Top 5 off beat things to do and see in Pretoria, South Africa
By: Patricia

By Altus Janse Van Rensburg

Let me start by saying that Pretoria is a wonderful place to live in and to go to for a vacation. There is always something happening.

No. 5 on my list will have to be Carp Fishing at Rietvlei Dam on The outskirts of Pretoria:

Photo By Darvi

Carp fishing is a very popular type of fishing and attracts allot of people from around South Africa who travel from as far as Cape town to Pretoria and other regions in South Africa and is growing in size every year, the people who are extremely serious about carp fishing can spend up to R50 000 on fishing gear. This is definitely a weekend outing and Rietvlei dam is usually not too crowded and one will have some peace and quiet until the fish start biting of course.

No. 4 on my list is the Plumbago hiking trail:

Photo By Ockert

This hiking trail is my favourite out of all the hiking trails in and around Pretoria because it offers some spectacular views of the city, which from the highest point of the trail looks like a forest and not like a city. Unfortunately one cannot sleep over on the trail because there are no facilities and obviously there are some safety issues but otherwise the trail is extremely relaxing and can be done by the most inexperienced hiker because it is not a difficult trail and is very well marked.

No. 3 on my list will have to be the farmers market on Saturdays at the Pioneer Museum:

This is something that takes place every Saturday Morning and starts at 5:00 AM, for those early risers and ends at 6:30 for the a bit later risers, but it is bets to go at 5:00 AM. There is always a nice breakfast that will just wake up your taste buds. Just a word of warning keep an eye on the whether, because if it raining be sure to plan for some mud, but the mud is part of the experience. There is always a warm welcoming atmosphere surrounding this no matter the whether.

No. 2 on my list is the drumming circle on Garsfontein road:

This is a drumming circle that has been created for everyone from pro’s to the person who can’t even keep a heartbeat going (no pun intended). There is always a camp fire and a lovely cash bar is also available. Unfortunately they are only open every second Friday, so it would be a good idea to phone before planning to visit. Freshly Baked food is also available. The venue offers a friendly family atmosphere.

No. 1 on my list would definitely have to be a street braai at Loftus Versveld:

Photo By stuart001uk

This is the home ground for the Blue Bulls Rugby team and when have a braai (barbeque) on the side of the street it is one of the most exciting and energetic atmospheres that one can experience in Pretoria. The Reason this is No. 1 on my list is because you can experience the excitement of a braai, one of the most social things that one can do in South Africa, it is a big sport event, you meet allot of interesting people and finally it is something that brings together allot of South Africans (and causes a few disputes). This can be a full day activity and usually starts at 10 in the morning and carries on until after the game.

About the blogger:

Altus Janse Van Rensburg is the manager for Gecko Expeditions. Gecko Expeditions specializes in organizing 4X4 overland tours, weekend trips or day outings for the individual or small groups into the southern parts of Africa.

Learn more about Altus here

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