Attractions

Attractions
Burgers Park
The oldest park in Pretoria and now a national monument, Burgers Park lies adjacent to Melrose House; George
Heys, the first owner of Melrose House, who worked with botanist James Hunter, designed Burgers Park, which
was completed in 1892.
Address: Corner of Andries and Jacob Maré Streets, Pretoria Central
Church Square
The Palace of Justice – the headquarters of the Gauteng Provincial Division of the Supreme Court forms part of
the northern façade of Church Square. Dating from the end of the 19th century, it was designed in typical Italian
Renaissance style by Dutch architect Sytze Wierda; The sculptor Anton van Wouw's statue of Paul Kruger
occupies centre stage on Church Square. While the bronze figures of Kruger and the sentries were cast in Italy at
the turn of the century, they were only erected here in 1954; The Ou Raadsaal (old council building) on the
southern side of the square was designed by Dutch architect Sytze Wierda and erected by JJ Kirkness – a
Scotsman from the Orkney Isles – in 1887; Parades are held at the square on Wednesdays
Address: Crossing Church and Paul Kruger Streets, Pretoria
City Hall
The City Hall was built to celebrate Pretoria's city status obtained in 1931; It was designed by FG McIntosh and
John Lockwood Hall; the two statues in front of the building depict Voortrekker leaders Marthinus Pretorius and
Andries Pretorius, his father, after whom Pretoria was named when it was established in 1855.
Address: Corner of Visagie and Paul Kruger Streets
Diamond Hill battlefield
The Battle of Diamond Hill or Donkerhoek was fought between 14 000 English troops and 4 000 Boer fighters on
11 and 12 June 1900.
Three Boer fighters and 19 English troops died; In 1960 and 1963, troops and fighters from other remote
cemeteries were reburied at the Diamond Hill Garden of Remembrance.
Directions: From the Witbank Highway (N4) take the Rayton/Cullinan off ramp, turn left, immediately turn right.
The entrance is after 800m on the right (Kleinfontein).
Fort Klapperkop
One of the forts built by the Zuid-Afrikaansche Republiek under President Paul Kruger, Fort Klapperkop was
declared a national monument in 1938; It offers beautiful views of the city.
Address: Johann Rissik Drive, Nieuw Muckleneuk, Pretoria
Fort West Village
Fort West Village, a 389 ha property with more than 250 historic buildings, is situated 10 km west of Church
Square on the road to the Hartbeespoort Dam. It was founded as a self-sufficient village in 1880. It was

previously known as Fort West Institute when it was set up by an act of Parliament to house lepers. The
property includes the largest Gauteng fort, built by the French firm Schneider of Le Creusot (of Long Tom cannon
fame) for the Anglo-Boer War.
Freedom Park
Freedom Park commemorates the country's political history and celebrates its cultural and natural heritage; The
35 ha site comprises a museum and Garden of Remembrance, with statues and sculptures to honour ordinary
South Africans who contributed to the country's development; The site is a tribute to the Truth and
Reconciliation process.
Address: Entrance off Potgieter Street across Pretoria Central Prison, Salvokop
Jan Cilliers Park
This is an indigenous park with water features and beautiful views of the city; it is also known as Protea Park.
Address: Corner of Wenning and Broderick Streets, Groenkloof
Magnolia Dell
One of Pretoria's well-known parks, Magnolia Dell is a popular venue for art and crafts markets; A tea garden
and a restaurant are available; The venue is ideal for picnics.
Address: Corner Queen Wilhelmina Drive and University Road, Bailey's Muckleneuk
Mariammen Temple
The Mariammen Temple – the oldest Hindu Temple in Pretoria - was established in 1905; The temple is
dedicated to Mariammen, the goddess who controls smallpox and other infectious diseases; Visitors are
requested to remove their shoes when entering the cellar or assembly hall.
Address: Sixth Street, Asiatic Bazaar (Marabastad), City Centre
National Botanical Gardens
This is the sister garden to the world-famous Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens in Cape Town; It showcases many
Southern African plants in all their seasonal guises; Guided walks are available by arrangement.
Address: 2 Cussonia Avenue, Brummeria
National Zoological Gardens
This is the finest zoo in South Africa and one of the best in the world; The Pretoria Zoo is an 80-hectare oasis
nestled in the heart of Pretoria's city centre; It houses 97 mammal species, 161 bird species, 279 fish species,
106 reptile species and seven amphibian species; At least 4 300 animals call the Pretoria Zoo home.
Address: Boom Street, Pretoria Central
SA Mint

