A journey through the attractions of Pretoria

Known as Jacaranda City, thanks to its blaze of purple hues during the warmer months, the city of Pretoria is the administrative capital of South Africa. It lies just 55kms outside of the metropolitan hub of Johannesburg. 
 

A city composed of civil servants, diplomats, trim and quiet suburbs, and lavish lifestyle estates, it is scarcely touted as a cultural hub yet bares all of the hallmarks of a tourist attraction just waiting to be uncovered. Today, we look at some of the most iconic buildings and national heritage sites that make Pretoria a wonder to behold.

Pretoria National Botanic Garden 

Image Source: Gauteng.net

Located within the coveted Eastern Suburbs of Pretoria is the awe-inspiring natural splendour of the Pretoria National Botanical Garden. Stretching across 76 hectares of topiary delights, the gardens are home to more than half of the natural flora of the nation. Such impressive collections include the addition of several different species of aloes, cycads, and other flowering plants.

The gardens are split in two by a quartzite ridge where the warmer north-facing section contains vegetation which contrasts with the colder south-facing area to add to its impressive visual presentation. Flora is categorised per region, where one may find a selection of coastal vegetation alongside plants endemic to the Karoo and grasslands of Namibia.

The gardens also play host to the National Herbarium, which has catalogued and collected over a million species. This makes it the largest herbarium in the country and an excellent resource for plant lovers. After an exhausting walk through the various twists and turns which meander naturally through the park, visitors are welcome to stop by for a meal at the Lakefront Restaurant.

National Zoological Gardens of South Africa

Image Source: Pretoriazoo.org

Where the botanical gardens are all about the flora, the National Zoological Gardens houses and looks after a host of fauna from near and far. Spanning across 85-hectares of natural real estate, this national zoo provides families with an entire day of fun-filled activities and sites to see.

Highlights include a lion and tiger exhibit, hippos, elephants, giraffes, a reptile house and enclosure, and an apiary home to hundreds of different bird species. Since the zoo encompasses a large property, visitors have the option to rent golf carts and traverse the grounds at their leisure. There is also a fantastic cableway which provides 360-birds eye views of the zoo.

The zoo is also open during the evening to witness nocturnal animals and camping grounds for the more adventurous spirit.

Union Buildings

Image Source: Trip.com

Nestled within a pristine garden setting and located on the peak of Meitjieskop Hill sits the commanding presence of South Africa's Union Buildings. It is the central seat of government and houses the national state archives within its imposing structure. Envisioned by the architectural know-how of Sir Herbert Baker in 1913, these historic buildings incorporate English, Italian and Cape Dutch designs with 15th-century Renaissance style.

The gardens which encircle this stately structure encompass a variety of historical statues which commemorate historical figureheads. Chief among them is a 9-metre-tall statue of Nelson Mandela which continues to preside over the building in memoriam. Visitors are invited to explore the gardens, take in the commanding presence of the architecture, and marvel at the impressive views of the city of Pretoria.

As the site of Nelson Mandela's official inauguration in 94, this particular building commemorates the moment our nation became a democracy. If the historical significance is your interest, the Union Buildings are a must-see.

Melrose House

Image Source: Wikipedia.org

Built by wealthy businessman George J. Heys in 1866, Melrose House is a Victorian-styled home that serves as a landmark where the Anglo-Boer War peace treaty was finally signed in 1902. Today, this beautiful residence serves as a visitor and tourist destination, which promises a full Victorian experience. A time capsule of sorts which transports visitors over 150 years into the past to catch a glimpse of the daily life of an early South African.

The highlights of this classical home feature porcelain ornaments, paintings by British artists, beautifully crafted stain-glass windows, and lavish architectural finishes. The home is often used for art exhibitions, classical concerts, and antique roadshows as a fully preserved piece of South African history. There is also a boutique cafe in the garden for high tea on the terrace.

Freedom Park

Image Source: Voteda.org

Set within breathtaking views provided by Salvokop Hill, Freedom Park is an ode to South Africa's historical progress. It traces a path that tells the story of the country's liberation movement and pays homage to those who have played an essential role in the nation's direction.

The site was first opened in 2007 and offers visitors a comprehensive selection of poignant memorials and museums which exhibits South Africa's history from the birth of modern civilization to contemporary times. Freedom Park overlooks the nearby Voortrekker Monument and other key landmarks around the city, acting as a waypoint for would-be travellers.

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