Pretoria,South Africa-anyone been lately?
Jun 20th, 2010, 10:07 AM
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Pretoria,South Africa-anyone been lately?
I have a two day layover in Pretoria South Africa next month on the last weekend of the World Cup. I won't be able to get tickets so am wondering what other things you would recommend while there.I usually layover in Johannesburg SA so am excited about being in a new city that weekend. Thanks for your help!
Jun 23rd, 2010, 06:53 AM
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Maybe a visit to the "cradle of human kind" will be of interest. The Maropeng Hotel was extremely pleasant!
http://www.maropeng.co.za/
Additional info
http://www.sa-venues.com/attractions...-humankind.htm
The ballooning from there is quite "special" as it only lasts for a max of 30 mins., cost at least 3000ZAR and might take you up to 1000m in the air which leaves you stunned of heights but missing the real feel of what ballooning is all about.
SV
http://www.maropeng.co.za/
Additional info
http://www.sa-venues.com/attractions...-humankind.htm
The ballooning from there is quite "special" as it only lasts for a max of 30 mins., cost at least 3000ZAR and might take you up to 1000m in the air which leaves you stunned of heights but missing the real feel of what ballooning is all about.
SV
Jun 23rd, 2010, 12:49 PM
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I love history/anthropology;shopping/eating/wine,etc. I will have one full day as the next day I will be working home to the states so need to rest up for the fun 16/17 hour flight home.
There doesn't seem to be alot on any travel boards about Pretoria other than seeing the Parliament buildings so was wondering how far Kruger is for a day trip? OR anything else that one would seek out while there. I figured if there was something I needed to book ahead I could do it now and get my whole crew involved before we get there. Thanks!
There doesn't seem to be alot on any travel boards about Pretoria other than seeing the Parliament buildings so was wondering how far Kruger is for a day trip? OR anything else that one would seek out while there. I figured if there was something I needed to book ahead I could do it now and get my whole crew involved before we get there. Thanks!
Jun 23rd, 2010, 01:13 PM
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Just one more thing:
Don't get into the LION PARK trap! It's a "park" where you can pat a lion cub , walk with them. Doing that means
- feeding a lion breeder's greed by paying entrance fee to a venue which belongs to the most disgusting, exloiting and abusive animal farming companies which mostly acts as the very first step within the triphy hunting business
- supporting the canned hunting industry because that's where those human imprinted lions end up! Being canned in rather small enclosures, often sedated so that the most unethical of the unethical hunters can shoot it!
As you mention Kruger:
It#s roughly 3,5 hrs drive = 7 hrs return. Needless to say it's not worthwhile the effort in your case.
Maybe Sun City would be an option - roughly 1,5 hrs drive. But it's Disneyland in Africa.
Regarding lifestyle I have no clue where you could find that in Pretoria.
If you are going out to Maropeng you will be occupied for a day! There is also wildlife so you can do a game drive.
May be have a look at Illyria House http://www.illyria.co.za/page.php?20
Would be great to stay there which in your case will be highly unlikely - unless you swallow the rate - as the crew accommodation is at contracted hotels.
Don't get into the LION PARK trap! It's a "park" where you can pat a lion cub , walk with them. Doing that means
- feeding a lion breeder's greed by paying entrance fee to a venue which belongs to the most disgusting, exloiting and abusive animal farming companies which mostly acts as the very first step within the triphy hunting business
- supporting the canned hunting industry because that's where those human imprinted lions end up! Being canned in rather small enclosures, often sedated so that the most unethical of the unethical hunters can shoot it!
As you mention Kruger:
It#s roughly 3,5 hrs drive = 7 hrs return. Needless to say it's not worthwhile the effort in your case.
Maybe Sun City would be an option - roughly 1,5 hrs drive. But it's Disneyland in Africa.
Regarding lifestyle I have no clue where you could find that in Pretoria.
If you are going out to Maropeng you will be occupied for a day! There is also wildlife so you can do a game drive.
May be have a look at Illyria House http://www.illyria.co.za/page.php?20
Would be great to stay there which in your case will be highly unlikely - unless you swallow the rate - as the crew accommodation is at contracted hotels.
Jun 23rd, 2010, 01:22 PM
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What about that:
Try to book dinner at Illyria House! After Maropeng dress up and spoil yourself and crew there.
Great food, excellent wine and fantastic environment.
Pretoria is really nice in Sep/Oct when all the Jacaranda are in full bloom. But frankly - it's a capital with all that what comes with it.
