Pretoria is the administrative capital of South Africa, belonging to the province of Gauteng. It falls under the City of Tshwane, is situated around 65 km north of the country’s largest city, Johannesburg. Pretoria is popularly called as the ‘Jacaranda City’, referring abundant of Jacaranda trees in the parks, gardens and on the streets of the city.

Pretoria is a lovely and friendly city, adorned by numerous historic colonial structures, administrative buildings, botanical and zoological gardens, promoting Pretoria as one of the prominent tourist destinations in the country. Pretoria is located at 25°44′46″ S 28°11′17″ E, around 1,270 meters above sea level, covering an area of 687.54 sq. km.

Brief note on Pretoria’s history:

Marthinus Pretorius, a leader of the Voortrekkers, was the founder of Pretoria, in 1855. Pretoria was designated as the capital of the South African Republic on 1 May 1860 and it officially gained city rights on 14 October 1931. Pretoria received its name from the Voortrekker leader and a national hero, Andries Pretorius, the father of Marthinus Pretorius.

Getting Pretoria:

Being one of the national capitals, Pretoria features an upgraded transportation infrastructure. Pretoria is served by OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg, located around 45 km south of the midpoint of the Pretoria city. Taxis are always being ready to serve visitors at the airport and visitors can also choose bus for inexpensive airport travel.

Pretoria is connected to all the important South African cities by both train and bus services, including Johannesburg and Nelspruit.

Culture, Food and Shopping in Pretoria:

Pretoria is a museum city with more than a dozen museums and also many famous South African bands, including Seether, Zebra & Giraffe.

Shopping centres are dotted all around Pretoria and also visitors can visit traditional shops to bag South African specialties. Mid range restaurants in Pretoria generally charge between R60 and R120 for meal.

Things to do in Pretoria:

• Mountain biking
• Hiking
• The Blue Train tour
• African Tracks Safaris
• Visiting spas

What to see in Pretoria?

The Union Buildings:

Designed by Sir Herbert Baker, the Union Buildings is a landmark site, situated on 2 Church Street, functioning as the residence of the South African President. Garden surrounding buildings is an added attraction.

National Zoological Gardens:

Located on 232 Boom Street, the National Zoological Gardens is a site with various attractions, including large mammals, aquarium, and reptile park. Camping can also be enjoyed within the park on Friday and Saturday nights. Entrance fee is R36.

National Cultural History Museum:

The National Cultural History Museum is a perfect place to know the complete culture of South African people, from the Iron Age to modern days. It is situated on 149 Visagie Street in Pretoria.

Pretoria Art Gallery:

The Pretoria Art Gallery is open for visitors from 10:00 to 17:00 (Tuesday-Sunday). It is centered on displaying the importance of modern and contemporary arts of South Africa. Admission fee is R20. It is worth a visit.

Groenkloof Nature Reserve:

Being the world’s second oldest nature reserve, the Groenkloof Nature Reserve is one of the highlights of Pretoria. Apart from animals like antelope and giraffes, the reserve also offers 4×4 drive, mountain biking, walking and many other exciting activities.

Other places of interest in Pretoria include:

• Wonderboom Nature Reserve
• Austin Roberts Bird Sanctuary
• State Theatre
• Friends of the Rail
• Klitsgras Drumming Circle
• Kruger House Museu
• Botanical Gardens
• Voortrekker Monument and Fort Scanskop
• Sammy Marks Museum
• Melrose House Museum
• Freedom Park

When to visit Pretoria?

Pretoria can be visited year round, though the majority of people prefer September and October to travel Pretoria to enjoy the natural phenomena of the blooming of jacaranda trees.

Where to stay in Pretoria?

Pretoria holds dozens of world class hotels with superior amenities that are located in all parts of the city. Pretoria is also a great destination for budget and mid range travelers who can find their accommodation in any suburb of Pretoria. List of the top end hotels Pretoria include:

• Illyria House
• Meintjieskop Guest Lodge
• Kievits Kroon
• Faircity Roodevallei
• Morning Star Express Hotel
• Southern Sun Pretoria
• Cornerstone Guest Lodge
• Court Classique Suite Hotel
• Sheraton Pretoria Hotel
• Courtyard Hotel Arcadia
• Premier Hotel Pretoria
• Garden Court Hatfield
• Lombardy Boutique Hotel & Conference Centre
• Hoogland Health Hydro
• Holiday Inn Express Pretoria

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Muldersdrift is a scenic area in the Gauteng Province of South Africa, covering an area of 4.66 sq. km. The pleasant Muldersdrift is famous among both local and international tourists, falling under the World Heritage Site Cradle of Humankind. Muldersdrift is located in the Kromdraai Valley at 26.033° S 27.85° E, around 25 km northwest of Johannesburg, the capital of South Africa.

