Things to do near
Hammanskraal
*Distances are shown as the crow flies and not necessarily the actual travelling
distance.
Golf Courses
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Cullinan (25.6 km from Hammanskraal) Just 25 km from Pretoria, you'll find Pebble Rock Golf Club, a challenging 18-hole course.
A well-known feature in the area, the course forms part of the Pebble Rock Village, with the club house forming the focal point. The course offers members, residents and visitors a relaxing game in a wonderful bushveld surrounding. A pro shop is also available to acquire any golfing items if needed.
Nature Reserves
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Roodeplaat (27.3 km from Hammanskraal) The dam was originally named Pienaars Rivier Dam and meant for the water supply to the immediate land owners. It still supplies water but visitors are able to row and fish on the dam. Bass, carp, kurper and barbel can be caught.
Nature Reserves
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Roodeplaat (27.3 km from Hammanskraal) Roodeplaat Nature Reserve is conveniently located close to the city for a day's nature outing. The reserve has two hides overlooking the dam for the avid birdwatcher - you might have to content with some fisherman that do not spot the 'no fishing' sign. The reserve boasts over 250 bird species including the osprey, Eurasian reed-warbler, purple heron, black heron and hamerkop.
Popular Attractions
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Kameeldrift East (27.7 km from Hammanskraal) Bushman's Rock Spa is the most relaxing spa in this area of Pretoria, located on the banks of the Moreletta river, in the heart of the bush.
Enjoy a authentic African calabash massage in the beautiful rooms over looking the river or have a relaxing pedicure outside next to the river while sipping on a refreshing cocktail.
Animal Parks
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Rust de Winter (35 km from Hammanskraal) Load up the family and take them to visit Mystic Monkeys & Feathers Wildlife Park on your next holiday.
Friendly guides will take you on a fascinating tour of the enclosures where you will learn more about chimpanzees, white lions, tigers, cheetah and 38 playful primate species.
The park is also home to numerous colourful exotic birds and lemurs. The park boasts 50 species of lemurs of which 17 are on the endangered species list including the brown, ring-tailed and ruffed lemurs.
Mystic Monkeys & Feathers Wildlife Park is open 365 days a year from 9am to 4pm. Guided tours usually take two to three hours. Also on offer are informal play sessions, a curio shop, short game drives and school tours.
Galleries and Museums
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Silverton (36.6 km from Hammanskraal) The famous Pioneer Museum in Silverton is a large farm displaying the typical lifestyle of the early settlers. Visitors can witness demonstrations on the techniques early settlers used to ground their wheat, create candles, bake bread and roast coffee, among many other things.
A Cape farmer, David Botha, was the first to settle on the farm in 1846. For many years it was used as a halfway station with coach-houses and stables for travelers. In 1961 it was donated to the municipality of Silverton and in 1975 it was named the Pioneer Museum.
Visitors can browse through the museum's shop, enjoy a picnic, or book out the hall, kitchen and lapas for a private function.
Popular Attractions
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Arcadia (37.9 km from Hammanskraal) 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.
Animal Parks
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Pretoria (Tshwane) (38.1 km from Hammanskraal) One of the top ten zoos in the world, The National Zoological Gardens of South Africa offers animal lovers a staggering 9 500 animals to view. Situated on 85 hectares in the heart of ‘Jacaranda City’, it’s the largest zoo in the country and is home to mammals, birds, fish, reptiles and amphibians alike. The spacious grounds house some rare species of antelope, white rhino, elephant, hippos, lions, cheetah, gorillas and even bats!Over 600 000 people visit the zoo every year, and there’s so much to see. It’s worth enquiring about what tours are on offer. You can hire a golf cart or take the Zoo Choo-Choo Tractor Train if you’re not up for the six kilometres of walkways. For a birds-eye view, take the cableway and ride above the zoo and on both sides of the Apies River.The largest inland marine aquarium in the country, The Aquarium and Reptile Park, also form part of the zoo facility. Kids will love watching the endangered Komodo dragon, ragged-tooth sharks and other weird and highly poisonous beasties.Dotted around the zoo are a number of picnic spots where you can relax under giant shade trees. Braai facilities are available at the picnic area on the banks of the Apies River. You can also opt for a sit down meal at the restaurant.Visiting hours:Open seven days a week, 365 days a year. Tickets are sold from 8:30 to 16:30 daily and the zoo closes at 17:30.
Popular Attractions
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Cullinan (38.3 km from Hammanskraal) 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.
Popular Attractions
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Cullinan (38.3 km from Hammanskraal) Cullinan Tours is a tour operating company based North East of Pretoria in the diamond mining town of Cullinan, providing exclusive surface and underground tours of Cullinan Mine.
Underground tours take about 4 hours. Tours are conducted from Monday to Friday at 10:30, and on Saturday at 7:30. Visitors under 16 years are not allowed underground. Surface tours are conducted 7 days a week, and take about 2 hours. Starting times for Monday to Friday are 10:00, 12:00 and 14:30, and on weekends at 10:00 and 12:00.
Animal Parks
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Pretoria Central (38.3 km from Hammanskraal) The largest zoo in South Africa, the National Zoological Gardens of South Africa also is proudly associated with the National Research Foundation.
In addition to the zoo, there is an aquarium and reptile park. Children and organised groups are most welcome. Special tours can also be arranged. The cafeteria and restaurant has a wide range of food offerings, and there is ample parking. Pop in for a visit; open all week from 8:30 to 16:30.
Galleries and Museums
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Pretoria (Tshwane) (38.4 km from Hammanskraal) The Kruger House was built in 1884 for Paul Kruger, president of the Transvaal region between 1883 and 1900. The house has been restored to capture the atmosphere of what it was like to live in luxury during that era.
The house was one of the first homes in Pretoria to have electricity, and has been graced with the presence of many famous personalities, such as John Cecil Rhodes and Mark Twain.
Visitors can arrange a guided tour or visit the museum's antique shop.
Galleries and Museums
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Pretoria (Tshwane) (38.4 km from Hammanskraal) The Pierneef Museum is a restored 19th Century house dedicated to the famous landscape painter Jacob Hendrik Pierneef. Pierneef was born in Pretoria in 1886 to a Dutch builder and returned to Holland during the Boer War.
He studied at the Rotterdamse Kusakademie in Holland and became one of South Africa's most prominent artists upon his return. The museum showcases a large collection of his artwork and personal momentos.
Visitors can also enjoy refreshments at the in-house coffee shop.
Shopping Malls
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Hatfield (38.6 km from Hammanskraal) Situated in the heart of Pretoria is Duncan Yard, a distinctive boutique lifestyle centre and must-do lunch spot. Here visitors amble through quaint stores and eateries along cobbled stone walkways and castle turrets.
The alfresco centre provides a unique shopping experience with over 15 restaurants and shops. Its picturesque location is reminiscent of a rustic Italian village and provides a refreshingly exotic experience.
Renowned for the popular Papa’s Real Food restaurant and the Deli on Duncan’s delectable array of delicacies, Duncan Yard also features an enticing selection of stores offering boutique clothing, jewellery, indoor and outdoor décor, and carpet and florist services. Both the beauty and hair salon are idyllically situated for complete relaxation and pampering.
Trading Hours:
Monday to Friday 09:00 – 17:00
Saturday 09:00 – 15:00
Sunday 10:00 – 14:00
Public Holidays 10:00 – 14:00
www.duncanyard.co.za
+27 (0) 12 362 2224 / 4054
Popular Attractions
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Cullinan (39 km from Hammanskraal) 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.