in the world today were found in Cullinan, including the 3106-carat Cullinan Diamond, which is now part of the British crown jewels. You can go on a tour of the Cullinan Diamond Mine , then walk around the quirky little town and visit the museums and restaurants.

11. Adventure Zone

Muningi Gorge

If adrenalin-pumping adventures are more your style, then Adventure Zone is a must-visit. They have two venues – one at Muningi Gorge near Cullinan and the other at The Voortrekker Monument. You can book a range of activities including zip-lining, quad-biking, abseiling, hiking and much more. See my review of Adventure Zone .

Museums - These museums are national monuments and part of South Africa’s history.

12. Kruger House

Kruger House Museum

This is the last house in which former President Paul Kruger lived before he left South Africa to go into exile in Europe. The simple house, which was his home between 1883 and 1901, reflects what it was like when he lived there with his second wife, Gezina and contains original furniture, gifts that were presented to him and other memorabilia.

Interesting points

• The house is said to have been built with cement and milk, instead of water, due to the poor quality of the cement at the time.
• Kruger National Park and the Krugerrand are named after Paul Kruger.
• The stone lions on the verandah were given to Paul Kruger as a birthday gift in 1896, by Barney Barnato, the mining magnate.

13. Smuts House Museum

Smuts House Museum

This museum was the home of General Jan Smuts, former prime minister of South Africa between 1910 and 1950. It gives insight into his life and times. Exhibits include artefacts and gifts given to Jan Smuts during his world travels and his extensive library collection.

14. Ludwig's Roses

Colourful roses at Ludwig's Roses

On the outskirts of Pretoria, to the north, there is a floral wonderland called Ludwig's Roses - a flourishing rose farm that boasts the largest selection of roses in the country with over 1000 varieties. It has a huge rose farm which can be explored on a complimentary tractor ride. There’s also a huge nursery, a restaurant called the “Rose Kitchen” and a shop selling a range of rose-infused treats as well as rose-themed products and souvenirs. If the kids get bored, there’s a garden playground for them too.

15. Moreleta Kloof Nature Reserve

Moreleta Kloof Nature Reserve

Moreleta Kloof Nature Reserve is a beautiful nature reserve in Pretoria with 3 trails ranging from 1.5 to 3.6 km that take you along rocky paths carved out of the cliff through seemingly enchanted woods, across bridges and streams. The reserve has game including springbok, blesbok, impala and zebra as well as an abundance of bird life and a bird hide from where you can see many of them.

16. See the Jacarandas (in season)

Arcadia in October

Pretoria's unofficial name, Jacaranda City, stems from the thousands of jacaranda trees which bloom in October and November each year, covering the city in shades of purple. The first two trees were imported from Rio De Janeiro in 1888. White jacarandas are much rarer than the purple ones, but they can be seen in Herbert Baker Street in Pretoria.

Where to stay in Pretoria

Zebra nature reserve.

Zebra Nature Reserve is a charming countryside getaway near Dinokeng Game Reserve, consisting of four distinctly different accommodation options spaced comfortably apart from each other. Here, you will find wildlife, culture (in the form of an Ndebele Village), a beautiful setting and activities galore. Here is my review of Zebra Country Lodge .

Courtyard Hotel Arcadia

A family-friendly hotel with comfortable suites, built around a historic manor house, in the Embassy Row area of Pretoria. Read my review of Courtyard Hotel Arcadia .

Bushman's Rock Country Lodge

A lovely family-friendly countryside escape on the outskirts of  Pretoria, it is located on the banks of a stream. Read my review of Bushman's Rock Country Lodge .

Irene Country Lodge

Close to Irene Dairy Farm, this family-friendly hotel has vast grounds, spacious rooms and a popular spa and restaurant. Here is my review of  Irene Country Lodge.

Kievits Kroon

Another favourite of ours, this Cape Dutch style luxury country estate is situated in the Kameeldrift area. Until recently, children were not allowed here, making it more of a romantic hotel. However, this has now changed. This luxury hotel also has a wonderful spa and restaurant. Here is my review of Kievits Kroon .

Pretoria Sheraton Hotel

An elegant 5-star hotel located opposite The Union Buildings, the hotel is a great choice if you want to be centrally located. It also has an outdoor swimming pool and a gym. Book here .

Find more accommodation in Pretoria .

What are your favourite things to do in Pretoria ?

Related posts:

• Hennops Hiking Trail & 5 interesting things to see there
• Dinokeng Game Reserve : Should you visit?
• Adventure Zone Cullinan and Voortrekker Monument
• The Cullinan Diamond Mine Tour

9 comments on “16 Unique Things to do in Pretoria”

I have not yet managed to get to this part of the world. It looks very tempting and beautiful! Thanks for sharing!

Yes, we're going to do all of this now that lockdown measures are easing. Thanks for compiling such a cool list of activities. Loved Tswaing, have done it twice.

Looks like I still have one or two spots to explore! Thanks for pointing them out.

Thanks Alma. I didn't realise there was so much to do in Pretoria until recently!

The hiking trails and the games reserve looks amazing! I might take a trip next time I visit my bro in Durban.

You have a brother in Durban? That's interesting! Pretoria's become our favourite local hiking place these days 🙂

This looks incredible!! I love that we're all taking the time to explore our backyards 🙂

Yes, I guess it's one of the positives of being in lockdown and unable to travel further.

That is wonderful that you have so many things to see and do close to your home. Pretoria looks beautiful with a lot of history that I’m not as familiar with or forgot as school was so long ago. I’d love to visit the museums to learn more of the history, see a game reserve, go on walks and visit the botanical garden!

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• (0.24 km) Manhattan Hotel
• (0.45 km) StayEasy Pretoria
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• 1.1 History
• 1.2 Climate
• 2.2 By plane
• 2.4 By train
• 3 Get around
• 4.1 Museums and galleries
• 5.1 Experiences
• 5.2 Performing arts
• 5.4 Outdoors
• 7.1 Shopping malls
• 7.2 Other shopping
• 7.3 Supermarkets
• 7.4 Banks & ATMs
• 8.2 Mid-range
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Pretoria , the administrative capital of South Africa , is in Gauteng . Its wide avenues are lined with purple-flowered jacaranda trees and stately architecture. The city has many museums and art galleries, and a large student population that gives its centre a boisterous atmosphere.

Understand [ edit ]

Pretoria is part of City of Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality .

History [ edit ]

The area known today as Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality, with Pretoria (City) at its centre, is believed to have been occupied by the Sotho people for many centuries. During the 15th century the Ndebele people also migrated into the area and settled along the banks of the Apies River. Tshwane [tsʰwane] is the Setswana name of the Apies River. Around 1820 the Matabele under the leadership of Mzilikaza also entered the region, leading to local conflicts between the Matabele newcomers and the already established Sotho and Ndebele tribes as well as the European "Voortrekkers" who were steadily moving northward through the country. These conflicts came to an end when the Matabele were defeated by the "Voortrekkers" in 1837 at Mosega.

By 1855 there was no known tribe in what is known as the Pretoria area today. Only nomadic groups passed through this area, with one of the Setswana people (so it is alleged) led them. Pretoria was founded in 1855. The first capital of the Zuid-Afrikaansche Republiek (South African Republic) was Ohrigstad, but the capital was moved to Pretoria. After the Second Boer War, the ZAR become Transvaal province, and Pretoria its capital. The city was named after Andries Pretorius, the Boer leader at the Battle of Blood River where the Voortrekkers defeated the Zulus under King Dingaan. In 1856 the area today known as Arcadia was acquired in exchange for a pony and added to the town.

In 1899, during the Second Boer War, Winston Churchill was captured and held as a POW in Pretoria until his eventual escape to Mozambique . British forces captured Pretoria in 1900 and held control over the city until the signing of the Treaty of Vereeniging in 1902.

When the Union of South Africa was established in 1910, Pretoria was elected the capital and is still the administrative capital of the Republic of South Africa today.

Climate [ edit ]

Pretoria is located in a summer rainfall area with hot days regularly followed by short and intense afternoon thunderstorms. The thunderstorms are often accompanied by lightning and occasionally result in hail. Summer temperatures range between 16°C at night to 30°C during the day, with occasionally higher temperatures (up to about 36°C). Winters are mild and dry with temperatures averaging between a minimum of 5°C and a maximum of 20°C. Winter nights and (occasionally winter days) can be surprisingly cold and buildings are generally not well insulated. Bring warm clothes if you're visiting during the winter months.

