The Best Things you can Experience in Pretoria

Pretoria is a city in South Africa that has a wide range of exciting things to experience and do. From culture and tradition to shopping, to nature and wildlife, to nightlife and entertainment; Pretoria is a place where you can make many wonderful memories. In this article we will be looking into some of the best experiences that the city has to offer.

Nature and Wildlife

Pretoria is home to many parks and nature reserves that are truly worth visiting. The Voortrekker Monument Nature Reserve is the most popular of these reserves, housing various animals such as small carnivores, antelopes, African wild cats, and large predators. The reserve also features large trees and various plants and flowers, as well as various bird species. The Groenkloof Nature Reserve is another great spot to visit. Spanning 1283 hectares, this reserve has hiking trails, cliffs, rivers, valleys and caves that are easy to explore. It also has large trees and plants that adds to the beauty of the area. If you’re looking for something a little more off the beaten path, then the National Botanical Garden is a great visit for any nature lover. With over 800 species of plants and over 150 species of birds, it’s sure to satisfy all your needs in terms of nature and wildlife.

Adventure and Sports

If you’re looking for some adventure then Pretoria also has plenty of activities for visitors to take part in. Whether its paintball, abseiling, olympic shooting or even river rafting, Pretoria has something for everyone in terms of adventure and sports. For those who prefer a more laidback approach, there are also many golf courses in the city that are beautiful to play at. Aside from golf, stretch yoga classes at various spots around the city are very popular too.

Culture and Tradition

Pretoria also has a rich cultural history that is worth exploring. The city had been inhabited by many different people throughout the centuries including tribes such as the Zulu, Khoisan and Afrikaner people. Because of this, there are many cultural monuments around the city that are worth visiting for anyone who wants to learn more about the history and culture of Pretoria. The Union Buildings is one such place that is steeped in history. Built in 1913 it was the site of President Nelson Mandela’s inauguration in 1994 and is widely regarded as one of the most important buildings in South African history. Other places of interest include Freedom Park, a memorial to victims of both oppressive and liberation struggles; The Kruger House Museum, where visitors can learn about the Boer War; and the Old Fort, built during the Second Boer War.

Shopping

For those who want to take a break from sightseeing or just want some retail therapy, Pretoria’s shopping districts do not disappoint. The Menlyn Shopping Centre is one of the largest shopping malls in the region, with over four hundred stores ranging from fashion to electronics. The Centurion Mall and Brooklyn Mall are also popular spots for fashionistas who want to find new looks or just window shop around. For those who want something with a more traditional flavor, The Mall of Africa is a great spot for African crafts and souvenirs that you can take home with you.

Nightlife and Entertainment

Pretoria also has plenty to offer in terms of nightlife and entertainment. For those who are into live music, there are several venues around the city including Atterbury Theatre and Die Boer which often host local and international acts. The Sun Arena at Time Square Casino also hosts great live entertainment such as comedy shows and music concerts almost every weekend. For those looking to have a few drinks and some good conversation then Pretoria has quite a few interesting bars and restaurants that could accommodate you. One such establishment is Tings “n Times which serves up delicious dishes from around the world and some drinks too (with ID-carding). For those looking for something more low key there are also pubs like St Johns Pub & Restaurant where you can get some good food and drinks until late at night.

Conclusion

From nature to adventure, to culture and entertainment – Pretoria has it all for those seeking an adventure or just looking for an escape. With so much on offer there’s really something for everyone in this great city so why not pack your bags and come explore Pretoria? For more information on what you can experience in Pretoria make sure you check out our guide to Pretoria .