I forgot to mention FREEDOM PARK
http://www.freedompark.co.za/cms/index.php
in Pretoria which has a great landscaped garden as well!
The Vortrekker Monument http://www.voortrekkermon.org.za/ might also be of interest.
Both venues are not far from each other.
Now you have something to share with the crew..........
Now the choice is yours......
Try to book dinner at Illyria House! After Maropeng dress up and spoil yourself and crew there.
Great food, excellent wine and fantastic environment.
Pretoria is really nice in Sep/Oct when all the Jacaranda are in full bloom. But frankly - it's a capital with all that what comes with it.
I forgot to mention FREEDOM PARK
http://www.freedompark.co.za/cms/index.php
in Pretoria which has a great landscaped garden as well!
The Vortrekker Monument http://www.voortrekkermon.org.za/ might also be of interest.
Both venues are not far from each other.
Now you have something to share with the crew..........
Now the choice is yours......
Jun 24th, 2010, 08:12 AM
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We lived in Pretoria for a couple of months, many years ago. We found it to be a pretty typical government town. Other than the Union Buildings and the Voortrekker Monument, there wasn't much to see there. (The Freedom Park looks nice -- it didn't exist when we lived there.)
When we wanted entertainment or shopping or good dining, we went to Jo'burg.
I hope I don't sound negative. We loved our time working in Pretoria, but it isn't as exciting a place as Jo'burg.
When we wanted entertainment or shopping or good dining, we went to Jo'burg.
I hope I don't sound negative. We loved our time working in Pretoria, but it isn't as exciting a place as Jo'burg.
Jun 24th, 2010, 08:15 AM
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Oh, I just remembered the Transvaal Snake Park in Midrand, halfway between Pretoria and Johannesburg. The name sounds like a real tourist trap, but it isn't. It's a good small reptile zoo, with a real good gift shop where you can get nice souvenirs, not tacky ones.
It's been a few years since I was there, so I'm not sure it still exists.
It's been a few years since I was there, so I'm not sure it still exists.
Jun 24th, 2010, 10:03 PM
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Hi dutyfree
I agree with SV - the Cradle of Humankind is almost a MUST see (to me it is!). The Voortrekker monument is also very interesting. Pretoria has some pretty good shopping malls; both Menlyn Park (which is HUGE) and Woodlands Boulevard are upmarket malls with lovely shops. Menlyn is too busy for my liking, but you may enjoy it. Both situated in the east of Pretoria. Will botanical gardens tickle your fancy?
Pilanesberg Game Reserve close to Sun City may be an option if you fancy some game viewing - it's not a very big reserve, but situated in beautiful habitat with more than enough animals to see.
Oh yes, just so that you know - Maropeng & the Cradle of Humankind is not in Pretoria - but it isn't far from Pretoria - probably about 40 - 50 kilometres. Give me a shout anytime if you need more specific info about any of these.
Kind regarsd
I agree with SV - the Cradle of Humankind is almost a MUST see (to me it is!). The Voortrekker monument is also very interesting. Pretoria has some pretty good shopping malls; both Menlyn Park (which is HUGE) and Woodlands Boulevard are upmarket malls with lovely shops. Menlyn is too busy for my liking, but you may enjoy it. Both situated in the east of Pretoria. Will botanical gardens tickle your fancy?
Pilanesberg Game Reserve close to Sun City may be an option if you fancy some game viewing - it's not a very big reserve, but situated in beautiful habitat with more than enough animals to see.
Oh yes, just so that you know - Maropeng & the Cradle of Humankind is not in Pretoria - but it isn't far from Pretoria - probably about 40 - 50 kilometres. Give me a shout anytime if you need more specific info about any of these.
Kind regarsd
Jun 25th, 2010, 06:05 PM
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The Cradle of Humankind sounds wonderful but is it more of a "Disney" type museum or a real Anthropology museum? Would it be safe to rent and car and go there on our own or try and find a driver? Thanks for your tips!
Jun 27th, 2010, 12:43 PM
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We are always very comfortable to drive ourselves so we wouldn't need a driver. It's all about whether you personally think you should make it.
It's driving on the left but certainly not causing a problem to most.
You could also go by taxi and share. Should be the same financially. The hotel there will get you a ride back.
I wouldn't say it#s Disney but it's very well done and you can relate quite easily to all the steps of evolution.
Maybe the Freedom Park is more your cup of tea.....
In case you are interested in South African recent history you might also like to go to JNB and visit the Apartheid Museum.