Get in [ edit ]

By car [ edit ]

Five highways join in the Gauteng region, making it accessible from all cities in the country. This would include the N1, N3, N4, N12 and N14 national highways.

Most National Routes (N) are toll roads. Open road tolling (e-toll) is available on the freeways around Johannesburg and Pretoria.

By plane [ edit ]

The closest international airport is O.R. Tambo International Airport ( JNB  IATA ) in Johannesburg . The Albertina Sisulu Highway or R21 leads from there to Pretoria. Airport shuttles are available on the airport or can be booked:

• JIATA Taxi Association , ☏ +27 11 390-1857 . Johannesburg-based company.  
• Ants Events and Tours , ☏ +27 82 557-9604 , +27 12 346-2400 , [email protected] . Very reliable and friendly.  

By bus [ edit ]

• Major bus companies like Apm, Citiliner, Greyhound, Translux, City to City, Intercape Mainliner offer connections to all big cities in South Africa .
• there are also lots of bus lines that have buses to Zimbabwe .
• Citiliner fare to Bulawayo is R410. The trip takes 15 hours.
• Apm bus lines have a bus from Pretoria to Capetown every day at 16:00 with a fare of R450.
• Intercape has a sleepliner bus from Pretoria to Knysna every day at 14:00 with a fare of R569.
• Citiliner has a bus going to Mbombela every day at 09:00 with a fare of R200. The trip takes 6 hours.
• Citiliner has a bus going to Kimberley every day at 09:45 with a fare of R275. The trip takes 8 hours.
• Apm has a bus going to Durban every day at 10:30 with a fare of R220. The trip takes 9 hours.
• The Baz Bus also stops in Pretoria.

By train [ edit ]

A convenient high-speed rail link, Gautrain , is available between Johannesburg , OR Tambo International Airport and Pretoria. Travellers can access this direct link from the arrivals hall in the airport building. Safe, comfortable Gautrain buses serve local routes from the different stops in Pretoria. The fare from International airport to pretoria is R164. There are frequent commuter trains from Johannesburg which cost R16.50 one way. Metrorail also services other outlying towns and many suburbs of Pretoria.

Long-distance trains from other parts of South Africa generally arrive in Johannesburg , however trains from Musina via Polokwane and from Komatipoort via Nelspruit call in Pretoria.

Get around [ edit ]

Although crime in South Africa is higher than in many other parts of the world, common sense precautions should prevent incidents. Be especially aware of your surroundings after dark and don't travel alone. Main shopping centres are reasonably safe.

Either use a metered taxi, rent a car or use the municipal bus service. There is also a very extensive network of informal, cheap minibus taxis, mostly used by local commuters. These taxis used to have a reputation for being unsafe, but this has greatly improved and most taxis are now relatively luxurious and not overcrowded, except during peak times. Accidents are rare. Ask locals waiting at taxi stops about routes and rates.

Walking is a good option during the day, but may be unsafe after dusk in certain areas, such as central Pretoria.

• Train service . Pretoria Main railway station.  
• Tempest Car Hire , ☏ +27 12 663-1368 , fax : +27 12 663-1387 , [email protected] . Affordable car rental service available at all major locations in South Africa.  
• HeinRich's Taxis , [email protected]?Subject=taxi (ref wikivoyage) . Safe and professional taxi service.  
• Hendrick Metered taxi and Shuttles, 0826742075, www.hendrickcabs.co.za
• Rixi Taxi , ☏ +27 12 362-6272 . Safe and professional taxi service. Not the cheapest means of getting around.  
• Tshwane Bus Routes . Graphical map of bus routes and timetables and some information on using Minibus Taxis. R8 within the central business district, and R16 for long-distance journeys. Not extensive coverage or very regular, but is fairly reliable. Main office at church square. Timetable available there. Bus stops have poor indication of bus direction. So ask or wait. Bus frequency is best during rush hours. Very old fashioned but good for nostalgists.  
• Uber . Uber is available in Pretoria, but there is a zone surrounding the Gautrain station where pickups and drop-offs are not permitted. The availability of Ubers is not as great as in Johannesburg, so you may encounter difficulties finding one at some of the more distant sights like the Voortrekker Monument.

See [ edit ]

• Streets with jacaranda trees , South of Union Buildings . In September, the jacarandas have purple flowers. Many streets are lined with these trees. A good place to view lines of them is the Union Buildings. ( updated Mar 2016 )

Museums and galleries [ edit ]

• -25.76152 28.18175 6 Correctional Services Museum (Kgosi Mampuru II Correctional Centre) , ☏ +27 12 314-1766 . Tu-F 09:00-15:00 . Historical articles show the development of the penal system in South Africa from the most barbaric methods to the modern penological system of today. The pursuit of hobbies by prisoners is portrayed by matchstick work, art objects, wood and stone carvings. Objects illegally made by prisoners and which are confiscated, are displayed, such as dagga pipes, forged keys and money, tattooing machines, and stabbing and cutting weapons. ( updated Jul 2017 )
• -25.75345 28.18443 8 National Museum of Cultural History , 149 Visagie St , ☏ +27 12 492 5708 . Daily 08:00 – 16:00 . Learn about the people and the cultures of South Africa, from the Iron Age till today. ( Wheelchair accessible ). Exhibitions include rock paintings and engravings of the San people; 1000-year-old Iron Age figurines from Schroda in the Limpopo Province (described as “the best known artifacts indicating ritual behaviour in the Early Iron Age”); the Art Gallery presents an overview of South African culture through time, using cultural objects, crafts, sculpture and paintings and an exhibition on Marabastad is a true example of a cosmopolitan and fully integrated rainbow nation before apartheid. Adults R35, children R20, seniors R20 . ( updated Jul 2017 )
• Willem Prinsloo Agricultural Museum , R104 Old Bronkhorstspruit Road, Rayton , ☏ +27 12 736 2035 , [email protected] . M-F 08:30 – 16:00, Sa Su and public holidays 09:00 – 16:00 . The history of the development of agriculture in South Africa and a collection of old vehicles (donkey and horse carts, ox-wagons, coaches, carriages and spiders) are displayed in the main building. Visitors can explore the 1880 and 1913 house museums and outbuildings, and two Ndebele homesteads from different eras. Indigenous farm animals include the Nguni and Afrikaner cattle, Kolbroek pigs, Speckled Persian sheep and indigenous chickens like the Ovambo, Koekoek, Venda and Naked Necks. ( updated Jul 2017 )

Do [ edit ]

Experiences [ edit ].

• -25.72 28.16344 1 Friends of the Rail , alongside Miechaelson Street, Hermanstad , ☏ +27 12 767 7913 . Daily 09:00 - 12:00 . Take a step back in time and circle Pretoria on a steam train or visit Cullinan, birth place of the world's largest diamond. The train runs two or three times per month, check timetable on website for exact dates. R250 . ( updated Mar 2016 )
• -25.89002 28.38613 2 Klitsgras Drumming Circle , Tierpoort, Garsfontein Rd ( take the Garsfontein Road (M30) in the eastern direction; 14 km after crossing Hans-Strijdom Drive, turn left onto Plot 62; it's next to the Excel service station ), ☏ +27 83 311 0025 , [email protected] . Daily 19:00 till late . Drumming circle out in the bush. Once you have a drum, food and drink you can sit down in the amphitheater around a cozy fire where the professionals and novices are drumming together and everyone joins in. Everyone takes lead from these people even if you do not know what you are doing, you just follow their drumming. So you are not only here to watch, but to be part of the entertainment! And then as a visual bonus the fire dancers move to the groves of the drumming. Didgeridoo players and percussionist frequent the venue. Held every second Friday night. R40 for drum rental . ( updated Mar 2016 )
• Skydive Pretoria , Wonderboom Airport , ☏ +27 81 499 5739 .  

Performing arts [ edit ]

• -25.74654 28.19489 3 State Theatre , corner Pretorius and Prinsloo Streets , ☏ +27 12 392 4000 , [email protected] . Opening times dependent on performances . The State Theatre in Pretoria, South Africa is the largest theatre complex in Africa. Tickets for performances can be booked via Computicket ( updated Mar 2016 )

Sports [ edit ]

• Rugby Union: Bulls play in the United Rugby Championship (formerly Pro14), the multi-national European professional league. The playing season is Oct-March, with home games at Loftus Versfeld Stadium (capacity 52,000) in the Arcadia district. Loftus Versfeld is also home to the Blue Bulls, a developmental side for the URC Bulls that plays in the domestic Currie Cup from January–June.
• Cricket: Pretoria Capitals play in the southern town of Centurion , where they share the stadium with Titans.

