Pretoria (Tshwane) and surrounds Popular Attractions

Pretoria has a complex and fascinating past. Initially the capital of the independent Boer republic of the Transvaal, it moved on to became one of the three capitals of South Africa and an international symbol of Apartheid.Then the turnabout came in 1994 with the jubilant inauguration of former President Nelson Mandela, South Africa's first democratically elected President. Suddenly the Union Buildings transformed from a symbol of white, supremacist domination to one of genuine unity in this beautiful and culturally rich city.The Union Buildings still form the official seat of South Africa's government and houses The Presidency as well as the Department of Foreign Affairs. Built at the loftiest point of South Africa's capital city, the elegant buildings preside like an ancient temple adorning and presiding over the city it governs. Designed by Sir Herbert Baker, the building was completed in 1913. Herbert Baker chose Meintjieskop for the site because it reminded him of the acropolises of Greece and Asia Minor. The overall design is influenced by the neo-classic architecture of the Italian Renaissance as well as Cape Dutch.

The University of South Africa, or UNISA as it is commonly known, is a distance education university with the main campus and headquarters in Pretoria. You cannot miss the gigantic, mind-blowingly ugly buildings.With over 200 000 students enrolled, it is highly regarded and is one of the largest universities on the planet.Founded in 1873, UNISA was initially an examining agency for Oxford and Cambridge universities as well as something of a ‘mother ship’ to other establishing universities in South Africa. In 1946 it became a distance education university, offering certificate, diploma and degree courses up to doctoral level. It was able to remain interracial during the years of apartheid largely because it was a distance education university. Famous students and professors include:Nelson Mandela, former President of South AfricaDesmond Tutu, South African cleric and political activistRobert Mugabe, current president of ZimbabweAhmed Kathrada, South African politician and anti-apartheid activistTokyo Sexwale, South African businessman and former politician, anti-apartheid activist, and political prisonerWalter Battiss, South African abstract painter and creator of the quirky 'Fook Island' concept, UNISA Professor of Fine Art.

The University of Pretoria, fondly called ‘Tucs’ by students, is ranked as the leading research university in South Africa. Also one of the top three universities in the country, it draws a large number of new students every year, with 39 000 students enrolling in 2010.The university has six campuses and numerous operational sites such as the Pretoria Academic Hospital. The Hatfield campus has a beautiful setting and attractive historic buildings, making it one of the more striking universities in South Africa.Visitors usually make their way to the Ou Lettere building to view the amazing archaeological finds from Mapungubwe. Here you can see the gold rhinoceros, jewellery, figurines, pottery and other artefacts at least 700 years old.The Hatfield campus has contributed to the reputation of Hatfield as the most vibrant suburb of Pretoria with numerous trendy cafés, bars and restaurants.

The ultra-modern Netcare Pretoria East Hospital is a 358 bed facility offering patients the most technologically advanced medical and surgical services.The hospital is an internationally recognized Centre of Excellence in neuro-spinal, ortho-spinal and large joint replacement surgery.The expertise in this surgery has become recognized countrywide and many patients requiring hip, knee and shoulder joint replacement surgery are referred to Netcare Pretoria East Hospital. There is also an outstanding maternity unit with an atrium and skylights, allowing in natural light to enhance the peaceful atmosphere.

Lesedi African Lodge and Cultural Village offers the opportunity of experiencing the fascinating cultures and traditions of the people of Africa. Located in the Cradle of Humankind, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the village is only a 45-minute drive from Johannesburg and Pretoria.The multi-cultural village features five traditional homesteads each inhabited by Zulu, Xhosa, Pedi, Basotho and Ndebele tribes that live according to the tribal folklore and traditions of its ancestors.The Zulus with their sticks and cosy beehive huts, the Xhosa with their perfectly thatched rondawels and distinctive white blankets, the Pedi with their rhythmic drums and whistles, the conical straw hats and brightly coloured blankets of the Basotho and the Ndebele with their beautifully painted homes will reveal a way of life not readily encountered in the South African urban centres.Rooms are built in the traditional style but with modern conveniences, enabling guests to stay overnight to experience the lifestyle of a traditional rural African family without forfeiting comfort.Meals are a culinary feast and are enjoyed in a stylish decorated restaurant offering an exotic buffet serving ethnic dishes and a carvery.Special cultural programmes consisting of an audio-visual presentation on the history and origins of the various ethnic groups, guided tours and tribal dance displays, introducing guests to the multi-cultural lifestyle of the inhabitants of Lesedi.Enjoy the spirit of Ubuntu at this unique cultural venue where the music, song and warmth of Africa’s hospitality await you and the crafts and lifestyle of her people will enthral you.Nyama Choma Resaurant is divided into three sections. 'South Africa' has murals reflecting the nine tribes of South Africa. 'East Africa' features murals of the Masai, the statusque people of the East. 'North Africa – The Serengeti' offers the Nile Room, where you sit crossed legged on floor cushions at low tables and smoke hubbly-bubbly’s! The Fundudzi bar is situated next to the restaurant where overnight guests can relax.After a fun-filled day, rest your head in one of five traditional homesteads where families of the Pedi, Sotho, Xhosa, Zulu and Ndebele live in the traditional rural way, all nestling in pristine Bushveld.Additional guestrooms for each village have been constructed in the five homesteads offering the unique opportunity of staying with a traditional rural African family – however, all home comforts have been catered for. These include cosy beds and beautiful en suite bathrooms, equipped with all modern conveniences.The Monati (lunch) and Boma (dinner) cultural experiences are two and a half hour programs starting at 11:30am and 16:30pm. Guests are taken to the Ndebele village where a welcome by all the people of Lesedi takes place. The program begins with a multi-visual presentation on the history and origins of today’s rainbow nation, followed by a guided tour of the five homesteads. Guests are escorted to the Boma for traditional singing and dancing – a very participative affair!