I spent there only 2 hours, which was far too brief for me, and will go back next time.
It's driving on the left but certainly not causing a problem to most.
You could also go by taxi and share. Should be the same financially. The hotel there will get you a ride back.
I wouldn't say it#s Disney but it's very well done and you can relate quite easily to all the steps of evolution.
Maybe the Freedom Park is more your cup of tea.....
In case you are interested in South African recent history you might also like to go to JNB and visit the Apartheid Museum.
I spent there only 2 hours, which was far too brief for me, and will go back next time.
Jun 28th, 2010, 05:05 AM
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Hi
Go and have a look at www.maropeng.co.za - that should give you a feeling of the Cradle of Humankind - personally I don't think that it is Disneylike at all.
Kind regards
Go and have a look at www.maropeng.co.za - that should give you a feeling of the Cradle of Humankind - personally I don't think that it is Disneylike at all.
Kind regards
Jun 29th, 2010, 09:37 AM
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I have written several replies in the past couple days but it appears that they never post. I did want to say that I have driven in South Africa and it was fine. We did the Western Cape on vacation last summer and thoroughly enjoyed the scenery. (I use to have Cape Town layovers so it holds a special place in my heart as one of my favorite cities in the world!)
I layover periodically in Johannesburg and our crews are always advised to be VERY careful when out and about there.Since we go back to Jo'burg for layovers after next week ,I was rather excited to be up in Pretoria for something different?
I was wondering if there are alot of carjackings and problems up in Pretoria as in Jo'burg.
I am from Chicago and feel comfortable in big cities but hearing the horror stories from persons who live in Jo'burg on my flights does make me more cautious in going out and about there.Thanks everyone for helping to plan.
I layover periodically in Johannesburg and our crews are always advised to be VERY careful when out and about there.Since we go back to Jo'burg for layovers after next week ,I was rather excited to be up in Pretoria for something different?
I was wondering if there are alot of carjackings and problems up in Pretoria as in Jo'burg.
I am from Chicago and feel comfortable in big cities but hearing the horror stories from persons who live in Jo'burg on my flights does make me more cautious in going out and about there.Thanks everyone for helping to plan.
Jun 30th, 2010, 12:28 AM
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Hi dutyfree
I have lived in Pretoria and unfortunately I have to be honest - there are carjackings as well, but not nearly as many as in Jhb. It also depends on whether you drive alone at night in deserted areas and what you drive with (luxury sedans and the more expensive 4x4 vehicles are usually targeted). On the whole I feel that Pretoria is really quite safe and you shouldn't feel at risk. Don't leave valuables lying in your car in plain sight. Don't go walking around at night if you don't the area or has at least found out whether it is safe to walk around there.
Kind regards
I have lived in Pretoria and unfortunately I have to be honest - there are carjackings as well, but not nearly as many as in Jhb. It also depends on whether you drive alone at night in deserted areas and what you drive with (luxury sedans and the more expensive 4x4 vehicles are usually targeted). On the whole I feel that Pretoria is really quite safe and you shouldn't feel at risk. Don't leave valuables lying in your car in plain sight. Don't go walking around at night if you don't the area or has at least found out whether it is safe to walk around there.
Kind regards
Jul 6th, 2010, 11:41 AM
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I was wondering since we will be there the night of the World Cup final if there is a great bar and/or restaurant that we could watch the final and join in the atmostphere. Anyone?
Jul 6th, 2010, 01:21 PM
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I have no specifics but for sure they will celebrate like mad - anywhere I assume. The pics we have seen so far promise a great WC final night!
As crew you know where you will be staying so you can easily figure out by sending your queries to the hotel in advance!
Hope you are conscious you are on spot when football history will be written!
Enjoy!
Happy landings!
As crew you know where you will be staying so you can easily figure out by sending your queries to the hotel in advance!
Hope you are conscious you are on spot when football history will be written!
Enjoy!
Happy landings!
Jul 6th, 2010, 10:49 PM
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Hi dutyfree
The FanFest location in Centurion (almost part of Pretoria - right next to it with no visible boundaries in between) is SuperSport Park and it has been hailed as one of the best around the country with a fantastic atmosphere. I'm not sure where you'll be staying, but that will be a great place to watch the final.
Kind regards
The FanFest location in Centurion (almost part of Pretoria - right next to it with no visible boundaries in between) is SuperSport Park and it has been hailed as one of the best around the country with a fantastic atmosphere. I'm not sure where you'll be staying, but that will be a great place to watch the final.
Kind regards