Outdoors [ edit ]

• Fountains . Barbque resort  

Events [ edit ]

• -25.8214 28.2213 6 Africa Aerospace and Defence Expo , Air Force Base Waterkloof . A combined airshow and trade exhibition, also open to the public, taking place biannually in September. There are planes on display, aerobatics and parachuting shows and hands-on activities for kids. ( updated May 2020 )

Learn [ edit ]

Buy [ edit ]

Shopping malls [ edit ].

• -25.68117 28.25087 3 Kolonnade . In the north with an ice rink and other entertainment.  
• -25.67166 28.11051 4 Wonderpark . In the north just as you get onto Brits road off the Mabopani highway. Skatepark and hundreds of stores.  
• -25.7663 28.32444 5 The grove , Lynwood Cnr Simon Vermooten ( head to Lynwood Rd East ). Larger mall. No free parking. Also good for middle budget eating out. ( updated Mar 2016 )
• -25.74985 28.23637 6 Hatfield Plaza Shopping Centre , Burnett St . 08:00-19:00 . Has a Pick N Pay supermaket and many places to eat. ( updated Aug 2016 )

Other shopping [ edit ]

• German bakery and Alma German butchery . Tu-Su . East of Pretoria, Offramp Rossouw, then turn north, after 200 m. Serves coffee. You can also buy some imported products.  

Supermarkets [ edit ]

• Shoprite, U Save, Checkers, Supermarkets , Whittle Lane, 218 Scheiding Street, and Brooklyn mall . Daily 08:00-19:00 . All three stores are part of Shoprite. ( updated Aug 2016 )
• Pick N Pay Supermarket , Hatfield Plaza mall . Daily 08:00-19:00 . ( updated Aug 2016 )
• Game (part of Wal-mart USA) , Brooklyn Mall . Daily 08:30-17:00 . ( updated Aug 2016 )
• Spar , Burneet Street ( next to Hatfield Plaza ). Daily 08:00-19:00 . ( updated Aug 2016 )

Banks & ATMs [ edit ]

• First National Bank , Hatfield Plaza . ATM 24 hours . Has a Mastercard/Visa card ATM. no-fee at ATM for overseas cards . ( updated Sep 2016 )

Eat [ edit ]

The renowned restaurants include Cynthia's, the Hillside Tavern and Pachas. There are also many franchised diners throughout the city.

Budget [ edit ]

• Centurion Mall Express Sandwich Baron ( [email protected] ), Shop 30A, Cnr Hendrik Verwoerd and Embankment, Centurion Mall, Centurion , ☏ +27 12 643-1144 . Sandwich Baron produces freshly made platters and sandwiches and holds no ready-made products in stock. Also has a catering service.  
• Mimmos . Italian restaurant chain, incl. SA-Food. Good prices, take aways, wifi.  

Mid-range [ edit ]

• Toni's Pizza Toni's is a great place to get the best pizza in town.
• Panarotti's Panarotti's is a national chain with several Pretoria branches.
• Spur . A national chain of Native American-themed steak-houses. Several branches in Pretoria.  

Splurge [ edit ]

• Kream Restaurant , 283 Dey Street, Nieuw Muckleneuk , ☏ +27 12 346-4642 . This new restaurant has a fresh upmarket urban feel and offers splendid food at very reasonable prices. Around R150 per person .  
• La Pentola , 5 Riviera Galleries, Well Street, Riviera , ☏ +27 12 329-4028 , fax : +27 12 329-5464 . M-F 12:00-15:00 and 18:00-22:00, Sa 18:00-22:00 . Excellent food. From around R150 per person .  

Drink [ edit ]

• Pretoria's nightlife is concentrated in Hatfield (near the university), which boasts a number of bars and night clubs. Menlyn Square (just off the Menlyn shopping centre) is also a popular location which contains several venues but caters for the more upmarket crowd.
• Exclusive Books . EB is in many shopping centres and offers coffee while reading their books.  

Sleep [ edit ]

Being the capital, there are many posh hotels (including the Sheraton) and guest houses and all the usual hotel chains have one or more hotels. With so many hotels owned by the same chains, in particularly Tsogo Sun. Make sure you note the address when booking so you go to the right hotel. When Parliament is in session and when there are other state events it can be almost impossible to find a mid-range or splurge room. Consider nearby Centurion as an alternative if you have to be in Pretoria at those times.

• 1322 Backpackers , 1322 Arcadia Street, Hatfield , ☏ +27 12 362-3905 , [email protected] . very clean backpackers hostel with single/double rooms and dorm beds. Has a nice garden with a swimming pool, bar, TV room, free Wifi, breakfast and tea and coffee. Dorm R180 per person. double room R380. .  
• Khayalethu Guest House , 1291 Arcadia Street, Hatfield , ☏ +27 12 362 5947 , [email protected] . Free breakfast. Dorm bed R240 per person. .  
• Pretoria Backpackers , 425 Farenden Street, Clydesdale , ☏ +27 12 343-9754 , [email protected] . Double rooms and free breakfast. From R250 per person .  
• Pumbas Backpackers , 1232 Arcadia Street , ☏ +27 12 362-5343 . Great backpackers, managed by the friendly owners Frank and Corné. Free wifi and breakfast! Offers doubles, dorms and camping. Has two friendly dogs walking around and a nice central location in Hatfield. dorm R170 per person. camping R90 per person .  
• Dark Chocolate Guest House Pretoria , 25 Catherine Street, Shere , ☏ +27 12 809-0626 . Standard rooms, all equipped with plasma TV, bathroom and shower. Facilities and services are swimming pool, restaurant and bar/lounge. From R1,040 .  
• Khayalethu GuestHouse , 1291 Arcadia Street, Hatfield , ☏ +27 12 362-5403 . Khayalethu GuestHouse has 10 en suite rooms, off-street parking and free internet access.  
• City Lodge , ☏ +27 11 557-2600 , [email protected] . From around R400 sharing .  
• The Farm Inn , Lynnwood Rd , ☏ +27 12 809-0266 , [email protected] . Provides a unique South African experience. stuffed and alve animals around. Also excellent for day visitors. From R510pps .  
• Ithiliens Grace Guest House , 47 Kamperfoelie Street, Amandasig ( easily accessible from all major highways ), ☏ +27 79 892-2376 , [email protected] . R280-900 .  
• [dead link] The Village in Hatfield _ , 1252 Arcadia Street, Cnr. Glyn & Arcadia Streets, Hatfield ( N4 into PTA-Hatfield, near Duncan Street ), ☏ +27 12 362-3737 , [email protected] . Several family homes were converted into sleeping rooms. lots of space, quiet. Next to sports university. Functions possible. Free Wifi. From R500 single .  
• The Waterhouse Guesthouse , 439 Stonewall Street, Faerie Glen ( easily accessible from all major highways ), ☏ +27 12 991-2823 , [email protected] . R670 single, R1400 double .  
• Morning Star Express Hotel , 327 Visagie St , ☏ +27 12 442-0600 . A/C spacious rooms equipped with TV with cable channels, double bed and bathroom. Some of its facilities and services are restaurant, Wi-Fi internet, massage service, and 24-hour front desk. From R480 .  
• -25.756494 28.188601 1 Victoria Hotel , 200 Scheiding St , ☏ +27 12 323 6054 . Budget hotel next to the railway station. Notable for being the oldest hotel in the city, it first opened in 1880. ( updated Oct 2020 )
• -25.744413 28.221907 2 Ellensgate Guest House , 849 Church St ( Entrance at Eastwood Street ), ☏ +27 12 342-4089 , fax : +27 86 572-6549 , [email protected] . From R860 per person with breakfast .  
• Protea Hotels , ☏ +27 21 430-5000 , [email protected] . From R500pps .  
• -25.745284 28.211647 3 Sheraton Pretoria Hotel , 643 Stanza Bopape St , ☏ +27 12 429-9999 , [email protected] . Close to Union building. Good breakfast buffet. From R1750pp .  
• Southern Sun , ☏ +27 11 461-9744 , [email protected] . Wide range of accommodation from budget to splurge. From R750pps .  
• -25.789672 28.232068 4 Villa Sterne , 212 Johann Rissik Drive, Waterkloof Ridge , ☏ +27 12 346-2255 , [email protected] . From R650pps .  

Connect [ edit ]

Complete GSM coverage with GPRS, 3G, 4G, HSDPA and LTE is available almost everywhere.

