A Tourist in Pretoria

By Brenda Fineberg

Although Pretoria is a big busy city it is not a typical tourist destination.

A few months back a friend told me her son was out from the UK for his first holiday in South Africa. She asked me to show him the sights around Pretoria – a tourist in Pretoria. I was in a bit of a quandary as I didn’t know where I would take him. There are often write-ups in local newspapers about what’s going on in and around Pretoria, however, most of the suggestions tend to focus around places to eat and drink. To fulfill my mandate, I needed attractions in safe areas.

Here is the itinerary that evolved

Firstly, a trip to the Voortrekker Monument. This heritage site is impressive and one of the best maintained monuments in Pretoria. Pioneer history in South Africa is beautifully told in a variety of mediums. This, for example, includes a tapestry made with more than three million stiches. It is the world’s longest historical marble frieze.

Gerard Moerdijk designed this wonderful monument. It was inaugurated in 1949 and is situated in a nature reserve. This is a perfect location amonst a variety of antelope and small mammals, and horse outrides. Visitors can therefore enjoy the experience of the reserve from a different perspective.  

Similarly, in the theme of the pioneer settlers, Fort Klapperkop is next on the itinerary.

This was the third fort erected prior to the start of the Anglo-Boer War (1899 – 1902). And most importanly, it was erected as part of Pretoria’s defence. (One of the other forts – Fort Schanskop is in the grounds of the Voortrekker Monument.) Following on, the story of life during the Anglo-Boer War is told in the various rooms in the fort. Historical artefacts bring the different parts of the war to life, for example, the hospital, stables, ammunitions, and telegraph room amongst others.

Irene Concentration Camp

A short drive away, in the suburb of Irene, a different aspect of the war is evident, Irene Contentration Camp. It was built to accommodate the Boer women and children who were forced off their lands by the British “Scorched Earth policy”. Many died in the harsh conditions in the camp. Diseases were rampant.

As a result, today, you can see many of these graves.

And this national heritage site tells some of their stories.

Smuts House Museum

Whilst in Irene, a visit to the Smuts House Museum will provide a peek into the life of General Jan Smuts. He lived here for 40 years. Smuts served as Prime Minister of the Republic of South Africa and was a prominent military leader and statesman. He was pivotal in setting up the League of Nations which was the precursor of the United Nations. The quaint tearoom, situated in the gardens, is lovely to enjoy a refreshment.

Rietvlei Nature Reserve

Shifting gears away from the historical aspects of Pretoria to a more bushveld environment. We set off to Rietvlei Nature Reserve. Rietvlei is an unexpected gem in the middle of a bustling city. Rietvlei Dam, completed in 1934 assists in supplying the city with water. There is a water purification plant adjacent to the dam.

The 3,800ha nature reserve is part of valuable conservation initiative. It became a tourist destination in 1948. This amazing place allows visitors to see many of South Africa’s unique wild life. Tourists can drive themselves around the reserve, and there is a picnic site with facilities for visitors to enjoy a typical South African braai whilst overlooking the water with the chance of viewing hippo. Numerous hides enable bird enthusiasts to view the plentiful species that inhabit this grassland area.

The Union Buildings

Numerous buildings in Pretoria designed by Sir Herbert Baker, provide artchitectural splendour. Baker was born in Kent and educated at the Tonbridge School in the UK.

His career in South Africa spanned from 1892 to 1912. And thus, during this time he designed many of the famous buildings in the country. One of his finest works is The Union Buildings which he designed in 1909. Unfortunately, visitors are no longer able to enter this seat of national government, but, at least they are able to stroll through the adjacent terraced gardens. It is in these gardens where the statues of President Nelson Mandela and General Louis Botha stand impressively.

Most importantly, Pretoria is within easy access from OR Thambo International Airport.

In conclusion, when you visit South Africa, make a plan to spend a couple of days in Pretoria. The city is en route to other exciting destinations around our beautiful country, and you will be able to fill your days with cultural, historical and ecological pursuits.

And, finally, there are plenty of stunning eateries around the city which will keep you sustained for the duration of your stay.

***Have you been a tourist in Wakkerstroom?***