The Mint's history dates back to 1892 when Paul Kruger ordered a mint press from Germany; the press is still in
working order and can be seen at the museum; The Mint's new factory was opened in 1992 and is regarded as
one of the most modern in the world.
Address: Between the Ben Schoeman Highway and the Old Johannesburg Road, (R101), Brakfontein

Sammy Marks Square
The square offers a wonderful array of speciality stores integrated with the piazza and spacious malls; The
Sammy Marks building is the only remaining example of neo-Dutch architecture in Gauteng; The Square Centre
houses the City of Tshwane's community library.
Address: Corner Church and Van der Walt Streets, Pretoria Central
Loftus Versfeld Stadium
Loftus Versfeld Stadium – one of the oldest stadiums in South Africa – has been used for major sporting events
since 1903. The first concrete structure, which could accommodate only 2 000 spectators, was built in 1923.
Since 1977 Loftus Versfeld has undergone many renovations and its four major stands have been completely
rebuilt; It has been used for both rugby and football matches and is home to one of the country's top rugby
teams, the Blue Bulls; Loftus Versfeld is in the heart of Tshwane/Pretoria and currently has a seating capacity of
42 858;
Address: Corner of Lynnwood Road and Kirkness Street
South African Reserve Bank
At 150 metres high, the Reserve Bank is the tallest building in Pretoria; The building is a combination of
reflecting glass and black Rustenburg granite; The architects Burg Dohery and Bryant built the 37-storey
building; The open square in front of the building is landscaped with fountains and terraces; The stainless steel,
non-representational sculpture, Untitled, by Johan van Heerden was especially commissioned to complement
the building.
Address: Between Church and Vermeulen Streets, on Prinsloo Street, Pretoria Central
Springbok Park
This indigenous park is a national monument and is very popular for wedding photos.
Address: Corner Schoeman and Grosvenor Streets, Hatfield
South African State Theatre
Designed by Hans and Roelf Botha, the State Theatre covers the eastern portion of the block on the corner of
Church and Prinsloo Streets, and houses five theatres and a square; On completion in 1981, it was the largest
centre of its kind in the southern hemisphere. Commissioned art by South African artists decorate the inside
walls and foyers.
Address: Corner Church and Prinsloo Streets, Pretoria Central
Union Buildings
In 1909 Herbert Baker was commissioned to design the "Government Building of the Union of South Africa". The
foundation was laid in 1910, with the cornerstone being laid on November 26 of the same year; The massive
building was completed in November 1913 at a cost of £1180 000; At the time it was built, it was the largest
building project in South Africa; The Union Buildings are the administrative headquarters of the government and
stand majestically on Meintjieskop, overlooking Pretoria; On the grounds are the Delvillle Wood War Memorials,
a tribute to South African troops who died during the First World War, and statues of South Africa's first prime
ministers; The Union Buildings are surrounded on all sides by beautiful gardens.

Address: Church Street, Pretoria Central
Venning Park
This is a formal park with roses and water features. A lovely tea garden/restaurant is available.
Address: Corner Schoeman and Eastwood Streets, Arcadia
DITSONG National Museum of Natural History
On one of the major streets in the centre of Tshwane, the capital city of South Africa, lies what is regarded as the
country’s leading natural history museum, Founded in 1892, the Transvaal Museum of Natural History was
originally buried away in a tiny room next to the clock tower on the top floor of Parliament House and with the
increasing number of donations of items made, fossils of plants and animals, and items of European origin -
particularly those introduced by Boers and Voortrekkers - the collection rapidly expanded. Today the collection
at the Transvaal Museum of Natural History is housed in a magnificent sandstone building, its entrance
dominated by dinosaur skeletons, filled with cavernous display halls.
Exhibits include hominid fossils from the Cradle of Humankind World Heritage Site and associated fauna,
including Mrs Ples one of the country’s top celebs and the nickname attributed to a fossil skull believed to
represent a distant relative of all humankind; fossils of amphibians, fish, reptiles and plants from the Karoo.
Melrose house
Named after the famous Melrose Abbey in Scotland, Melrose House was built in 1886 by prosperous Pretoria
businessman George Jesse Heys. Today this elegant house museum stands as a superb example of the transition
of Victorian to Edwardian architectural styles and interiors. The interior is characterized by colourful stained
glass windows, paintings by English artists, carpets in rich colors, ornate ceilings and fireplaces, as well as
valuable porcelain ornaments, the majority of which belonged to the Heys Family.
Lord Roberts requisitioned Melrose House as headquarters of the British forces, after the invasion of Pretoria in
June 1900. Instructions were issued from here for more than 18 months, determining the strategy of the British
forces in the field. The Peace Treaty of Vereeniging which ended the Anglo-Boer War (1899 - 1902) was signed in
Melrose House on 31 May 1902.
DITSONG National Museum of Cultural History
The Ditsong: National Museum of Cultural History is housed in the former South African Mint building. This
museum explores South Africa’s cultural diversity through various permanent and temporary exhibitions. The
exhibitions cover various topics such as Rock Painting and Engravings of the San people, and thousand year old
Iron Age figurines from the Schroda Iron Age sites in the Limpopo River basin along the northern border of the
Limpopo Province (described by some scholars as “the best-known artifacts indicating ritual behaviour in the
Early Iron Age”). The Art Gallery presents an overview of South African art through time, using objects, crafts,
sculpture and paintings. An exhibition on Marabastad reflects on this urban centre that has always been
associated with the history of Indian settlers and their contribution to commerce in Pretoria.
Address: Visagie Street (between Bosman and Central Streets) Pretoria Central
DITSONG: Kruger Museum
The Kruger Museum and its contents tell the story of President Paul Kruger and his struggle for the
independence of the old Zuid-Afrikaansche Republiek (ZAR). The Museum consists of the original house, in