Buy a local simcard (at airport, railway station, most major chain stores or mobile phone stores) for your overseas mobile phone. You will need your foreign ID or passport for registering your new sim card at the shop. Airtime and data bundles can be bought at most shops and fuel stations.

WiFi [ edit ]

Always-On , +27 (0)11 575-2505, provides prepaid WiFi access in a number of locations in and around Johannesburg . Simply connect to the access point and you will be given the opportunity to pay for access by credit card. Pricing starts at around R15 for 10 minutes or R60 for 100 MB.

Coverage areas include:

• Cafe Dulce . Centurion Mall.  
• City Lodge . Courtyard in Arcadia.  
• Holiday Inn . Arcadia  
• Mugg&Bean . Just about all of them.  
• Villa Sterne Boutique Hotel and Health Spa . Waterkloof Ridge  
• Wimpy . many wimpy branches now offer wi-fi  
• Mimmos . Italian low-middle-budget restaurant with Wifi.  

Stay healthy [ edit ]

Hospitals [ edit ].

• Unitas Hospital , Clifton Avenue, Lyttelton, Centurion , ☏ +27 12 421-6700 . Caters for 24-hour accident and emergency treatment.  

Stay safe [ edit ]

Pretoria is considered to be a relatively safe city by South African standards and violent crime against tourists is somewhat rare. That said, basic common sense should still be used. Ask locals before you do things. Life after sunset stops a bit and moves to the big shopping centers outside the city. Avoid walking around after dark, even in a group or at Union Buildings. The city centre becomes deserted after nightfall, so it would not be wise to hang around at these times. The shop owners will close their security blinds to protect their property so there is little to see. Hatfield Plaza and all other major shopping centers are busy with shoppers, students, tourists, police and car minders until approximately 22:00 there is very little chance of any real trouble happening, but it can be annoying and daunting for tourists as the beggars are quite insistent but occurs less in guarded shopping centers. That said, the Hatfield area is usually perfectly safe. Consider that you still have to move from the safe area to your hotel through an unsafe area. In case of trouble, here are important telephone numbers. Be especially vigilant at night by traffic lights and stop signs. Car-jacking and smash and grab thefts do occur.

From a fixed line [ edit ]

• 107 - Emergency
• 10111 - Police [dead link]
• 10177 - Ambulance
• 082911 - Netcare911

From a mobile phone [ edit ]

• 112 - Emergency
• 911 - Netcare911

Cope [ edit ]

Embassies and high commissions [ edit ], go next [ edit ].

• Irene is a small town to the south of Pretoria with a day spa and a dairy farm.
• Mpumalanga Escarpment in a weekend
• Kruger National Park in a (very long!) weekend
• Soutpansberg, north, for lonely weekends in nature
• Cradle of Humankind , with caves to view ancient caves, digging sites and skulls
• Magaliesberg , a very old mountain range.
• Rietvlei Nature Reserve , a small and quiet nature reserve with a number of wildlife species and lots of bird watching opportunities.
• Visit Hartebeespoort Dam . There are hot air balloon rides over the savanna, a cable car, a golf course and watersport. Souvenir shops, shopping, and a snake farm are nearby.

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Must-see attractions in Pretoria

Freedom Park

This stunning park and museum honours fallen South Africans in all major conflicts and adopts an integrated approach to African history. It is a place of…

Voortrekker Monument

The imposing, art-deco-style Voortrekker Monument was constructed between 1938 and 1949 to honour the journey of the Voortrekkers, who journeyed north…

Rietvlei Nature Reserve

This 38-sq-km reserve, 27km south of Pretoria, off Rte 21, is popular with locals who come for fishing in the dam, but is also great for wildlife viewing…

Church Square

A statue of Old Lion (Paul Kruger) takes pride of place in the centre of Church Square, which is surrounded by some impressive public buildings. The…

Sammy Marks’ Museum

This handsome mansion, 20km east of central Pretoria, was built in 1884 for the industrial, mining and agricultural magnate Sammy Marks. Now it’s a…

Union Buildings

Designed by Sir Herbert Baker, these sweeping sandstone buildings are the headquarters of government and home to the presidential offices. They're not…

The rebirth of downtown Pretoria has been given a kickstart by the redevelopment of this set of buildings into an events, arts and social hub. Check out…

Pretoria National Botanical Garden

Located around 9km east of central Pretoria, these gardens cover 7700 sq m and are planted with indigenous flora from around the country. There are 20,000…

Fort Klapperkop

There are panoramic views from the 1889 fort that was one of four built to defend Pretoria, although in the end it was never used for that purpose…

Melrose House

On 31 May 1902, the Treaty of Vereeniging, which ended the Anglo-Boer War (1899–1902), was signed in the dining room of this stately mansion. Highlights…

Pretoria Art Museum

Specialising in South African art from most of the country’s history, this good gallery contains works by all the big local hitters, from Jacob Hendrik…

Pretoria National Zoological Gardens

There’s a reptile park and an aquarium here, as well as a vast collection of exotic trees and plenty of picnic spots. The highlight, though, is the cable…

National Cultural History Museum

Concentrating on the cultural history of South Africa, this museum features exhibitions on San rock art, Iron Age figurines from Limpopo and a small…

Smuts House Museum

JC Smuts' home for over 40 years has been turned into an interesting museum. With a wide veranda and shady trees, it has a family atmosphere and gives a…

Kruger Museum

The former residence of Paul Kruger, president of the South African Republic from 1883 to 1900, has been preserved as a museum. Built in 1884 and guarded…

Palace of Justice

HQ of the Gauteng division of South Africa's High Court, this 1897 building is where the Rivonia Trial, that sentenced Nelson Mandela to life imprisonment…

Ou Raadsaal

The old Parliament Building of the Transvaal Republic Government, dating from 1890, sits on the south side of the square.

Old Capitol Theatre

This decommissioned theatre, originally opened in 1931, is all but obscured by a hideous concrete parking garage.

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Everything You Need to Know About Rovos Rail

Jan 17, 2023 | Rail Journeys

Rovos Rail is well-known for being the most luxurious train in the world. From the moment guests enter the headquarters, it’s as if they have travelled back in time to an opulent and elegant era.

With incredible attention to detail, lavish offerings, an incredibly warm atmosphere and enlightening guided tours along the way, it’s easy to see why rail journeys aboard the Rovos Rail are such popular and highly sought-after travel experiences.

In the following post, we discuss Rovos Rail, sharing the brand’s fascinating history as well as an overview of the experience on board.

The Most Luxurious Train in Africa

The history of rovos rail.

The story of Africa’s finest vintage train begins at an auction in 1985.

Rovos Rail founder, Rohan Vos, a successful mechanical businessman together with his wife Anthea had attended an auction of old coaches. They had an intention of restoring four carriages and taking them to South African Railways (SAR) as a family caravan. Several coaches were purchased, one of them being, Private Saloon 15063 that is still in service today.

After the purchase of several coaches, Rohan took a big leap and purchased a 1938 locomotive from a scrap yard. This was rebuilt and named Bianca after one of his daughters. The idea of long-distance train travel as a business venture came to life, and Rohan was permitted to run his Rovos Rail train in December 1986.

With the business growing alongside the family, all of the engines have been named after Rohan and Anthea’s children; Brenda, Bianca, Tiffany and Shaun.

Rovos Rail accommodation

Life on board the Rovos Rail is a grand affair with the most excellent finishings and exceptional attention to detail. There are three different cabin types:

• Pullman Suites (±7 sq metres)
• Deluxe Suites (±10 sq metres)
• Royal Suites (the most spacious, measuring ±16 sq metres)

The deep wood panelling, richly coloured carpets and beautifully restored carriages hint at the Victorian era of luxury train travel. The cabins are equipped with a double or twin-style bed with soft down duvets and plush pillows. There is a lounging area to read, relax and soak up the passing scenery.

Each cabin comes complete with a private bathroom and flushing toilet. The Royal Suites include a Victorian-inspired bathtub while the other cabins – Deluxe and Pullman Suites – include a shower.

Hot-water bottles and electric blankets are provided during the colder months. There is nothing quite as relaxing as being wrapped up in the best linen with a good cup of coffee while watching Southern Africa’s glorious scenery pass by.

Wining and Dining on the Rovos Rail

A journey aboard Rovos Rail is a gastronomical utopia.

For international travellers, it’s an enchanting “first date” with South Africa’s most classic flavours and signature dishes.

