Connecting African Culture Through the Seas
The Amazing Journey of Bill Pinkney Imagine leaving your life and the familiar touch of soil beneath your feet to sail across treacherous seas around the globe with only a …
Though South Africa’s capital city, Pretoria (also known as Tshwane) is somewhat sleepier than its overpowering neighbor, Johannesburg — and South Africa’s other metropoles such as Durban or Cape Town — it is a city full of life and historic value. Pretoria has its own beauties and charms — ask any inhabitant of the city, and they will happily convey their fierce pride and passion for their city.
Pretoria feels a bit like Washington DC, that other capital whose boulevards are dominated by handsome government buildings, gracious colonial mansions, and livened up once a year by spectacular blooms. Nicknamed Jacaranda City, Pretoria explodes in lovely hues of bluish-purple when its thousands of jacaranda trees come into full bloom during spring (October-November). This is prime time to be in town, which sports a warm, dry climate that’s normally a few degrees hotter than Joburg.
Monuments dominate this city, most notably the flagship Voortrekker Monument, which was built to commemorate the Dutch pioneers and their journey from the Cape colony into the interior of the country. While there you can visit Erfenissentrum, the centre dedicated to Afrikaners and what pioneer life used to be like. The other focal point of the city is the Union Buildings, the official seat of the South African government. Take a wander around the extensive gardens and memorials that frame them, and catch a wicked view of the city while you’re at it. The nearby National Cultural History Museum, Art Museum and National Museum of Natural History will complete your tour of the cultural and historical side of Tshwane.
But Pretoria is not all about monuments and mansions. There are several major universities here, and many neighborhoods have a fun, young vibe, with the restaurants and nightlife to match. Pretoria is also a very family-friendly destination: The Pretoria Zoo and Irene Dairy Farm are among attractions that draw the younger (and much older) set. And the leafy suburbs, which wind through the undulating veld, boast chic bistros, modern shopping malls, and boutique hotels that cater to the civil servants, foreign dignitaries, and business folks who live and work here.
Safety: As with other cities in South Africa, crime is possible, but not commonly inflicted upon the average tourist. Suggested precautions: Travel in a group if you go out in the evening. Don’t carry lots of cash or jewelry on you. Don’t stare at your phone while walking (especially if you are alone), as distracted tourists can become targets for opportunistic thieves. Try to use cash where possible, as credit and debit card numbers are stolen frequently.
The Amazing Journey of Bill Pinkney Imagine leaving your life and the familiar touch of soil beneath your feet to sail across treacherous seas around the globe with only a …
Unless you’re visiting Pretoria with a specific purpose, you probably have very little need or desire to visit the capital city. It doesn’t have very good PR, but if you’re …