Pretoria

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Introducing Pretoria

At once the ‘Afrikaner Jerusalem’, former headquarters of the apartheid state, and site of the presidential inauguration of Nelson Mandela, the pretty, laid-back city of Pretoria – the administrative capital – carries a remarkable amount of history for its age. Ironically, the city that for so long was a byword for white domination is now home to Thabo Mbeki, the liberated country’s black president.

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It’s just 50km from Jo’burg, and is expected within 15 years to form part of a megalopolis of 20 million people. Yet Pretoria moves at a slower pace than its giant neighbour and remains Afrikaans culturally. Military and educational institutions associated with the capital remain, while the tens of thousands of university students drive Pretoria’s vibrant nightlife.

Last updated: Feb 17, 2009

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Thorn Tree forum discussion

Recent posts

  1. MarindaKelly avatar
    RE: where to buy camping gear in Pretoria?

    by MarindaKelly 13 September 2011

    There are alot of malls in Pretoria, go to any Game store you will find what you need.
  2. RudiK avatar
    RE: Help with my Itinerary

    by RudiK 13 September 2011

    I posted this list many times over the years. Things may have changed a little, but this should still give you an idea of what you can…
  3. Jeroen avatar
    RE: campground near Pretoria

    by Jeroen 12 September 2011

    On Fri/Sat nights you can camp inside Pretoria Zoo, and you get a night tour from the guide :) http://www.nzg.ac.za/tours/camping.php…

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