Andrea Küsel
1. Pretoria National Botanical Gardens
Pretoria’s National Botanical garden is the perfect place to relax and to get in touch with your green side. Take your picnic basket along and enjoy a day in the African summer sun.
You can visit the Garden for the entire day, as there are a range of things to do. Hiking, bird watching and learning more about indigenous plants are all on the list.
There are different trails in the Garden and most are wheelchair friendly.
Cost:
Adults – R26
Kids older than six – R12
2. Groenkloof Nature Reserve
If you’d like to break away from the big city life, Groenkloof Nature Reserve might just be the place for you. The reserve is located near Fountains Valley on the southern outskirts of Pretoria.
The reserve plays host to a wide variety of wildlife including zebra, jackal, duiker, kudu, impala, blue wildebeest, blesbuck, red hartebeest, ostrich, giraffe and sable. Bird lovers will also not be disappointed and will be kept busy for hours on end.
Visitors can look forward to activities such as hiking trails, horse riding and mountain bike trials.
Cost:
Adults – R35
Kids – R20
3. Union Buildings
Visit the gardens of the president’s official offices. The gardens play host to a range monuments, including one of General Louis Botha, the first prime minister of the Union of South Africa, and the South African Police Memorial.
The garden’s lawn, flowers and trees provide an excellent photo opportunity and are popular for wedding and matric farewell photos.
You can also bring a picnic basket and relax while admiring the architectural masterpiece.
Cost:
Free.
4. Freedom Park
Freedom Park is a “tribute to African and human dignity, and a place for the renewal of the human spirit.”
Learn about your African roots and visit the two components of Freedom Park: the Garden of Remembrance and the //hapo Freedom Park Museum.
The Garden of Remembrance is a place where all those who contributed to the freedom of South Africa are acknowledged. The garden contains a memorial monument as well as rolling green lawns.
The //hapo museum tells the story of Africa, and of South Africa specifically, in seven interesting parts.
Cost:
Adults – R50
Children – R30
5. Fort Klapperkop Military Museum
This is the perfect place to learn more about the history of Pretoria during the Anglo-Boer War. Fort Klapperkop was the third fort to be erected to protect Pretoria during the war.
Have a look at some interesting exhibitions of Anglo-Boer War objects and furniture.
PS: The view of the city from the Fort is breathtaking.
Cost:
Adults – R20
School children – R5
6. Pretoria Art Museum
Get in touch with your arty side and visit the Pretoria Art Museum. Located in the heart Pretora, the art museum takes up an entire block of the city.
The museum is primarily focused on South African work. Expect to see pieces by renowned figures in the world of art, including works by Hugo Naude, Henk Pierneef, Irma Stern and Maggie Loubser.
The museum also plays host to urban and rural art and features major national and international travelling exhibitions.
Cost:
Adults – R20
School children – R5
7. Melrose House
Melrose House is a historic house museum situated in the city centre. The house became famous when it was used as the headquarters of the British forces during the Second Boer War.
The Peace Treaty of Vereeniging that ended the war was signed inside this house on 31 May 1902.
The house features Victorian to Edwardian architectural styles and will interest any architecture enthusiasts. History lovers are also welcome.
Cost:
Adults – R8
Children – R5
8. Austin Roberts Bird Sanctuary
Enjoy a day in the tranquil Austin Roberts Bird Sanctuary. It’s situated in Muckleneuk in Pretoria and is a home to more than 170 bird species, including the grey crowned crane, rock doves, speckled pigeons and the Egyptian goose.
The 11.8 hectare reserve has two streams which feed water into the wetlands that attract a large number of bird species.
You can access the bird hide in the sanctuary for free and guided walks can also be arranged. The reserve also has a restaurant and a play area for kids.
Cost:
Free.
Do you have more information about the story? Please send us an email to editorial@rekord.co.za or phone us on 072 435 7717.
For free breaking and community news, visit Rekord’s websites:
For more news and interesting articles, like Rekord on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or Instagram.
- We have exciting news! We’re offering a free alert to help you always be in the loop. Send an email with the word ‘Subscribe’ to breakingnews@rekord.co.za to receive your free daily breaking news update.