which S.J.P. Kruger and his family lived during the last years of the 19th century, as well as two display halls and
President Kruger’s State Railway Coach.
The Kruger museum was opened in 1934 and declared a National monument in 1937. The ZAR Hall exhibits
Krugeriana and tokens of honour given to the Boers including tributes, addresses, pictures, poems, medals,
musical compositions, sketches, letters, albums, books and newspapers, originating from the Netherlands,
Germany, Belgium, France, Ireland, the USA, Israel, Switzerland, Austria, Italy, Russia and Spain. The exhibits in
the Exile Hall cover President Kruger’s exile including his journey from Lourenço Marques to Europe, his hero’s
welcome in France and the Netherlands, his exile in Europe, his death in Switzerland and the State funeral in
Pretoria.
The State Railway Coach was used by President Kruger from 1894 till 1900, on official visits and political
campaigns to parts of the ZAR and on his trips to Natal and Bloemfontein during the Boer War. He also lived for
a short time in the coach while at Machadodorp and used it to travel to Lourenço Marques, to go from there in
exile to Europe. In 1952 the Kruger coach was brought to its present site at the Kruger museum.
Address: 60 Church Street west, Pretoria Central
Voortrekker Monument and Nature Reserve
The majestic Voortrekker Monument is situated in the northern part of South Africa in the Pretoria (Tshwane)
region in a nature reserve. It is a unique Monument which commemorates the Pioneer history of Southern
Africa and the history of the Afrikaner and is situated in a beautiful setting. Today it is the most visited heritage
site of its kind in Gauteng and one of the top ten cultural historical visitor attractions in the country.
Austin Roberts Bird Sanctuary
The reserve was named after ornithologist-mammal gist, J Austin Roberts, born in Pretoria in 1883, and largely
self-taught. He was to produce a number of standard South African reference books on both birds and
mammals, and was tragically killed in a motor accident in 1948.
It is a wonderful place to see some of the more common birds close up. The sanctuary lies in Muckleneuk and is
a regular Sunday afternoon picnic spot for families. The area around the Blue Crane restaurant, which lies
virtually on the dam and adjacent reed beds, attracts blue crane, grey crowned crane, rock doves, speckled
pigeons and the odd Egyptian goose, that all feed regularly here.
Bester Birds & Animals Zoo Park
Bester Birds cc was created by Mr. Mike Bester and family in the 1980’s. It started off as a small bird shop that
was and still is situated in the eastern part of Pretoria in Willow Glen. As a wildlife enthusiast, Mike had always
dreamed of opening his own zoological garden where families could enjoy and learn about some of the world's
weird and wonderful animals and birds. It was not long after the opening of Bester Birds cc that Mike opened
Bester Birds and Animals Zoo Park. He imported different animals from zoos all over the world for his park and
soon began importing and exporting wildlife accross the globe. Mike's main focus was, and continues to be, to
provide a relaxing, educational and safe experience for animal lovers, while giving the animals a comfortable
place to live, with the best care possible.
www.besterbirdsanimals.co.za
Bronkhosrstspruit dam nature reserve
Lying about 90 kilometres from the centre of Johannesburg, Bronkhorstspruit Nature Reserve is situated on the
southern edge of a large dam named after the town immediately north east of here, and known for its

