Places to visit in Tshwane over the holidays

As the holidays are upon us, here are some of the places that residents and visitors of Tshwane can visit to relax after a long year:

 

1. Enjoy a safari experience at Dinokeng Game Reserve

Located in the north of Pretoria, the game reserve is perfect for a weekend safari getaway without having to travel too far.

There are plenty of caravan sites, self-catering, tented and fully catered accommodation.

Highlights of available activities include game drives, boat cruises, hot air ballooning, quad biking, culinary and spa experiences.

 

 

2. Explore South Africa’s history at Freedom Park

Freedom Park celebrates South African history by deepening our understanding of South Africa from the dawn of humanity, through pre-colonial, colonial, apartheid history to the post-apartheid South Africa of today.

It’s a museum dedicated to chronicling and honouring the many who contributed to South Africa’s political liberation.

The site is seen as a tribute to the Truth and Reconciliation process that South Africa underwent during the transition to the current political dispensation.

 

 

3. Do a tandem skydive from Wonderboom airport

For the quickest and safest way to introduce you to free fall, visit Skydive Pretoria at Wonderboom Airport.

They introduce you to a 10-minute scenic ride up to the dizzying height of 11 000ft above ground level, where you will exit the aircraft attached by a harness to your instructor.

Then plunge into the rush of a 40-second free fall before your instructor opens your parachute at 5 000ft – then a 10-minute descent with time to take in the spectacular views below while your instructor steers you safely back to earth.

Have the entire experience captured on digital cameras as a take-away for memories’ sake.

 

 

4. Go picnicking and grab a photo with Mandela at the Union Buildings

The Union Buildings is the official seat of the South African government.

It is also the site of President Mandela’s presidential inauguration in 1994.

After his passing, a 9m tall bronze statue in the gardens was unveiled and is the tallest figurative sculpture of Mandela in existence.

So why not also pack some picnic stuff and head to the gardens while you visit the 9m statue of Mandela and take in the views of the city below.

 

 

5. Cullinan’s diamond mine

About a 30-minute drive east of Pretoria lies the attractive little village of Cullinan, which was a pioneering mining settlement that made its name with the discovery in 1905 of the world’s biggest diamond.

The mine offers visitors a glimpse into the operations and history of the mine.

When visiting, why not make time to experience the surrounding small Victorian town itself, exploring its rich history and breathtaking charm.

 

 

6. Tswaing Meteorite Crater Reserve

Tswaing, which means “place of salt” in Setswana, is the site where a meteorite half a football field in size slammed into the Earth 220 000 years ago, forming a crater 1.4km in diametres and 200m deep.

The crater is one of about 170 impact craters in the world and one of four known impact craters in South Africa.

It is home to 420 floral species and 320 bird species. It is also home to the famous Nguni castle and authentic Ndebele village.

Visit and experience the way the tribes lived hundreds of years ago.

 

 

7. Hennops Hiking Trail

A mere 25 minutes’ drive from Pretoria CBD lies the unspoiled nature area that is the Hennops Hiking Trail.

The trail consists of four trails that meander along the Hennops River before veering away into the surrounding mountains.

Two unique features on the trails are the river crossings – two suspension bridges and a cable car.

The indigenous trees along the river, the gorges and plateau areas makes this an outstanding area for bird life.

 

8. Pretoria Art Museum

The Pretoria Art Museum is an art gallery located in Arcadia.

The museum occupies an entire city block and was established to house the City Council of Pretoria’s Art Collection, built up since the 1930s.

This museum hosts some of the finest art in South Africa.

On display are the works of Pierneef and Anton van Wouw, as well as contemporary South African art and international graphic collections of 17th-century Dutch art.

 

9. Acrobranch

Acrobranch is a treetop experience dedicated to offering children and adults alike a unique adventure as they move from tree to tree in lush, green forests.

With four exhilarating tree-top adventure courses and a range of difficulty levels, Acrobranch caters for both the young, old and the experienced, from individuals to groups.

It is all-round fun and a great activity to build confidence and co-ordination.

Slide, balance, jump, crawl, dash, swing or stroll – their courses will test your physical ability, brainpower and balancing skills.

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