Muldersdrift forms the part of the West Rand District Municipality and is popularly called as the ‘wedding capital’ of Gauteng, holding 40 plus wedding venues and conference centres. Muldersdrift is situated in the proximity of Wonder Cave, one of the opulent hominid fossil sites in the globe.

Connectivity to Muldersdrift:

O.R. Tambo International Airport is the closest major airport to Muldersdrift, situated around 60 km southeast of the heart of Muldersdrift. Including Singapore, Mumbai, New York, London, and Frankfurt, the airport operates flights from/to many global destinations.

Buses are frequent between Muldersdrift and its nearby areas and also there are many tour operators offering different attractive sightseeing tours at reasonable rate and some of them also provide cars and bikes for local travel on rent.

Food and Shopping in Muldersdrift:

The Silverstar Casino and Entertainment Centre and Cradlestone Mall are the two top entertainment and shopping centres in Muldersdrift. Some nice restaurants in Muldersdrift are listed below:

• Kenjara Lodge Country Retreat Restaurant
• Bellgables Country Restaurant
• Toadbury Hall Restaurant
• Berlin Pub & Restaurant

What to do in Muldersdrift?

• Safari
• Visiting archeological sites and shopping
• Shopping

What to see in Muldersdrift?

Wonder Cave:

The Wonder Cave is South Africa’s third largest cave, considered as one of the wealthiest hominid fossil sites in the world. It is a part of the World Heritage Site, Cradle of Humankind and is located near Muldersdrift.

Silverstar Casino and Entertainment Centre:

The Silverstar Casino and Entertainment Centre is a new casino joining the entertainment sector of Gauteng province. This palatial amusement centre features a casino, a spa, a large splurge hotel, retail shops and numerous restaurants.

Cradlestone Mall:

The Cradlestone Mall is a grand shopping mall in Muldersdrift, home to a wide range of entertainment and dining facilities along with plenty of shopping outlets.

Walter Sisulu National Botanical Garden:

The Walter Sisulu National Botanical Garden is situated in Roodepoort, around 9 km south of Muldersdrift. Spread over an area of 300 hectares, the garden is a winsome destination, especially noted for pair of Verreaux’s Eagles.

Lion and Rhino Nature Reserve:

The Lion and Rhino Nature Reserve is a popular wildlife reserve in Muldersdrift and it can be explored by 4×4 or by walk. Lion, Rhino and Cheetahs are the highlights of the reserve and it is generally closed at 16:00, so advised to go early.

Other places of interest in and around Muldersdrift include:

• The Green Bean Coffee Roastery
• Cradle of Humankind
• Hartbeespoort Dam
• Sterkfontein Caves
• Krugersdorp Game Reserve
• Lesedi Cultural vale
• Old Kromdraai Gold Mine
• Mandela Family Museum
• Johannesburg Art Gallery
• Montecasino Bird Gardens
• Suikerbosrand Nature Reserve
• Absa Money Museum
• The Apartheid Museum
• Chérie De Villiers Gallery

When to visit Muldersdrift?

The best time to visit Muldersdrift depends on visitors’ interest, though the most preferred time is from May to August.

Where to stay in Muldersdrift?

Muldersdrift is an area with several modernized hotels that serves visitors with the blend of upgraded and traditional facilities to make visitors’ tour memorable. Apart from amenities, hotels also offer a large menu of South African delicacies that are really mouthwatering and should be tasted. List of the major hotels in Muldersdrift include:

• Misty Hills Country Hotel
• Forum Homini Hotel
• Ingwenya Country Escape
• Southern Sun Silverstar Hotel
• Monchique Guest House
• Toadbury Hall Country House
• La Vue Guesthouse
• Random Harvest Country Cottages
• AfricaSiesta Guest House
• Origins Guest House
• Riverstone Lodge
• Silverspoon Vintage
• Hartley Manor Guest House
• Apricot Hill Farm
• Brookwood Estate Trout Farm

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Centurion, earlier called Verwoerdburg, is a town in the Gauteng Province of South Africa, situated around 55 km north of Johannesburg and 15 km south of Pretoria. Administratively, Centurion comes under the City of Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality and geographically, Centurion is located between 25°51′37″ S latitude and 28°11′22″ E longitude. Centurion also houses South African Air Force Museum as a part of the Swartkop Air Force Base.

