The City of Pretoria in South Africa is an elegant, quiet, Jacaranda tree lined city that is a contrast with its more frenetic neighbor Johannesburg which is a half an hour's drive away. Visitors usually take a flight to Johannesburg and hire a car to complete the rest of their travel within South Africa.
The site consists of two well-sheltered, warm and fertile valleys bordered by ridges. It is one of the country's three capital cities, serving as the Administrative National Capital.
History and background of the City of Pretoria
The first known tribes to settle on the site of Pretoria in this area of South Africa about 350 years ago were the Nguni speaking people who became known as the Ndeblele. Later, renegade Zulu warriors who had broken away from the Zulu army under a young commander named Mzilikazi set out to loot people living in this area and surrounds. Eventually Mzilikazi fled to another area as regiments of the army he had abandoned came in search of him.
The white settlers (Voortrekkers) discovered this pleasant valley close to Johannesburg in 1837 and erected farms and stores. Pretoria was the scene of fighting during the Anglo Boer War of 1863 – 1869, at the end of which Paul Kruger became President. It became the capital of the Republic of South Africa in 1860.
Pretoria previously had the rather sinister reputation as “The Capital of Apartheid South Africa”. However, this changed with the inauguration of Nelson Mandela as the country's first black president at the Union buildings in the same city. However, the name Pretoria is still seen in a negative light by some black South Africans and the name Tshwane has been proposed as a new name to replace Pretoria.
Hotels, Accommodation and Sights in Pretoria, South Africa
The iconic Voortrekker Monument still stands is a tribute to the inclusiveness of the new regime in South Africa. Also worth visiting are the National Cultural History Museum and the Smuts Museum in Irene, just outside Pretoria. Many works of architecture show a variety of influences, for example the Union Buildings, the City Hall and the Ou Raadsaal (Council Chamber) that have been preserved as gems of the past.
The nearby town of Cullinan is the site of the Cullinan Diamond mine, where the largest diamond in the world was found. The site is worth a visit, there are mine tours, good restaurants, beautiful stone buildings and an on-site manufacturing jeweler where one can buy a stone from the mine and have it mounted in a custom designed piece.
Within the heart of the city stands Church Square initially called Market Square. It was home to the first church built in Pretoria, which burnt down in 1882. The square marks what used to be the center of Pretoria and is now home to many historically significant buildings such as the Palace of Justice. The square is perhaps most famous for the large bronze statue of Paul Kruger, former State President, which stands in its center.
The Pretoria area is home to many nature reserves, parks and gardens including the National Zoological Gardens, the Premier Game Reserve, the National Botanical Gardens and many small parks scattered across the city.
Safari trips are never far away, there are many game reserves close to Pretoria and Johannesburg.Two cultural villages are close by and are worth a visit - The Zuluka Tribal Cultural Village and the Ndebele Cultural Village.
Pretoria and the suburbs of Pretoria offer a wide variety of accommodation, ranging from B&B accommodation, self catering accommodation, Lodges, Guest Houses, Bush Camps and Hotels.
Hotels are usually of a very high standard and for the traveler from Europe or USA, the exchange rate makes the stay in a hotel very reasonable.
Booking.com
There is much to keep visitors to Pretoria entertained. The State Theater has superb productions of ballet, drama, opera and popular musicals. Pretoria's arcades with their pavement cafés are a delight for shoppers, as are the fine suburban shopping centers such as the huge Menlyn Park Mall. Live music, and other pubs and clubs that attract a younger crowd, can be found in Hatfield, while the Derdepoort Regional Park with its farmyard, playground and bush atmosphere a wonderful safari option for the kids.
Author George P.
The site consists of two well-sheltered, warm and fertile valleys bordered by ridges. It is one of the country's three capital cities, serving as the Administrative National Capital.
History and background of the City of Pretoria
The first known tribes to settle on the site of Pretoria in this area of South Africa about 350 years ago were the Nguni speaking people who became known as the Ndeblele. Later, renegade Zulu warriors who had broken away from the Zulu army under a young commander named Mzilikazi set out to loot people living in this area and surrounds. Eventually Mzilikazi fled to another area as regiments of the army he had abandoned came in search of him.
The white settlers (Voortrekkers) discovered this pleasant valley close to Johannesburg in 1837 and erected farms and stores. Pretoria was the scene of fighting during the Anglo Boer War of 1863 – 1869, at the end of which Paul Kruger became President. It became the capital of the Republic of South Africa in 1860.
Pretoria previously had the rather sinister reputation as “The Capital of Apartheid South Africa”. However, this changed with the inauguration of Nelson Mandela as the country's first black president at the Union buildings in the same city. However, the name Pretoria is still seen in a negative light by some black South Africans and the name Tshwane has been proposed as a new name to replace Pretoria.
Hotels, Accommodation and Sights in Pretoria, South Africa
The iconic Voortrekker Monument still stands is a tribute to the inclusiveness of the new regime in South Africa. Also worth visiting are the National Cultural History Museum and the Smuts Museum in Irene, just outside Pretoria. Many works of architecture show a variety of influences, for example the Union Buildings, the City Hall and the Ou Raadsaal (Council Chamber) that have been preserved as gems of the past.
The nearby town of Cullinan is the site of the Cullinan Diamond mine, where the largest diamond in the world was found. The site is worth a visit, there are mine tours, good restaurants, beautiful stone buildings and an on-site manufacturing jeweler where one can buy a stone from the mine and have it mounted in a custom designed piece.
Within the heart of the city stands Church Square initially called Market Square. It was home to the first church built in Pretoria, which burnt down in 1882. The square marks what used to be the center of Pretoria and is now home to many historically significant buildings such as the Palace of Justice. The square is perhaps most famous for the large bronze statue of Paul Kruger, former State President, which stands in its center.
The Pretoria area is home to many nature reserves, parks and gardens including the National Zoological Gardens, the Premier Game Reserve, the National Botanical Gardens and many small parks scattered across the city.
Safari trips are never far away, there are many game reserves close to Pretoria and Johannesburg.Two cultural villages are close by and are worth a visit - The Zuluka Tribal Cultural Village and the Ndebele Cultural Village.
Pretoria and the suburbs of Pretoria offer a wide variety of accommodation, ranging from B&B accommodation, self catering accommodation, Lodges, Guest Houses, Bush Camps and Hotels.
Which Nutritious Food to eat on a Tight Budget
Tips for Writing Professional Executive Resumes
Hotels are usually of a very high standard and for the traveler from Europe or USA, the exchange rate makes the stay in a hotel very reasonable.
Booking.com
There is much to keep visitors to Pretoria entertained. The State Theater has superb productions of ballet, drama, opera and popular musicals. Pretoria's arcades with their pavement cafés are a delight for shoppers, as are the fine suburban shopping centers such as the huge Menlyn Park Mall. Live music, and other pubs and clubs that attract a younger crowd, can be found in Hatfield, while the Derdepoort Regional Park with its farmyard, playground and bush atmosphere a wonderful safari option for the kids.
Author George P.
Comments