What You Will Do
Experience the rich cultural heritage of South Africa's Capital City on a day trip.
During this tour you will learn about Pretoria, a lovely and quiet city that has a long, involved and fascinating history.
Also known as Tshwane, it is South Africa's administrative capital, serving as the seat of the executive branch of government, and as the host to all foreign embassies to South Africa.
Meet friendly locals, learn about the vibrant history, and immerse yourself in the colorful atmosphere of this fascinating city. Pretoria has a beauty all of its own, and the slow pace of life is regarded as a bonus by its residents. You will discover a land of contrasts and encounters that will leave you inspired and enriched. Pretoria showcases our culture and history with many monuments and museums, giving visitors a special insight into what has shaped South Africa and her people.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Itinerary
1
Johannesburg
40 minutes
You will be picked up from your hotel, General introduction and overview of the area and the guide will brief you about the program of the day.
2
Voortrekker Monument
1 hour 30 minutes
This is Biggest Monument in Africa. Specifically important to the overall understanding of Boer culture in South Africa in the 1800’s. While Pretoria at that time was Boer capital.
Built to honour those who left the Cape Colony under British control in pursuit of self determination. Subsequently left the Cape colony between 1835 and 1855 and became known as Voortrekkers. It is a massive 40 metre high granite structure built on a hill top and can be seen from most parts of Pretoria.
The laager wall of 64 wagons circles the Voortrekker monument while being the same number of wagons used in battle of Blood River. A very significant battle in South Africa’s past. Above all the Voortrekker monument played a huge part in uniting Afrikaners in 1940s. Thus was important in bringing about Apartheid. As a result, Afrikaans is today still very prominent in Pretoria. Although Pretoria is also culturally diverse it's culturally different to Johannesburg.
3
Kruger House Museum
40 minutes
Learn more about the former president of South Africa and view a display of furniture and personal items that belonged to the Kruger family. Kruger House Museum was Kruger’s personal House. Built in 1884, it was the first house in Pretoria to be lit by electricity. Immaculately recreated to look exactly as it did when Paul Kruger, president of the Zuid Afrikaanse (Transvaal) Republiek, lived there more than a century ago.
On view is also the Presidential coach – luxury train wagon. Across the road is Paul Kruger’s Pretoria Church, the Gereformeerde Kerk.
4
Church Square
10 minutes
Historic Pretoria city centre with statue of Paul Kruger. While surrounded by four Boer soldiers dating back to 1850’s.
With buildings surrounding the square of significant historical value and includes the Old Raadsaal. Seat of the Boer government – ZAR (South African Republic). Additionally the Palace of Justice, which served as a venue for the Rivonia trial after the raid on the Liliesleaf Farm. Former President Nelson Mandela being one of the accused.
5
Ditsong National Museum of Cultural History
This Museum containing a vast collection covering the fields of fauna and flora, palaeontology, military history, cultural history, geology, anthropology and archaeology items from both stone age and iron age. The Museum’s collections and exhibits include hominid fossils from the Cradle of Humankind World Heritage Site and associated fauna, including Mrs Ples, the nickname attributed to a fossil skull believed to represent a distant relative of all humankind. Fossils, skeletons, skins and mounted specimens of amphibians, fish, invertebrates, reptiles and other mammals are on display for educational purposes.
6
Melrose House
The Peace of Vereeniging, ending the war, was signed at Melrose House on May 31, 1902 after initial Boer approval in Vereeniging, between representatives of the British and ex-republican Boer governments. It ended the independence of the Boer South African Republic that is Transvaal and the Orange Free State, which came under British military administration
7
Union Buildings
1 hour 20 minutes
This is a National monument and office of the president of South Africa. Designed by Sir Herbert Baker and built between 1910 and 1913.
You will see the stunning terraced gardens. Planted with indigenous plants, while having a panoramic view of Pretoria. This has onsequently been the site of many important events related to the freedom struggle. One being in 1956, when 20 000 women, protesting against apartheid pass laws, marched to Pretoria to hand over a memorandum. Additionally, the Union Buildings is a site of many protests and a venue for many historical events in South Africa including the inauguration of South Africa’s first democratically elected President, Nelson Mandela.
8
Johannesburg
40 minutes
After this wonderful and fascinating experience of the day. The guide will drop you in Pretoria or drive you back to Johannesburg where you will be dropped back at the hotel or at the airport
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