Centurion was the site of one of the prominent international cricket stadiums of the country, SuperSport Park, which witnessed the matches of many world tournaments, including 2003 Cricket World Cup and 2007 ICC World Twenty20.

History of Centurion:

Relics excavated at the World Heritage Site, Sterkfontein Caves, not more than 50 km from Centurion, have shown that the areas around Centurion was inhabited by the hominids around 2 to 3 million years ago. The first modern human settlement in Centurion by the black African communities dates back to 1200 AD. Before getting its current name in 1995, Centurion was called by the name of Verwoerdburg and before that by the name Lyttelton.

How to get Centurion?

Centurion is served by O.R. Tambo International Airport with flights to all the prominent cities in the globe, including Paris, New York, London, Frankfurt and Mumbai. The distance of 50 km from the airport to Centurion can be easily crossed by train or bus or airport taxi or rental car.

Centurion is connected to Johannesburg and Pretoria by train, served by Gautrain. To hire a car, visitors can consider First Car Rental in the city.

Culture, Food and Shopping in Centurion:

Centurion houses an art gallery that is located at Cnr Cantonments Rd and Unie Avenue, open for visitors from 10AM to 5PM (Monday-Friday). Centurion Mall is famous for shopping in Centurion, while Firkin Restaurant is recommended for dining.

Things to do in Centurion:

• Visiting shopping malls
• Flight of the Eagle Safaris & Tours
• Visiting museums and cricket stadium

What to see in Centurion?

SuperSport Park:

Being one of the recognized international cricket stadiums of South Africa, the SuperSport Park is one of the identities of Centurion, having a capacity of around 22,000 spectators. Including 2003 Cricket World Cup and ICC Champions Trophy 2009, the stadium has hosted many world cricket tournaments.

Air Force Base Swartkop:

The Air Force Base Swartkop is home to one of the three units of the South African Air Force Museum. It is the oldest air force base of South Africa, home to the South African Air Force Memorial that commemorates the SAAF personnel and other people of the country who died during the British Commonwealth Air Training Plan.

South African Air Force Museum:

The South African Air Force Museum holds three branches, located in Centurion, Port Elizabeth and Cape Town. Centurion’s unit is located at Swartkop Air Force Base, describing the history of the South African Air Force with exhibitions of aircraft materials.

Irene Village Mall:

Situated at Nellmapius Drive & Van Ryneveld Avenue in Cornwall Hill, the Irene Village Mall is a lovely and nicely designed mall, featuring restaurants, cafes, modern shops, kids playing options and fountain as well. It is a perfect spot for entire family in Centurion.

Centurion Mall:

Constructed in 1983-84, the Centurion Mall is the 2^nd biggest mall in Tshwane metropolitan area, spanning over an area of 105,000 square meters. This mall offers everything for visitors including dining, entertainment, fashion, fun and gaming, with total of 200 stores and restaurants.

Other places of interest in Centurion include:

• Bayete Day Spa
• Acrobranch
• Smuts House Museum
• Centurion Art Gallery

When to visit Centurion?

The climate of Centurion is relatively similar to that of nearby Johannesburg and Pretoria, dry and sunny winters and warm and hot summers. The best time to visit Centurion is from May to August.

Where to stay in Centurion?