Meal times are a ceremonious occasion on Rovos, set in an Edwardian style manner, with a warm and romantic atmosphere. Four-course menus boast world-class wine and delicious cheeses prepared with a modern twist.  

Guests are urged to dress up for the affair , adding to the celebratory feel of the evening. Tables are meticulously set with crisp white linen tablecloths, gleaming silver and sparkling crystal glasses add to the ambience of the celebration.

Meals on all the various rail journeys are served at set times:

• Breakfast takes place between 07h00 and 10h00. Guests can choose from a selection of delicious breakfast options from the a la carte menu.
• Lunch and dinner is a formal affair with a four-course menu. Including starters, mains, cheese platters and desserts, each course is paired with a perfect South African wine.

Dietary requirements are attentively taken care of.

As well as the breakfast, lunch and dinner services, there is a daily High Tea served at 16h30. Here, scrumptious spreads of sweet and savoury snacks are served either in the Lounge Car or the Observation Cart. Afternoon tea is served with an array of cakes, fresh fruit, savoury snacks and a selection of teas, coffee, wine and cocktails.

Rovos Rail routes

The most luxurious train in the world, Rovos Rail offers a series of luxurious train journeys that last anywhere from 48 hours to 15 days.

Rovos Rail links some of Africa’s most fabulous destinations, from bustling cities, extraordinary game reserves, desert landscapes, quaint towns, historic sites and lush, scenic attractions into a grand long-distance voyage, reminiscent of the old days.

The private train service is an opulent extravaganza adorned with captivating art, vintage decor, exquisite vintage coaches, and incredible cuisine.

Depending on the Rovos Rail journey route and itinerary, the train will stop at various points so that passengers can explore the surrounding environment. All of the off-train excursions are guided, promising guests a truly informative and engaging experience at each destination.

If travelling on the famous Cape Town – Pretoria journey, guests will have the opportunity to explore the local attractions such as the Victorian town of Matjiesfontein and the historic village and Big Hole of Kimberley. If guests are travelling outside of South Africa, excursions may include an extraordinary safari experience or a visit to one of the natural wonders of the world; The Victoria Falls .

Rovos Rail Tours and Itineraries

Below are a selection of the popular Rovos Rail itineraries:

• Cape Town Journey (3 Days): The popular train route between Cape Town and Pretoria is the perfect journey from the famous Mother City to the country’s Capital city, showcasing South Africa’s gems in between.
• Victoria Falls Journey (4 Days): Embark on a magical trip through to Zimbabwe, with a visit to one of the seven natural wonders of the world, Victoria Falls.
• Durban Safari (3 Days): Travel through the spectacular scenery of Natal Midlands and Drakensberg Mountains, into the heart of the African bushveld for a magical affair experience.
• Golf Safari (9 Days): Play at a selection of the most beautiful golf courses in South Africa.
• Namibian Safari (9 Days): An epic journey from the savannahs of the Highveld through historic Kimberley to the Fish River Canyon, Etosha Pan and the deserts of Namibia.
• Dar es Salaam Journey (15 Days): This trans-African safari carries explorers between Cape Town and Dar es Salaam on one of the most memorable train rides in the world.

Why You Should Book a Rovos Rail Journey

A luxury rail journey is an excellent way to escape the fast-paced lifestyle of the 21st century and travel back in time to a nostalgic and elegant era.

Long-distance luxury train travel is an opportunity to slow down and soak in the incredible natural beauty that surrounds us. Rovos Rail provides travellers with a ‘digital detox,’ and there are no televisions or radios on board. There is also no Wifi abroad the train, and guests are requested to only use screens in their cabins.

A trip aboard the Rovos Rail is the perfect opportunity to switch off from the internet and reconnect with the incredible surroundings and scenery of Southern Africa.

The train, the service, the food and wine are all proudly South African and run by the Vos family, who have a passion and love for what they do.

Rovos Rail is a luxurious and unforgettable experience that is sure to make you feel relaxed and rejuvenated.

What to wear on Rovos Rail

The dress code on the Rovos Rail is smart-casual. You’ll get away with a more casual look during the day, especially on excursion days where you’ll want to be comfortable. However, evenings are a fancy affair.

Dinner has a cocktail dress code with men expected to wear a jacket and tie, while the ladies should wear elegant cocktail dresses and heels (pumps or dressy flats are also fine). The evening dress code really adds to the sophisticated ambiance – so don’t be afraid to dress up a little!

Each suite can easily accommodate several suitcases, so don’t be afraid of overpacking!

Here’s a few more tips for packing for a Rovos Rail trip:

• For the men, opt for a classic fitted blazer that you can also wear on a night out in Cape Town or while going for dinner in Victoria Falls.
• To prevent wrinkled suits/blazers while traveling, make sure to pack your suit in a bag that folds over itself. Here’s a great bag by David King & Co.
• For the ladies traveling with an evening gown, you may also want to protect it with a protective garment bag, like this one .
• Don’t forget about your jewellery, keep it all organised in this luxury jewellery travel case .
• Keep your make-up organised with this three-piece travel make-up bag .
• Don’t forget to pack comfortable shoes, a hat and sunscreen for the daytime excursions.

Are children allowed on the Rovos Rail?

Rovos Rail does accommodate children above the age three. However, they ask parents to be sensitive to the adult atmosphere of the train. 

The trips are more geared to adults, with no facilities for babies, toddlers or older children aboard. Excursions are also more suited to adults and there are no outdoor areas or indoor activities for kids to play around in. If your kids are extremely active, then these are things to keep in mind. If, however, they love getting lost in their book for hours, then a trip aboard the Rovos Rail may just be their dream.

Long journeys are not recommended for children under 13. Children over the age of five will also be required to have their own cabin/suite, as a maximum of two guests are allowed per suite/cabin. If you aren’t comfortable with this, then one parent can share with the child.

Rovos Rail prices for children:

• 3-9 years:  pays 75% of the adult per person sharing rate.
• 10+ years: pays full rate.

Experiencing the Cape Town to Pretoria Rovos Rail journey

We recently experienced the luxury of Rovos Rail and spent two nights aboard the train, travelling from Cape Town to Pretoria. If you’re curious about our experience, read about our luxury rail vacation on Rovos Rail .

Are you ready to go on a Rovos Rail journey?

If you’d like to book an incredible rail journey on the world’s most luxurious train in the world, contact African Travel Canvas and we’ll create a unique itinerary for your unforgettable experience in Africa.

Get in touch with us at [email protected] for a Rovos Rail price list.

30th Anniversary Celebrations!

To commemorate their 30th anniversary, Rovos Rail released an incredible film that showcases the full story behind the brand. If you love locomotives and rail travel watch this fascinating film about Rovos Rail.

This post was first published in October 2019, updated March 2021.

47 Comments

Price list please

Hi Themba, Thanks for enquiring, we’ll send you a price list to your email address. Thanks!

2023-2024 Price list please

Hi Zoliswa, check your emails 🙂

I would like to get price list for Rovos train

Hi Nomsa! We’ll send the info via email!

Looks beautiful and satisfying. Please email me your price list

Hi Mapitso, great, we’ll send you a mail with the price list. Chat soon!

Hi. Could you please forward me a price list of all the tours the train does please. Regards Henning Horn

Hi Henning,

We’ll send you prices to the email you’ve shared here. Look out for our mail!

Please send me a pricelist? Interested in the Cape Town to Pretoria and back, tour.

Appreciated, thank you.

Hi Doreen, fabulous, we will email you via the address provided. Thank you.

Will mail you the price list to your address shortly!

viajaré Sdq. a África en febrero y marzo del del 2024 quisiera saber si es posible, recorridos, tiempos y frecuencia de viajes entre cataratas Victoria y ciudad del Cabo, así como los precios por favor? Gracias. Fausto Pelayo

Hi Zoliswa, we’ll send you an email!

Good Morning, I saw on your Facebook page that there is a trip into Kruger in February 2021. Kindly email me the details and price list. Regards

Hi Cindy, Great, we’ll email you via the address provided. Thanks for contacting us!

Good day, Please can you provide me with a time table with destinations and price.

Thank you in advance

Regards Matt

Great, we’ll send you a mail with the price list. Chat soon!

Prices if you please

Hi Robert, sure, we will email you a pricelist now. Thank you for your enquiry 🙂

I have had lovely reading about the Ravis train and planning to go on one of the excursions.

Fantastic! We can’t recommend it enough!

Is it child friendly? Is there any age restriction?

Is it child friendly? Is there any age restriction? Please provide price list.

