Pretoria is known as the Jacaranda City because of the magnificent display of blooming jacaranda trees every spring which carpet the streets in purple. It is also the administrative capital of South Africa and houses the Union Buildings, the official office of the President. These imposing sandstone buildings are notable for their terraced gardens planted with exclusively indigenous plants.
A must-see for visitors is The National Zoological Gardens of South Africa, more commonly known as the Pretoria Zoo. There are a multitude of rare indigenous as well as exotic animals on display including silverback gorillas, koala bears and tigers. The gardens include the largest inland aquarium in South Africa as well as a reptile house. Picnickers are welcome to bring refreshments to enjoy at the many picturesque spots along the 6km walkway between displays.
The African Window Museum is also known as the National Cultural History Museum and is one of Pretoria’s favourite tourist attractions. The museum accommodates a splendid rock art collection as well as a fantastic collection of South African Heritage exhibits. A popular attraction within the complex is the Reach for the Stars display which highlights space exploration through the ages.

No tour of Pretoria would be complete without a visit to the Voortrekker Monument which overlooks the entire city. It is a massive granite memorial to those who took part in the Great Trek of 1835. Another site worthy of mention is the Kruger House Museum which was home to then President Kruger. The house paints a vivid picture of life in the 1880s and has a selection of fascinating paraphernalia from the period on display.
This city is a World Cup 2010 host, with games to be played at Loftus Versfeld stadium.