Centurion is a city for all types of travelers as it houses all sorts of tourist favor accommodation options, including guest houses and lodges, other than award winning deluxe hotels. Some recommended hotels in Centurion include:

• Royal Elephant Hotel & Conference Centre
• African Pride Irene Country Lodge
• Forever Hotel @ Centurion
• Hampton House Guest House
• The Club House Guest House
• Accommodation @ Van’s
• Lotus Blossom Accommodation
• Road Lodge Centurion
• Greenlea Guest House
• Centurion Golf Suites Guest Lodge
• Leriba Hotel and Spa
• Protea Hotel Centurion
• Kleinkaap Boutique Hotel
• Centurion Lake Hotel
• Pilgrims Delight B&B

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Boksburg is a city situated in the province of Gauteng in South Africa, covering an area of 162.35 sq. km. It is situated around 40 km east of the city of Johannesburg and 60 km south of Pretoria, one of three capitals of South Africa. Boksburg is one of the mining towns of South Africa and its first gold mine was discovered in 1887. The economy of Boksburg is based on its gold mines and also many multinational companies like Unilever and Colgate Palmolive have processing units in Boksburg. Boksburg is located around 1,590 meters above sea level, between 26°12′45″ S latitude and 28°15′45″ E longitude.

History of Boksburg:

Boksburg got its name from W. Eduard Bok, the first State Secretary of the South African Republic (1880-1889). Boksburg was once home to the oldest mosque in Gauteng region but that was destroyed by fire in 2003 and in the same year, there was a mosque, Masjid Al-Noor, constructed on the site of the old mosque.

How to reach Boksburg?

Boksburg is served by OR Tambo International Airport, the most important airport of South Africa. This airport is situated around 10 km north of Boksburg and offers regular flights to/from Mumbai, Amsterdam, London, New York, Singapore, New York and many other global cities.

Boksburg is served by metro train with continuous operations from Johannesburg. Due to its nearness with Johannesburg, the railway and bus transportation of Boksburg is extended to all prominent towns and cities in South Africa.

Food and Shopping in Boksburg:

East Rand Mall is famous for modern shopping in Boksburg, while Bunny Park Crafters Market is known for traditional shopping.

List of recommended restaurants of Boksburg for tourists include:

• La Campana
• The Classic India
• The Fireplace Roadhouse
• Azzurri Pizza Cafe

Things to do in Boksburg:

• Boating
• Fishing
• Hiking

What to see in Boksburg?

Petmasters Bird Park:

The Petmasters Bird Park is one of the top tourist attractions of Boksburg, situated at 7 North Rand Road. It is a great site for animal enthusiasts and bird lovers. Also, there is a café with mouthwatering South African delicacies.

Bokkie Park:

Located on Southvale Road in Boksburg, the Bokkie Park is a nice farm in the city, home to many typical local animals. It would be a nice trip for the whole family, mainly for kids who surely like animals in the farm.

Wild Waters:

Wild Waters is a small recreational park in Boksburg, situated on Lozides Street. It is very pleasant, clean and well maintained park, offering a memorable swimming experience. Visitors are allowed with outside food.

Tambo Memorial Hospital:

The Tambo Memorial Hospital is recommended to visit as it is Gauteng region’s one of the oldest hospital and still in operation. The hospital is home to around 640 beds.

Boksburg Lake:

Boksburg Lake is a famous lake near Boksburg, covering a surface elevation of 150,000 square metres. It offers a wide range of water-sport activities, including boating and fishing, making it as one of the popular picnic spots in the surrounding of Boksburg.

List of other places of interest in and around Boksburg includes:

• ERPM Golf Course
• WesBank Raceway
• OR Tambo International Airport
• Bunny Park Crafters Market
• East Rand Mall
• Benoni Lake Golf Club
• East Rand Flea Market
• Bruma Lake Flea Market

When to visit Boksburg?

Generally from May to August is the best time to visit Boksburg when the weather remains pleasant and supportive for outdoor activities.

Where to stay in Boksburg?

Though tourist attractions are limited in the city, Boksburg houses numerous upgraded accommodation centres such as hotels, vacation rentals, BB and inns with all tourist favor amenities, including spa and sauna. List of the major hotels in Boksburg include:

• Birchwood Hotel
• Afrique Boutique Hotel Oliver Tambo
• Indlovu Lodge & Conference Venue
• Europrime Hotel
• The Airport Grand
• Europrime Guest House
• Avon Road Guest House
• Sunwardpark Guesthouse
• Rustic Rose Guest House
• Raintree Guest House
• 24 on Vrey Boutique Hotel
• Kuse Khaya Guest House
• Acre of Africa Guesthouse
• Faiscas Guesthouse
• Cedar Manor Guesthouse

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