Pretoria, Jacaranda, Pretoria Zoo

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Pretoria, situated in Northern Gauteng is known as the Jacaranda City because of all the purple blossom trees which line its streets. Pretoria is the administrative capital of South Africa. Here you will find many significant old buildings and some fascinating museums. It's a great town. there are quite a few open spaces where you can walk or mountain bike. The Union Buildings are central to South African history now represent the change South Africa endured. Despite it mainly being a governmentally significant city, it is also alive with culture, housing many museums, monuments and theatres. Within the heart of the city stands Church Square, initially called Market Square. It was home to the first church built in Pretoria, which burnt down in 1882. The square marks what used to be the centre of Pretoria and is now home to many historically significant buildings, like the Ou Raadsaal (council chamber) and the Palace of Justice. The Pretoria area is also home to many nature reserves, parks and gardens, including the National Zoological Gardens, the National Botanical Gardens and many small parks scattered across the city.

Protea Hotel Waterfront

The 4 Star Protea Hotel Waterfront Centurion and Suites is located on the safe and tranquil Centurion Waterfront, it is situated adjacent to the Centurion Mall shopping complex with its variety of restaurants, bars, boutiques, cinemas and banks.

Garden Court Hatfield

The trendy and upmarket suburb of Hatfield, in Pretoria, is home to the Garden Court Hatfield Hotel where business and leisure guests are perfectly positioned to explore the quaint and interesting area as well as nearby historical landmarks and attractions

USEFUL INFO
The South African currency is Rands and cents. Foreign currency can be exchanged at any bank or foreign exchange outlet. Most stores, restaurants and hotels accept credit cards. Banking hours are 09h00 - 15h30 Monday - Friday and Saturdays 08h30 - 11h00. On arrival at the airport, shuttle companies offer transfers to your required destination and taxi's are available. Taxi's are also available from all major hotels. Car rental is also a good option to get around the city. The same standard voltage and frequency as in most European countries, 220/230 Volts at 50Hz even though the type of plugs varies. You can usually borrow an adapter at your hotel. It is normal to tip golf caddies, taxi drivers, hotel and railway porters, chambermaids, stewards, waiters, barmen and tour guides. The accepted average is 10-15%. Useful Information

ATTRACTIONS
Church Square - Church Square was the site of the first church in Pretoria. The best known feature of Church Square is the large bronze statue of former president Paul Kruger. The Square is surrounded by many historic buildings, such as the old Raadsaal (council chambers), Centenary Building, Netherlands Bank and others. Most noteworthy in history is the Palace of Justice which was served as the scene for The Rivonia Treason Trial, when Nelson Mandela and some other liberation figures were accused of treason.
The Transvaal Museum - South Africa's leading natural history museum. It was founded in 1892. The museum changed locations a number of times as its collection grew. By 1925 the museum moved to its current location, a beautiful sandstone building on Paul Kruger Street. The museum currently houses a vast taxidermy collection as well as a number of fossils.
Pretoria Zoo - The National Zoological Gardens, more commonly known as the Pretoria Zoo, is the largest zoo in South Africa and the only one which has a national status. It is also rated as one of the top zoos in the world.
Union Buildings - form part of the logo for the City of Pretoria. The sandstone building, designed by Sir Herbert Baker, was started in 1910 to commemorate South Africa's Union-status, obtained in that year. Entrance to the building is prohibited for security reasons, since it is the site of the Presidential Offices. However, the beautiful terraced gardens, which boast a wide variety of indigenous plants, are open to the public and provide a truly amazing view over the city.
Voortrekker Monument - The Voortrekker Monument stands over 40 meters tall on its hilltop home, and is visible from a large part of Pretoria. It was built to describe the history of the Afrikaner pioneers who left the Cape Colony, where they suffered under British rule, to travel to the interior of the country from 1835 to 1854 on what has come to be known as the Great Trek.
Pretoria City Hall - The Pretoria City hall was built to celebrate the achievement of Pretoria's city status in 1931. The building was inaugurated 4 years later, in 1935. Pretorius Square, one of many parks scattered across the city lies in front of this landmark. The park is home to a beautiful garden, elaborately designed fountains and three statues of people who were significant in Pretoria's history. Attractions