Spend a Day in Pretoria, South Africa

Cape Town and Johannesburg might get the most press when it comes to South African cities, but Pretoria has its own charm that is certainly worth exploring.

Each month, Pretoria hosts Market-in the-sheds, a social market full of good food, fun and music put together by the Capital Collective to help rejuvenate the city’s inner city. It happens the last Saturday of every month so if you’re in town at the right time it’s definitely worth a visit.

You’ll also want to check out the Rietvlei Game Reserve, home to protected rhinos and the largest game reserve within city limits in the entire world. Afterwards, head back inward for a tour of the Pretoria Botanical Gardens.

During the afternoon, take a stroll along the longest street in South Africa, and the straightest urban street in the world, Church Street. You’ll find numerous restaurants and shops to explore where you can pick up a trinket or two.

While there is no shortage of places to eat in Pretoria, you’ll want to stop by the Blue Crane Restaurant for either lunch or dinner. It’s located on a bird preserve and the thatched roof restaurant overlooks a lake making for a strikingly beautiful setting for a meal.

Finally, make sure you leave time to visit the 1,000-year-old Wonderboom fig tree which is so treasured, a nature preserve (they have a lot of those here) was built around it to protect it.