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Destination Hotspot - Pretoria South Africa
Pretoria was founded in 1855 and is the administrative capital of South Africa. Known as the Jacaranda City, the wide streets are lined with Jacaranda trees that cover everything in a beautiful purple blanket in October. Pretoria is warm and sheltered all year around falling between the Highveld and Bushveld regions about 50 kilometres north of Johannesburg. This cosmopolitan city is an interesting and unique fusion of historical and modern, with a mix of natural beauty. The
magnificent Union Buildings overlooking all of Pretoria from a hilltop were built between 1910 & 1913 in light sandstone and designed by Sir Herbert Baker. The two wings of the buildings are designed to represent the English and Afrikaans languages and the unity of cultures. The buildings are surrounded by beautiful, terraced gardens with a wide variety of indigenous plants, and make for some lovely walks with breath-taking views of the city. A nine-metre-tall bronze statue of Nelson Mandela overlooking the buildings was unveiled following his burial a number of years
Voortrekker Monument Pretoria South Africa.
ago. Pretoria’s rich history can also be explored in the numerous museums around the city including the Transvaal Museum, the National Cultural History Museum, and the Smuts Museum. This house, known as Doornkloof, is an unpretentious wood and iron farmhouse with simple decor. Jan Smuts stayed in the house for over 40 years, and it was a quiet escape where he could be with his children and grandchildren away from the public eye. Kruger house the historical Pretoria residence of the former President of the South African Republic (Transvaal), Paul Kruger has been refurbished to recreate the ambience of the period of when the President lived there. Melrose House a stately mansion and museum located on Brugers Park gained notoriety during the Second Boer War (1899–1902) when Lord Roberts requisitioned it as the headquarters for the British forces after Pretoria was invaded in June 1900. The Voortrekker Monument on the outskirts of the city is also part of a nature reserve. The Monument, designed by architect Gerard Moerdijk,
(074) 9131018 resembles the Art Deco Style. Sculpted walls capture each significant incident that took place during the Groot Trek and that identified the Afrikanervolk. In greater Pretoria area visitors can explore Cullinan, the small town where in 1905, the world’s largest Diamond was found. The Cradle of Humankind is also an easy drive from Pretoria and here you’ll find Melrose Hous e Pretoria So a number of attracuth Africa. tions including the Sterkfontein Caves and the fascinating Maropeng Visitor Centre. www. of the Middle Eastern carrisouthafrica.net. Wilro Tours ers departing Ireland. Rather offer excursions around the than just serving a “restaucity & nearby Pretoria. www. rant service”, “Flying Chefs” wilrotours.co.za Sheraton make you feel like a star with Pretoria Hotel overlooks the “Turkish Hospitality” above magnificent Union Buildings the clouds. In fact all busiand the seat of government ness class meals are served with its picturesque gardens. in porcelain dishes on flights. Find total comfort in their 175 For great fares visit www. guest rooms and suites, in- turkishairlines.com Robert Walshe is a travel cluding 43 Club rooms. www. sheraton.com Turkish air- broadcaster with Q Radio & lines fly daily from Dublin to Travel Editor for numerous Johannesburg via Istanbul. print and online publicaTheir business class service tions on the island of Ireland. is by far the most impressive www.robertwalshe.com
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Nelson Mandela Statue Union Buildings Pretoria South Africa.