Destinations / Pretoria >>

The national capital falls a bit in the shadow of its mighty neighbour, Johannesburg. This is unfair and ignores the fact that this city has a very distinct history, culture and vibe. Pretoria certainly seems more laid back than Jozi, a bit like an over-sized farming town.

The first clue to its origins and Afrikaner culture is the Voortrekker Monument on the approach to town. Built in the 1940s to commemorate the achievements of the Voortrekkers on their long journey from the Cape, this is the spiritual home of the very proud and independently-minded “white tribe of Africa”. Typical of the time, this intimidating edifice is not necessarily the most elegant of structures, but it’s full of symbolism and even today on 16th December thousands of Afrikaaners make a pilgrimage to this site to commemorate the Battle of Blood River.

Pretoria has some historic public buildings and museums worthy of a visit – the most grand being The Union Buildings (the headquarters of government which resemble an English aristocratic country house, complete with carefully manicured gardens). But for a real insight into the modern Afrikaans culture, try to time your trip with a visit to Loftus Versfeld Rugby Stadium on match day. Pretoria is also known as the ‘Jacaranda City’- if you visit in October or November, you can look forward to see long avenues painted purple with blossom.