Hi Ndjamila,

Children between 0 – 2 years are not permitted. We’ll send you an email with the price list and more info on the child policy!

Hi there, can you please advise travel timetable for Victoria falls 3 day journey? If like to give this to my fiance as a wedding gift.

Hi Carolyn,

What a fantastic gift! We will email you at the address provided. Look out for us in your inbox@

Kindly send me your travel dates, times and prices for all your destinations.

Great, we’ll send you a mail to the address provided 🙂

Everything is here besides a price list

Hi! Yes, we’ll email the pricelist to you 🙂

Hi, can you please forward me the price list to all destinations?

Thank You very much Riaan

Hi Riann, of course. We will email you via the address provided. Thank you.

I would like the price of the African rail trip starting at Cape Town

Kindly send me your travel prices for all your destinations.

Hi that sounds interesting price list please My email [email protected]

Please send pricing to: [email protected]

I would like to make contact with Rohan again. I was involved in the 1990s with Rohan when he bought Steam locos and carriages from Spoornet at the time. Please send me his contact particulars.

Dr Friedel Mulke

Hi can I please have a price list Thank You

Hi Linda, we’ll send you an email!

Is Rovos Rail still running. I was in SA recently and sad to hear that the blue train is not in service. Does this train run from Cape Town to Durban and what is the cost.

Hi Diana! Rovos Rail is still very much in action! We’ll send you an email with rates! There is no route between Cape Town and Durban specifically, however there’s a route between Pretoria and Durban, as well as several routes beginning or ending in Cape Town.

Price list and dates for 2025 please

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Category : Museum

Capital Park – A historical gem

By Linda Sparks

Rovos Rail is unique amongst private train lines in that they can boast their very own private train station.

The magnificent old building in Capital Park is a historical gem close to Pretoria’s CBD. Its renovation is part of the Rovos Rail story and a piece of South Africa’s railway heritage.

This busy hub is world-class in terms of efficiency and attention to detail and is in keeping with the style and luxury that is synonymous with the Rovos Rail standard.

Capital Park serves as the departure or arrival point for most of the train journeys and also the headquarters of Rovos Rail’s entire operation. It houses the luxurious departure lounge, offices, meeting rooms, a lecture room, a repair and maintenance depot, laundries, state-of-the-art kitchens, carriage and locomotive sheds, and well-stocked storerooms.

Stepping into the station building is like entering a bygone era, even before setting foot on the luxury train itself. The station lounge has an old-fashioned elegance and is the place where friendships between passengers are first formed or where farewells to new friends are said.

It was a massive undertaking to bring the site to its current level of excellence. Rovos Rail gave the station a full renovation to restore it back to its former glory and to preserve what little is left of the golden era of steam rail travel.

Built in 1948 it first belonged to South African Railways but when they moved their operation to another depot the station became dilapidated. When Rovos took over the site in 1999 the tracks were covered in thistles, the buildings were deserted and vandalised. The area had been earmarked for development but a comprehensive proposal from Rovos Rail’s founder Rohan Vos highlighting the economic and tourism benefits of a renovation persuaded Transnet to grant him a long lease.

The main station, a magnificent low red-brick building, was gutted, and an elegant balcony overlooking the platform was added to the façade. A new 300m platform was constructed and an authentic signal box and clock tower were erected to further enhance the ambiance.

The vast carriage and locomotive sheds were renovated to house teams of dedicated personnel who keep the stock in perfect order. This roofed workshop of 10 000m 2 straddles 15 railway lines with concrete inspection pits below and is the ultimate repair and maintenance facility for any train operation.

Around the refurbished buildings, hundreds of new shrubs and over 3 000 trees were planted, to provide a lush garden setting. And to complement this a miniature farmyard with horses, donkeys and peacocks was created.

The entire renovation project was envisaged and directed by Rohan Vos himself who embraced it with the same enthusiasm he has for the trains, supported by his wife Anthea who shares his vision and passion.

Initially the site was 12 acres, but over the years it has grown steadily to the current 60. As tenants around the original site moved out, Rovos Rail negotiated leases on those properties, which then had to be rebuilt or rehabilitated. This activity, although costly, was executed with a view to Rovos Rail eventually acquiring the property from Transnet. Therefore, no corners were cut and as it stands now, the buildings and grounds are in top-level operating condition.

The property is also home to a museum with an ever-expanding collection of rail memorabilia.  As custodians of a rich part of South Africa’s rail history it is the Vos family’s goal for the Rovos Rail Station to become the leading working train museum globally.

The museum is small and quaint and takes passengers back to their childhoods with an original phone box, parking meter and old trains, as well as special collector’s items that have been beautifully kept. A superb model-railway display complete with semaphore signals and a footbridge, recreates the atmosphere of a fully-fledged railway system.

A visit to the museum and a site tour of the property gives guests a glimpse into the behind the scenes nuts and bolts of the company. Passengers are encouraged to build time into their travel schedules if they would like to experience these offerings.

Capital Park has become an added highlight to a Rovos Rail journey – boarding or disembarking the train in this unique and historic atmosphere creates an element of excitement where lasting memories are made.

Oom Gert and the Rovos Museum

By Janine Avery at  5 Star Stories

Arrive at Rovos Rail Station in Capital Park, Pretoria and you’ll find a red carpet laid out before you. A smiling porter is ready to relieve you of your heavy luggage, and a bow-tie clad gentleman is holding out a glass of sparkling Champagne. And thirsty while you may be, we advise you don’t enter those hallowed doors to our red-brick station building just yet.

Instead take a sharp left, let the antics of two tame llamas put a smile on your face, marvel at the mighty horns of some Nguni cows, and venture just a little further into our very own museum. Here, the rough gravelly voice of Gert van Rensburg aka Oom Gert (Uncle Gert) will welcome you back in time.

Boarding his very first Rovos train over 20 years ago, Gert was acquainted with a very different side of train-life than that which you will come to experience on your trip with us. That’s because he spent his time in the engine room.

As one of our most valued train drivers, Gert’s office was the hot, noisy and smoky end of the train, where he toiled away with one goal in mind. That being to get his passengers where they were going safely and on time! It’s a job he did with utmost aplomb, but it wasn’t without tribulation. Spend a few minutes talking to him and you’ll be regaled by tales of elephants on railway tracks and troublesome and tiring steam powered locomotives from days gone past. In fact, so busy was he driving trains that it was only recently that he ventured back into those luxurious cabins for a trip as a guest. And while he may have now let go of his reigns and passed on his hat, and a wealth of knowledge, to the younger generation, Gert is still a valued employee here at Rovos. He now runs the museum at Pretoria and its clear it’s his pride and joy.

Packed with artifacts which reflect Rovos’ 30 year history, as well as interesting items and train memorabilia from around the world, we aim to develop the museum into the foremost train museum in the world. While you’re waiting for your train to depart, the little ones can also wile away the hours playing on a refurbished old tractor or acting out yesteryear inside a traditional telephone booth. There’s also a massive scalextrics track and heaps of model trains that are bound to keep the boys, and girls, enthused.

You’ll need to tear yourself away eventually but before you do, stop and play a while, listen to the stories of Gert, of which there are many to hear, and relive a different era. Just be sure to leave yourself enough time to explore this little piece of history before stepping on the train yourself and enjoying your rail adventure!

Station Stories and Sentiments

From our humble beginnings in 1989 a focus of ours has always been preserving what little is left of the era of steam and the golden age of rail travel. In our 29 years we have collected artifacts, yes, but the most incredible and incredulous stories and sentiments. Our museum at our private station in Pretoria is one way we treasure not only our history but also all the stories, some of which are legend. Guests have expressed their sentiments at us being custodians of a rich part of South Africa’s rail history and the stories which we tell in our little museum.

Renate Engelbrecht from Travelling Mystery Guest visited us recently and penned a piece on our station, Oom Gert and his careful curatorship of our museum.

Like the Rovos Rail family business, the Capital Park station has many stories to tell. It’s a historical gem tucked away among Pretoria’s CBD, the National Zoological Gardens and African tuck shops. The station, built in 1948, from which Rovos Rail departs, also plays its role of heyday holiday start-off point and preserver of all things train, very well.

The station grounds are filled with animals – from lamas lying in the staff’s garages that greet you with weird looking faces, to an on-site Nguni herd. But, it is Oom Gert who welcomes you at the Railway Museum.

