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City centre

Church Square is one of the most visited tourist attractions in South Africa. Located in the centre of the city and on the world's longest street, the square prominently features a statue of Paul Kruger, one of South Africa's well-known former presidents. To the south of the centre, about 20 minutes on foot along Paul Kruger Street, is the Station Building, which was designed by Sir Herbert Baker. He was also the designer of the Union Buildings, which overlook the suburb of Arcadia. These are considered highlights of British Imperial architecture and they still house the national government. Nelson Mandela was inaugurated as President of the Republic of South Africa here in 1994.

National Zoological Gardens

The 60ha/150ac National Zoological Gardens with 4,300 animals, is one of the largest zoos in the world. There are 97 species of mammals and 160 species of birds housed in a walk-through aviary. The aquarium displays 275 species of fish while and the reptile house has a collection of 105 reptiles from all over the world.

Voortrekker Monument

Prominently situated south of the city center is the Voortrekker Monument, built in 1949 to commemorate the voortrekkers, the Boers who in the mid 19th C pushed northward into unknown territory. A ponderous square granite structure 40m/130ft high stands on a base 40m sq/430ft sq.

Steps lead up to the Hall of Heroes, with 27 marble reliefs depicting the Great Trek of 1838. Through an opening in the floor can be seen a slab of granite in the vault below with the inscription "Ons vir jou, Suid-Afrika" ("We are for you, South Africa").

The monument is surrounded by a wall depicting ox-wagons - representing the trek wagons which the Boers drew up in a circle to form a defensive laager.

There is a museum illustrating this period of South African history.

Waterkloof and Centurion

To the south of the centre are the hilly and genteel suburbs of Waterkloof Ridge and Waterkloof Glen, where Pretoria’s wealthy reside. The area is well worth a visit to experience the lovely setting, the parks and the views; particularly the views of the city. Also to the south of the city, in the direction of Johannesburg, is Centurion, which is of interest to visitors for its Voortrekker Monument and a number of attractive parks.

Transvaal Museum

This celebrated museum, has an extraordinary collection of mammals, amphibians, fossils, geological specimens and archaeological material. In the Austin Roberts Bird Hall visitors can see all the 875 species of birds indigenous to South Africa.

June - October

June - July -> 3(°C) - Spring
December - January -> 28(°C) - Summer

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