waterbirds. Infact birders head out this way often for the over 200 species of birds, and, in particular, the pinkbilled
lark, which avid birders rate as a luck sight should you manage to catch a glimpse
Bush Babies Monkey Sanctuary
The bush babies sanctuary is one of several sanctuaries in a group of sanctuaries, including the elephant
sanctuary that provides for orphaned and abused animals. Situated west of Hartbeesport Dam alongside the
Elephant sanctuary it provides an environment where monkeys (primates) can be given their freedom in a
natural environment. The sanctuary situated in one of the many Kloofs (Gorges) of the Magaliesberg mountain
range provides the perfect environment for Monkeys from around the world.
www.monkeysanctuary.co.za
Pretoria Art museum
The Information Centre is an invaluable source of information for people interested in, or researching the visual
arts. Educators, students, learners and members of the public may use the vast collection of art reference books.
Newspaper clippings on Southern African artists and art make the Pretoria Art Museum's Information Centre
unique.
Fort Klapperkop Heritage Site
Fort Klapperkop was the third fort erected before the outbreak of the Anglo-Boer War (1899 to 1902) to protect
Pretoria. The fort has been restored historically correct and arranged as a museum, with permanent exhibitions
of Anglo-Boer War objects and furniture. The Fort includes the following rooms: Ammunitie, Hospitaal, Keuken,
Machine, Telegraaf, Stal and Manschappen. Visiting HoursFountains Valley Recreation Resort
The Centurion Art Gallery
The Centurion Art Gallery is a commercial satellite of the Pretoria Art Museum situated at Cnr Cantonments Rd
& Unie Avenue, Lyttelton Manor Centurion
South African Air Force Museum
The Air Force Museum depicts the history of the South African Air Force; It houses a collection of old aircraft,
uniforms, missiles, aeronautical displays and paintings; Flying days are held periodically. For more on these and
similar events, visit http://www.saaffriends.co.za/events.htm.
Address: Route 101 (Old Johannesburg Road), Zwartkop Air Force Base, Old Johannesburg Road, Valhalla
Correctional Service Museum
This museum is the only one of its kind in South Africa; It portrays the development of the penal system and
displays the hobbies of prisoners – and illegal items manufactured by them.
Address: Prison Reserve, Central Prison, Potgieter Street, Pretoria Central
Geoscience Museum
Located in the Transvaal Museum building, the Geoscience Museum displays a fascinating collection of precious
and semi-precious stones.
Address: 432 Paul Kruger Street, Pretoria Central
Ditsong: Pioneer Museum

The fully furnished house at the Pioneer Museum is a T-shaped dwelling with a thatched roof, dung-smeared
floor and pioneer furniture dating from 1848. The historic farmyard, its outside oven, outbuildings, tanning pit,
wagon shed, water furrow, threshing floor, water mill, duck pond and farmyard animals, are worth a visit.
Address: Pretoria Road, Silverton, Pretoria

SAAF Memorial
Built on Bays Hills, the SAAF Memorial offers a clear view of the Zwartkop Air Force Base, as well as the top of
the Voortrekker Monument. The design of the base is in the shape of a triangular star with three wings – one
forms a neutral chapel for small services.
The memorial is about six storeys high and symbolises flight. The Garden of Remembrance was laid out for the 3
000 SAAF members who died during wartime.
Address: Snake Valley Road, off the Old Johannesburg Road.
Science and Technology Museum
A true "hands-on" museum, the Science and Technology Museum is the only one of its kind in South Africa that
allows visitors to see the wonders of science and technology unfolding.
Address: Didacta Building, 211 Skinner Street, Pretoria Central
Smuts House Museum
The many aspects of the life of Jan Christiaan Smuts (1870-1950) – the world-renowned statesman, lawyer,
botanist, philosopher, farmer and family man – can be seen in this wood-and-iron house in the country
environment of the Doornkloof farm.
Address: Nellmapius Road (M31), Irene
Ditsong: Willem Prinsloo Agricultural Museum
The museum's theme is the development of agriculture in the old Transvaal, and an impressive collection of
horse-drawn vehicles, farming equipment and examples of implements used on farms over the ages are to be
seen.
Address: Route 104, Old Bronkhorstspruit Road