Oom Gert, a humble soul, is tall and skinny with a voice that tells the story of life on trains. He has been around since even before Rovos Rail. He started as a stoker in 1969 and eventually worked his way up to train driver. It was not long after his retirement that he was called up again to man the Railway Museum. Trains are his passion. “You can’t see nature from a car like you can from a train,” he says. Every person is important to him. He does, however, enjoy the Japanese visitors most. Still, he has never had people arrive at the station with an attitude other than excitement. “For them it is the beginning of an exciting journey. They are already comfortable and meet people from different countries in the museum. So, when they get onto the train, they already know each other.”

The 40-hectare station first belonged to South African Railways, with many different locomotives and train drivers that drove these trains into many different directions. After moving to another depot, though, the station became dilapidated and was later taken over by Rovos Rail, who has brought the station back to its former glory. Today Rovos Rail’s trains depart from here to Cape Town , Durban , Victoria Falls , Namibia , Dar Es Salaam and soon also Angola , with the whole complex posing as a museum.

Rovos Rail has given the station a proper revamp and kept historically relevant artifacts intact for train passengers and visitors to appreciate. The main station building, previously a dining hall for artisans, has been prettied up and they’ve added a clock tower to enhance the station’s ambiance. The steam and diesel loco shed has also been cleaned up. Most of the structures have either been rebuilt or are converted ex-SAR buildings. The on-site Railway Museum is mainly focused on the tourists embarking on their Rovos Rail journeys , but Oom Gert, the curator, welcomes anyone. The museum is constantly developing, and it is the Vos family’s goal for Rovos Rail Station to become the leading working train museum globally. The museum is small and quaint and takes passengers back to their childhoods with an original phone box, parking meter and old trains, as well as special collector’s items that have been beautifully kept.

It’s like exploring a bygone era when you step into the station building. Even before you set foot on the luxury train that has been voted one of the top seven trains in the world by wired.com, you are taken on a trip down memory lane. The station lounge has a certain elegance to it and takes you back to a time when you had to dress up for dinner and where sophistication was key. Rovos Rail Station serves as the departure and arrival point for all eight journeys on offer and passengers rave about the welcoming experience and the colonial atmosphere of the station.

Rovos Rail’s guests are received with elegant welcoming drinks and canapes at the station and are often given an introductory speech by the owner, Rohan Vos, which sets the tone for the exciting journey ahead. Vos then also habitually takes guests on an informative and educational tour around the station grounds before the train’s wheels start turning, explaining the workshops and loco sheds to them with unfailing enthusiasm. The museum, marshalling yards, train renovation and repair facilities and welcome centre are all run by him.

Owner, Rohan Vos, is an enthusiast of note and with the help and support of his family, he has brought Rovos Rail and its station to what it is today.

Convair 440 lands in Australia!

“The Historical Aircraft Restoration Society operates Australia’s largest fleet of multiengine radial engine aircraft. On 21 August, the latest addition, a Convair 440 (ZS-ARV), landed at Albion Park after its ferry flight from South Africa. With large quantities of Avgas difficult to come by in some locations, this could be one of the last ocean-spanning ferries for an aircraft entering preservation. ” – Flightpath .

In our last newsletter we wrote about the sale and donation of our three aircraft. One of the Convair planes, ZS-ARV, went to the Historical Aircraft Restoration Society in Australia and after 18 months of restoration, licensing and getting the aircraft airworthy, Captain Ross Kelly, Captain Doug Haywood and First Officer Geoff Sheppard took off from Wonderboom airport in Pretoria on the 9 th of August 2016.

The flight path was challenging as cities with Avgas supplies had to be located for the fuel-heavy Convair. Travelling via Kruger, Mozambique, the Seychelles, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Bali and into Australia via Darwin, Mt. Isa, Dubbo and finally into Albion Park, the crew arrived excited and safely on August 21 st .

The historic flight was even featured on Win News and the clip can be watched on YouTube by clicking here.

• Happy birthday, Rovos Rail!
• Three cheers to the Trilogy!
• Murder mystery on Rovos Rail
• Happy birthday, Rohan!
• Journeying by Train into Hwange National Park

The most luxurious trains in the world travelling through Southern Africa

The Kruger National Park is in the top three destinations that visitors want to see while on holiday in South Africa. It is one of Africa’s largest game reserves covering an area of 19,633 square Kilometres (7,580 sq miles) between the two provinces of  Limpopo  and  Mpumalanga  in northeastern part of  South Africa . The Kruger National Park houses Africa’s  Big Five  : Elephant, Lion, Rhino, Leopard and Buffalo and other numerous unique wildlife.

Other activities to do while at the Kruger National Park include but are not limited to: game drives, bird- watching, camping, bush walking safaris, a visit to the Blyde River Canyon,  etc.

For more, please visit  www.sanparks.org

PRETORIA – KRUGER NATIONAL PARK – PRETORIA 2022

Remember, dinner is an elegant affair and men are requested to wear a jacket and tie and ladies elegant evening wear.

 D etailed Itinerary: Kruger National Park – Pretoria in pdf format.    Download

South Africa’s Gautrain: rail travel from Pretoria to Johannesburg

Jump to a section.

The initiative

The challenge

The public impact

• Stakeholder engagement Good
• Political commitment Strong
• Public confidence Weak
• Clarity of objectives Strong
• Strength of evidence Strong
• Feasibility Strong
• Management Strong
• Measurement Strong
• Alignment Strong

Bibliography

In February 2000, Mbhazima Shilowa, the premier of Gauteng province (formerly part of the pre-apartheid Transvaal province), announced the plan for a new rail link connecting Pretoria, Johannesburg and Johannesburg International Airport (JIA). As the economy had expanded, traffic volumes had been growing at roughly seven percent per annum for more than a decade.

It was one of 10 Spatial Development Initiatives (SDIs) of the Gauteng government, designed to:

• Demonstrate the government's commitment to the promotion of public transport (as evident in the National Land Transport Transition Act, 2000).
• Move towards an integrated transport system that included public transport.
• Attract motorists to the railways and help alleviate congestion on the roads, particularly along the Pretoria to JIA corridor.
• Stimulate economic growth, development and job creation.
• Promote business tourism by means of the link between JIA and Sandton.
• Contribute to urban restructuring by shortening travel distances and improving city sustainability.

An initial Inception Report was published in June 2000. The second phase of the project dealt with the system planning, needs assessment, and costs estimate. The South African cabinet approved Gautrain construction in 2005, and the necessary federal funding was announced in the 2006 budget. Gautrain was developed as a public-private partnership (PPP) project, involving private sector funding, consultancy and construction. The formal end of construction came in 2012.

By March 2015, the Gautrain had largely met its objectives:

• There were nearly 60,000 individual journeys on the Gautrain per day and the number of journeys exceeded 1.4 million per month.
• It is estimated to have replaced about 21,300 daily car trips. Commuters opting to use Gautrain instead of driving had reduced their carbon footprint by 52 percent per trip.
• More than 4,600 local jobs had been created and retained, and more than 16,100 direct and indirect jobs had been created from 2000 to 2015.

Stakeholder engagement

The Gautrain Management Agency (GMA) has important relations with its government stakeholders. The project was initiated by the Gauteng premier and had strong support from the federal and provincial governments. There were other provincial departments associated with non-transport issues, for example, the Gauteng Department of Agriculture, Conservation, Environment and Land Affairs (GDACEL) was the authorising department of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), while there was engagement from federal actors such as the Department of Transport, the Ministry of Finance and the Auditor General. The other internal stakeholders included the Gautrain employees and passengers.

As a PPP, the Gautrain involved relations with the private investors engaged in the funding, and external stakeholders engaged in construction:

• Consortia of engineering and railway consultants.
• Power suppliers.
• The Bombela Concession Company (Pty) Ltd, which has the concession for the construction, operation and maintenance of the Gautrain until 2020.

The funding was provided by the following sources:

• Federal and provincial institutions.
• Institutional investors (especially pension funds).
• Development finance institutions, such as the African Development Bank (AfDB), the World Bank, including the International Finance Corporation (IFC).
• Infrastructure funds.
• Banks, via the capital markets and debt markets.

Political commitment

There has been strong political support from the government, and the project was funded through:

• The federal Division of Revenue Act, 2008 (DoRA), the Gautrain Rapid Rail Link Grant being set out in Part 4.
• The provincial Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF).

In 2006, federal funding of SAR7.1 billion was earmarked for the Gautrain project's construction phases during the minister of finance's budget. The Department of Transport supported the GMA and the Gauteng Transport, Roads and Works.

