When you think local travel, Gauteng isn’t the province that immediately springs to mind. But whether you’re a history buff or a nature lover, it really should be. This economic heartland may be densely populated, but it has an excellent road system and so much to see. Enough that you can spend all your free time in just one city. Look at Pretoria, for instance.
This city was the capital of the old Transvaal republic in the 19th century and the Transvaal province till 1994. It has been the administrative seat of the whole country since 1910, so it has a great deal of history but also many attractive open public spaces, which serve many purposes and are all worth visiting.
Start with the Union Buildings. This classic, elegant structure has two wings wrapped around a wide entrance quarter. Set in lovely and spacious gardens, it is the green heart of the urban jungle. It is based on Edwardian, neoclassical and Cape Dutch architecture and was designed by respected architect Herbert Baker. He was responsible for many private and public buildings throughout South Africa.
This is where Nelson Mandela was inaugurated, where the President has his main office and where all South African prime ministers and executive presidents have worked since the building’s formal opening in 1913. Just to the north of the actual city centre, you’ll find the National Zoological Gardens, an 85ha zoo established in 1899. It is the biggest and best in the country and offers extensive zoological research services.
The massive facility houses more than 700 species, represented by more than 9 000 animals. The Apies River runs through the zoo and is crossed by two bridges. But if you’re not into walking the place flat, there are golf carts and a cable car.
On the east of Pretoria lies the National Botanical Garden, spread out over 76ha. It was established in 1946 and is one of nine major botanical gardens country-wide. It houses the National Biodiversity Institute. For the general visitor, there’s a wetland, cycad garden, succulent garden, useful plants garden, medicinal garden and enabling garden. It is both informative and relaxing. And when all the walking gets too much, you can stop at the restaurant and tea garden.
On the south side of Pretoria is the Groenkloof Nature Reserve, adjacent to the Fountains Valley at the entrance to the city. It was proclaimed a game sanctuary in 1895 – which makes it one of the first in Africa. It is housed on 600ha.
Since 1994, plants that are not indigenous have been removed. Open grassland has returned, as did local trees, such as white stinkwood and hook-thorn. Game is abundant and there are 120 bird species who call the place home.
Not far away from Groenkloof is the 40km² Rietvlei Nature Reserve, with a 60km network of tar and gravel roads. It has something for everyone: indigenous and exotic trees, a hide where you can watch some of the 400- odd bird species and 1 600 mammals, ranging from lion and leopard to buck, buffalo and hippo.
Fishing is an absolute delight and very popular here, not only for Pretoria residents, but the whole of the Reef.
There is much more in the country’s administrative capital to see in the form of museums – historic buildings around Church Square, Kruger House, Melrose House, the Museum of Natural History and much more.
Access is super-easy and the city can be approached on a number of national roads. Check it out; you won’t be sorry you did.