Lovely Afro-chic themed restaurant in the enormous Menlyn Park Shopping Centre in the eastern suburbs of Pretoria. The menu (as with many South African restaurants) is large and varied and the food top quality. The house speciality ostrich brie was delicious and all washed down with a good South African red. The only drawback is the suburban shopping centre location, however the food is definitely worth it.

www.baobabcafe.co.za/
Shop UF53-56, Menlyn Park Shopping Centre, Atterbury Road corner Lois Avenue, Menlyn
+27 12 368 1003

Google map: tinyurl.com/ycq52pl

I agreeI disagree

1.  
2. Send to friends

Spread over nearly 80 hectares, these gardens in the east of the city is a perfect sanctuary from the hustle and bustle of the city. Extensive trails make it great for walking and birdwatchers will have a good time sighting the many different species. The Mokha restuarant overlooks the wetlands and serves great food, especially the buffet on Sundays, in beautiful surrounds. A section is dedicated to African medicinal plants and provides a interesting insight into South African culture.

www.sanbi.org/frames/pretoriafram.htm
Just of the N4 motorway heading east
2 Cussonia Avenue, Brummeria, Pretoria
Private Bag X101, Pretoria, 0001
Tel:+27 12 843 5172/3/4

Google map: tinyurl.com/yh94ans

I agreeI disagree

1.  
2. Send to friends

This suburb, situated east of the Pretoria city centre, includes one of the largest student populations in South Africa, due to the presence of the University of Pretoria. The main strip Burnett Street, is a combination of bars, dance clubs and eateries of all sorts. I found the reggae themed Cool Runnings bar to be a highlight. Hatfield Plaza is the local shopping mall and a good place to stock up if you are touring/backpacking. The area feels safe to walk around in since it's always busy (especially on a weekend). The large student population means it can become a little rowdy, but it was one of the best samples I had of the South African nightlife. Looking ahead to World Cup 2010 Hatfield is only a mile from Loftus Stadium where some matches are to be played and should be great for post-match merry-making.

Google map: tinyurl.com/ydx6m2g

I agreeI disagree

1.  
2. Send to friends

To get an insight into Afrikaner nationalism which caused so many problems in South Africa, a visit to this site, just outside of the Pretoria city centre is worthwhile. The architecture is imposing and the views of Pretoria and its surrounds spectacular. If you can look past the nationalism, the monument tells the story of the original Boer pioneers in South Africa. A small nature reserve, featuring antelope and zebra surrounds the site and is worth a drive through.

www.voortrekkermon.org.za/

Google map: tinyurl.com/yabmv2f

I agreeI disagree

1.  
2. Send to friends

It is wonderful to have such a beautiful zoo so close to the city centre. The facilities for the animals is great and you don't get that depressed feeling you often get when visiting zoos. A cable car ride takes you up to the hill which provides the setting for the lion and tiger enclosures and also gives you great views over Pretoria. A few historic monuments are also scattered throughout the gardens. Outside is a small African craft market. A great way to spend a day with kids.

www.zoo.ac.za
232 Boom St, Box 754, Pretoria, 0001, South Africa

Google map: tinyurl.com/ygaz672

I agreeI disagree

1.  
2. Send to friends

Built on the site of the notorious Old Fort prison in Johannesburg, the court is as much a historical site as it is a working museum. It must be the number one spot in the country to appreciate South Africa's past, present and future. Also the architecture is great, uniquely South African and the new court building works very well with the old prison and its walls. The views over the Joburg city centre are also quite amazing.

www.constitutionalcourt.org.za
Hospital Street, Johannesburg

Google map: tinyurl.com/y8ru9vz

I agreeI disagree

1.  
2. Send to friends