Public confidence

During the planning stage there was little confidence in the prospect of the Gautrain. “When the cabinet approved Gautrain in 2005, the project faced severe criticism from politicians, media and members of the public. The project was criticised for its multibillion rand budget, and there was a widespread view that the funding should have been allocated to existing public transport and invested in other development projects to alleviate poverty and provide essential social services. Strongly negative media content in the latter half of 2002 expressed opposition to the project and reflected negative public perceptions." [1]

Nearly 700 public meetings were held during the EIA in 2002, all of which were negative. The severe criticism by ward councillors attending these meetings, as well as subsequent community liaison forums, further fuelled public anger and media criticism. There were also five court cases brought against the building of Gautrain by various residential pressure groups along the proposed route. Despite this initial resistance, Gautrain has proved popular and public confidence is now much stronger than in the planning stages.

Clarity of objectives

Strength of evidence

Gautrain project was extensively evaluated, as many alternatives were tested and a number of consortia of experienced consultants. Forecasts were made to develop good understanding of the actors, and the project was divided into phases to develop better understanding of the impacts and plan the project accordingly. Examples of the gathering of evidence were:

• The June 2000 Inception Report.
• The report to the South African cabinet in 2001 with estimated daily total passenger numbers, income, cost, technical analysis, and the proposed route
• Possible sites in the Centurion area were investigated for the maintenance depot, and bidders were asked if to suggest an alternative sites.
• “A number of suggestions were received from Interested and Affected Parties (I&APs) regarding route alignment alternatives during the public participation process for the EIA from January to July 2002. The Gautrain technical team evaluated these suggested alternatives in order to establish how they compared with the reference route and whether they were technically, financially and/or economically feasible.” [2]

Feasibility

There was exhaustive exploration of Gautrain's environmental, financial, social and technical feasibility:

• The 1998-99 pre-feasibility study, undertaken in parallel with the national 25-year Integrated Transport Master Plan.
• The cost-benefit and technical analyses in the 2000 Inception Report and the 2001 report to the cabinet, addressing issues such as the impact on job creation and overall economic growth.
• The 2002 EIA.
• The public consultation period (although this was problematic).

Measurement

There are numerous measuring tools to monitor the activities and performance against different parameters, such as:

• Job creation, including the deployment of women in management roles and the employment of disadvantaged individuals, ratified by the Independent Socio-Economic Monitor.
• Project costs and construction against schedule.
• Rail passenger capacity and usage.
• The speed and reliability of Gautrain journeys.

Approach to our journey: Pre-Gautrain - Vision for the Future, Gautrain Management Agency

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR THE PROPOSED GAUTRAIN RAPID RAIL LINK BETWEEN JOHANNESBURG, PRETORIA AND JOHANNESBURG INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT VOLUME 1: EXECUTIVE SUMMARY, 21 October 2002, GAUTENG DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC TRANSPORT, ROADS AND WORKS

Gautrain: Public Money in a Private Deal, William Dachs, November 2011, Gautrain Management Agency IFC PPP Conference, Lagos

Gautrain Media Relations, Barbara Jensen, Gautrain

The Public Impact Fundamentals - A framework for successful policy

This case study has been assessed using the Public Impact Fundamentals, a simple framework and practical tool to help you assess your public policies and ensure the three fundamentals - Legitimacy, Policy and Action are embedded in them.

Learn more about the Fundamentals and how you can use them to access your own policies and initiatives.

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The Ultimate Guide to Rovos Rail’s Routes

• November 30, 2023 December 28, 2023
• African Safari Holiday

A luxury train trip in Africa doesn’t get quite as memorable or as magical as the Rovos Rail Tour.

Renowned for its ability to provide guests with a truly opulent experience, complete with impeccable service and breathtaking landscape views, Rovos Rail has easily earned its reputation for being one of the most luxurious train tours in Africa.

If you’re considering a luxury train holiday in South Africa , there are a variety of Rovos Rail routes available to choose from. Here are some of the best choices:

Cape Town to Pretoria – The Pride of Africa Route

The iconic Cape Town to Pretoria route, known as the Pride of Africa, is a spectacular 1,600-kilometer journey spanning South Africa’s often unexplored interior.

Leaving the Mother City of Cape Town, passengers are treated to panoramic views of Table Mountain before journeying into the fertile and iconic Cape winelands before reaching the arid landscapes of the dusty Karoo.

The journey ends in Pretoria after the train has passed through goldfields and the historic town of Kimberley. Along the way, guests can indulge in sumptuous cuisine and sit back and relax while looking out on the ever-changing scenery from the observation car.

Victoria Falls – The Royal Livingstone Express

A once-in-a-lifetime journey to one of Africa’s most famous natural wonders, the Victoria Falls route is unlike any other you have ever experienced.

The train leaves from Pretoria and along the way, passengers can enjoy views of the mighty Zambezi River as well as lush landscapes. The train will also stop at the Hwange Game Reserve for a safari experience.

The Royal Livingstone Express is a luxurious steam train, that provides a regal feel to the adventure.

Durban Safari – A Coastal Adventure

The Durban Safari route treats guests to a unique blend of coastal beauty and wildlife exploration.

Also leaving from Pretoria, the train travels through the scenic Valley of a Thousand Hills before reaching the vibrant coastal city of Durban.

Along the way, passengers will have time to explore the historical town of Pietermaritzburg and they can go on a game drive in the Nambiti Private Game Reserve, making this trip a real African holiday.

African Collage – A Panoramic Expedition

The African Collage route is a kaleidoscopic journey that covers multiple African countries.

Starting in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, and ending on the other side of the continent in Lobito, Angola, this route offers the most incredible views and African travel experiences.

Guests can expect encounters with diverse cultures, wildlife safaris, and a once-in-a-lifetime exploration of the continent’s heart.

Why Opt for a Luxury Train Holiday in South Africa?

A luxury train holiday in South Africa with Rovos Rail is so much more than just another type of transportation.

Instead, it’s a fully immersive experience that combines elegance and comfort with old-world exploration. Passengers are treated to spacious and lavishly decorated suites, gourmet dining with fine wines, and an attentive service that ensures every need is met.

The slow pace of the train gives travellers the chance to savour the landscapes, offering a unique perspective on the beauty of South Africa.

Who Would Love This Type of Holiday?

A luxury train holiday with Rovos Rail is perfect for those who appreciate the finer things in life. this trip is an ideal choice for couples seeking a romantic getaway, for history enthusiasts intrigued by the heritage of the African continent, and for nature lovers yearning for a unique safari experience.

Book Your Luxury Train Travel in South Africa Today!

Guests wanting to see Africa from the comfort of a luxury train can book a tour from a wide selection of routes that put the beauty of the African continent on full, glorious display. Have a look at the luxury train tours we have on our website.

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Vibrant culture

Remembering the past at the voortrekker monument.

T T he Voortrekker Monument commemorates the epic exodus of disillusioned Boers from the Cape into the interior. This massive monument is ringed with granite ox-wagons, and contains a frieze of Boer heroics inside. The large grounds have been declared a National Nature Reserve, which abounds with small game.

The monolithic Voortrekker Monument is one of the first landmarks visitors see as they drive into Pretoria from the south. It commemorates the epic exodus by disillusioned Boers from the Cape into the interior, which laid the foundation for the borders of present day South Africa.

I I n 1834, slavery was abolished throughout the British Empire. This was highly unpopular with the Boers and became the focal issue of greater disaffection. In what has come to be known as the Great Trek, thousands of Boers began migrating from the Cape in late 1835. Beyond the border they fanned out, with most choosing to continue either into the central interior or north-east into present day KwaZulu-Natal .

T T here Zulu king, Dingane took fright at the arrival of large numbers of settlers. He massacred one group under Piet Retief and ambushed another before being defeated at Blood River on 16 December 1838.

Shortly after, the British annexed what the Boers called Natalia, causing them to trek again into the interior to the areas that were to become the Boer republics of the Orange Free State and Transvaal.

Voortrekker Monument

• When to visit
• How to get here

G G erard Moerdijk designed the Voortrekker Monument, which was opened on 16 December 1949. Ringed by 64 granite ox-wagons outside, the inside features a historical frieze and cenotaph, which is lit every 16 December by a shaft of sunlight through an opening in the roof. The granite frieze, depicting the heroics of the trekkers on 27 bas-relief panels, is the largest in the world.

O O n the outside of this Pretoria monument are five massive statues of Boer leaders and another by Anton von Wouw of a Boer woman and her two children. On the grounds are an indigenous garden and an open-air amphitheatre. In 1992, the Voortrekker Monument Nature Reserve was declared around the site.

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