Traveling isn’t just limited to being a fashionable jetsetter. Cue a shot of me with a gigantic hat and black sunglasses… And scene! Sometimes it means exploring your own city; being a local tourist.
Here are a few cool (and cheap) things to do in Pretoria – the city that holds its own like the beloved, purple flowers of the Jacaranda trees.
VISIT FOOD MARKETS
If you don’t know what to do on your next date or outing, Pretoria’s food markets got you covered.
Vegan? Not a problem. You can go to the Vegan Food Fair. Into banting? You can visit the Botanical Gardens and see what the Pretoria Banting Market has in store. And if you want to know more, take a look here at the different food markets you can choose from.
TAKE IN THE CITY WITH THE CAMERA OBSCURA AT THE UNIVERSITY OF PRETORIA
The Camera Obscura allows you to see the whole of Pretoria from a darkened room. Once you see the projected images on the viewing table, you’ll feel like you’re standing in an enormous camera with a 360° view.
So what makes this even cooler? You’ll be able to see people, cars, birds, and aircrafts moving. On a clear day, you may even see cars driving on the pass in the Magaliesberg (leading to Pretoria North).
Cost? Bookings should be made for a minimum of five people for R50 and an additional R10 for each person extra by emailing sci-enza@up.co.za or phoning 012 420 3767
Where? Sci-Enza at the University of Pretoria, Roper street
FREE ZULU LESSONS AT GROUNDED AT ECHO CAFÉ
Would I really be proudly Moot if I didn’t include this? If you don’t know the Moot, it’s okay. I forgive you. Well, kind of.
Grounded at Echo is a place for fresh ideas, coffee dates, and free introductory Zulu lessons on Saturday mornings from 9h00 to 10h00. These lessons are fun and inclusive! You can contact Mthokozisi Mthethwa at 071 438 0352 for more information.
Cost? Free (but you won’t able to resist their baked goods)
Where? On the corner of Pierneef street and 24th avenue
VISIT THE 1000-YEAR OLD WONDERBOOM FIG TREE
This 1000-year old tree is about 25 metres tall and has a trunk of over five meters in diameter. But what makes this tree even more amazing is its growth pattern. Over the (many, many) years, the branches grew longer and drooped towards the ground, which eventually took root and formed a circle of 12 sister trees. It’s definitely worth seeing!
Cost? R37 for adults (13 years and older), R21 for kids aged 7 to 12 years, R13 for children younger than 6 years, and R24 for pensioners
Where? Wonderboom Nature Reserve, Lavender Road
ACROBRATICS IN THE TREES WITH ACROBRANCH
Acrobranch might come across as an outing more suited for adventure seekers, but it’s also for the once-in-a-blue-moon adrenaline junkie like me. Their park is equipped with obstacle courses, which includes a 300m long zip line.
If you don’t feel like sending your blood pressure through the roof, you can choose an alternative – in other words, a lot less scary – route in their Tree-Top Adventure course.
Check out their website to see what adventure suits you best.
Cost? Depends on your choice of adventure
Where? 18 Honingnestkrans Street, Soutpan Road
GO MOUNTAIN BIKING
Gone are the days where you had to travel far to go mountain biking. From Groenkloof Nature Reserve to Wolwespruit Bike Park, you can choose which trail gets your chain going. Read here about my favourite mountain bike trails in Pretoria.
JOIN A DRUMMING CIRCLE AT KLITSGRAS
Looking for good vibes and fun music? Then you should join a drumming circle or just chill out with live entertainment and some pizza at Klitsgras on Sundays.
They offer you a unique African experience. Once you have hired a drum, got your food and drinks, you join the professionals in drumming together around a fire. Fire dancers add to the entertainment!
Make sure to visit their Facebook page to see their latest events.
Cost? R50 per person
Where? Plot 62 Garsfontein road (next to Excel Garage)
PARK ACOUSTICS
Want to forget about your Sunday blues for a day? Then you will enjoy Park Acoustics. It’s Pretoria’s monthly, outdoor music festival that takes place at the Voortrekker Monument. You will get the chance to see and listen to some of the best local artists, as well as explore a variety of stalls.
One visit to Park Acoustics will help you understand why we talk about PREToria and Snor City.
Cost? Ticket prices depend on the event and you’ll pay R15 for parking
Where? Voortrekker Monument Nature Reserve, Eeufees Road
