Pretoria

Pretoria is the capital city of South Africa…actually, one of 3 capitals! Bloemfontein and Cape Town are the other 2 capitals. Johannesburg is the city where all international flights are going to and from there to Cape Town and other cities, therefore most people think that Johannesburg is the capital city of South Africa! I’ve even had a lady said to me that at school she was taught that Johannesburg is the capital of South Africa…….wonder why….Pretoria is the capital for ages!

History of Pretoria – (today also called Tshwane–the “Metropolitan” area) – was founded in 1855 and declared the capital of the South African Republic, which was the Boer republic in Transvaal. The president of the republic, Marthinus Pretorius, named it after his father, Andries Pretorius, who had become the national hero of the Voortrekkers after his victory over the Zulu kingdom in the famous battle at Blood River. Read HERE more about Pretoria’s history.
On this link HERE from Wikipedia, you will find more interesting facts.

 

These pictures were taken last year July/August when we went on holiday to South Africa. These pictures were taken from Pretoria and Akasia mainly. Akasia is a suburb to the North of Pretoria….it’s got its own municipality.  These pics  are not the best pictures, as I had to take them whilst in the car. You can imagine stopping every now and then to take a picture!! Other motorists will freak out! So, I hope you can still enjoy what you see and get the “picture” of what Pretoria is like, but…. these are not from the inner-city! If you want to go shopping in Pretoria, you have to go to Kolonnade Centre as this is really a HUGE shopping centre!! This shopping centre is also in the North of the city…. if you go to the Wonderboom-area. Wonderboom is a bigger area “neighbouring” Akasia.
Please click HERE to visit one of Pretoria’s websites where you will find links to places to stay, things to do…etc.

One exit at Wonderpark Shopping Centre, (Akasia) North of Pretoria.
Click HERE for the website of Wonderpark.

Pretoria Zoo…in Boom Street. “Boom” means “Tree” in English. Pretoria Zoo is really worth a visit! I’ve been to London Zoo and it’s not a patch against Pretoria’s Zoo!!  Much more to see and enjoy and very spacious for the animals to move about. Pretoria’s Zoo has got more interesting layouts and there is lots of space to have a picnic without feeling intimidating or feeling you are all squashed in!
See their website HERE and enjoy!

Akasia…North of Pretoria…near Wonderpark Shopping Centre

Pretoria, on your way to the Zoo from the North…Flower Street can be seen where the arrows indicate to turn…

Pretoria

Pretoria

Pretoria, descending to Boom Street…..and the Zoo…or the central of the city if you don’t turn left in Boom Street.

Pretoria… Langenhoven High School turn-off on your left ahead…further on…Boom Street, the Zoo….or central city…

Pretoria, not the business area yet…

Pretoria…traffic in Gezina-area. Gezina is more close to the inner-city…also one of the suburbs.

Mabopane highway-traffic….Mabopane is not very close to Pretoria…. and we all know this highway takes you to Mabopane.

Mabopane highway…. from Wonderpark to Pretoria

Jacaranda trees in Pretoria during winter…this is Boom Street! During Spring these trees are covered in purple blossoms….BEAUTIFUL!!

Gezina, suburb in Pretoria, if you turn left…Pretoria and other destinations if you continue…traffic early morning…10 o’clock-ish.

Akasia, traffic….about 10 o’clock – 10:30 -ish in the morning.

Business-area opposite Wonderpark….Akasia Hospital on your right….too.

Akasia…the buildings on your right are some office-buildings.