Gauteng's premier entertainment destination, Monte Casino, is a distinctive complex with casino, shops, movies, fun arcades, restaurants, outdoor bird garden, Boogaloos New Generation Skate Park, Pieter Toerien theatre, Parker's Comedy & Jive venue and lots more. Styled just like a Tuscan village, the casino is in the centre with all the shops, restaurants, cinemas and theatres surrounding it.

Giddy up with Cullinan Adventure Outrides. Horses are suitable for beginners to more experienced riders. Rides usually take an hour and a half for a maximum of 10 people. Book your outrides and stay at Cullinan Backpackers.

Cycle back in time to an immaculately restored, yet living and growing community that is as much about the future as the past. Cullinan makes up part of the Dinokeng Region, which is famous for giving visitors the opportunity to see all that Africa has to offer in a day.Cullinan is 30 minutes drive from Tshwane (Pretoria) and less than an hour from Johannesburg. Clusters of original stone miner's cottages, a turn-of-the-century railway station and authentic buildings flank the jacaranda and oak tree lined avenue. The semidetached houses in Oak Avenue are built of local stone in 1904 to provide housing for the mine employees.The Edwardian setting of the Cullinan mining town has a proud involvement in heritage and conservation matters. The Second World War POW's left behind amazing art works and architectural reminders of their stay in Cullinan and the surrounding areas. The largest allied prisoner of war camp in Africa was established here and the graves of 264 Italian prisoners are still preserved.The famous South African architect, Sir Herbert Baker, also left his mark on the village, as he designed the beautiful St George's Anglican stone church in Oak Avenue. Cullinan Mine has always placed a high priority on nature conservation. Cullinan Mine also has its own game farm that conserves numerous plants, animals (including white rhinos), insects and birds.

This incredibly popular square with its impressive statue of Nelson Mandela is an awesome place to chill between frenetic bouts of shopping. Relax at one of the many surrounding restaurants, enjoy the sunshine, and watch open air performances and the passing traffic of people. The square incorporates a theatre, a library and is attached to the well-known Sandton City Shopping Mall. A must on your trip to Jozi!

The Cradle of Humankind is a significant UNESCO World Heritage Site about 50 km northwest of Johannesburg. Aptly named the Cradle of Humankind for the fact that it is the site where many of the oldest hominid fossils have been found, some dating back as far as 3.5 million years ago. Since 1947, when Robert Broom discovered the first hominid fossil, “Mrs Ples”, literally thousands of fossils have been found at Sterkfontein Caves and the other sites that make up the Cradle of Humankind. Besides the novelty of hanging out where our ancestors lived, the Cradle of Humankind is a fabulous place to visit and it is close to Pretoria and Johannesburg. There are plenty of small wildlife reserves, caves, restaurants, craft shops and guesthouses to keep you busy for days. You could even go for a hot air balloon ride. The Cradle is also close to Hartbeespoort Dam, the town of Magaliesburg and the Magaliesberg Mountains.

The spectacular discoveries in 1947 at Sterkfontein, now part of the Cradle of Humankind are no secret and have gained South Africa the reputation as the birthplace of the human race.‘Mrs ‘Ples’, the 2.1-million-year-old Australopithecus skull, and 'Little Foot', an almost complete Australopithecus skeleton that is more than 3-million years old, were both found in the Sterkfontein Caves. These amazing discoveries and many other hominid and animal fossils found here date back more than 4-million years to the birth of humanity. ‘Mrs ‘Ples’ and 'Little Foot' tell us much about our ancestors, Homo sapiens.Daily tours at Sterkfontein Caves start above ground and then take visitors deep into the caves. The tours are run every half hour, seven days a week. Wear comfortable shoes when going into the caves and leave your handbags behind – there are a number of tight spots and stairs to negotiate. It is not advisable to do the tour if you are claustrophobic, suffer from acute asthma or have chest problems.

Grab your kids for mega wallowing and splashing about at Forever Resorts Warmbaths. Even if you’re not crazy about family-oriented resorts, a trip to Bela-Bela wouldn’t be complete without a dip in the bubbling hot mineral spring. But if it’s a quiet getaway you’re after be warned – on weekends and school holidays you might be joined by thousands of holiday makers. The source of the ancient spring gushes out 22 000 litres of water at 52 degrees Celsius every hour. Rich in limestone minerals including calcium carbonate, sodium chloride and other salts, the water is popular for healing treatments. Apart from the hydro therapy of the Jacuzzi, indoor hydro pools and the main pool, the resort offers cable water skiing, go-karts, mini quads, a fufi-slide, pedal boats, target shooting, 'Monster Web' climbing, putt-putt, kids play park, speed slide, wave pool – the list is endless! Day visitors are welcome from 07:00 – 17:00 December rates subject to change: adults R130, children 3 – 13 R100.