So little time, so much to do this December in Pta
For those staying in Pretoria, there is a variety of activities for the whole family.
It’s that time of the year again and locals are winding down to the festive season, after a busy year. For those staying in Pretoria, there is a variety of activities for the whole family.
Here is where you can cool down:
Pretoria has been experiencing high temperatures in the past months, with not much rain to compensate. It’s nice to be able to know where you can cool down this festive season to beat the heat. Here is a list of public pools in Pretoria.
1. Atteridgeville Swimming Pool:
Maunde Street (free of charge)
012-373-9572
2. Pretoria North Swimming Pool
Emily Hobhouse Circle (entrance fee charged)
012-546-6244
3. Deon Malherbe Swimming Pool
Braam Pretorius Street (entrance free)
012-567-2175
4. Derdepoort Swimming Pool
Derdepoort Recreation Resort, Baviaanspoort Road (entrance fee charged)
012-800-1279/80
5. Eersterust Swimming Pool
Ivan Beckett Street (entrance fee charged)
012-806-7122
6. Fountains Valley Swimming Pool
Fountains Resort (entrance fee charged)
012-440-2121
7. GaMothakga Swimming Pool
Church Street West (entrance fee charged)
012-373-5922
8. Gert van Schalkwyk Swimming Pool
Markotter Street, Danville (entrance fee charged)
9. Hans Moolman Paddling Pool
Hans Moolman Park, Arend Street, Kwaggasrand (free of charge)
012-3580-9999
10. Hillcrest Swimming Pool
Corner of Jan Shoba Road and Duxbury Street (entrance fee charged)
012-362-0273
11. Laudium Swimming Pool
Corner of 8th Avenue and Garnet Street (entrance fee charged)
012-374-3298
12. Les Marais Swimming Pool
Benita Avenue (entrance fee charged)
012-335-2896
13. Mamelodi East Swimming Pool
Mahlare Street (free of charge)
012-801-1203
14. Mamelodi West Swimming Pool
Kubane Street (free of charge)
012-805-1631
15. Moretele Resort Swimming Pool
Sibande Street, Mamelodi (free of charge)
012-805-1431
16. Saulsville Swimming Pool
Masopha Street (free of charge)
012-375-6291
17. Soshanguve Swimming Pool
Block H (entrance fee charged)
012-799-2402
18. Sunnyside Swimming Pool
Cnr of Kotze and Jorrissen streets (entrance fee charged)
19. Temba Swimming Pool
Portion 4617, Kudube Unit 1D (entrance fee charged)
012-717-4099
20. Tjaart van Vuuren Swimming Pool
Corner of Hertzog Street and 31st Avenue, Villieria (entrance fee charged)
012-332-1827
21. Zita Park Paddling Pool
Corner of Zita and Len Brown streets, Garsfontein (entrance fee charged)
012-345-3952
Spend some time in nature:
Photo: Wikipedia
Looking for some peace and quiet? No problem, Pretoria has you covered with its wide variety of beautiful parks and gardens. Here is a list of public parks in Pretoria.
1. National Botanical Gardens
Cussonia Avenue, Brummeria
012-843-5172
2. National Zoological Gardens
Boom Street, Pretoria Central
012-358-3265
3. Burgers Park
Corner of Andries and Jacob Maré streets, Pretoria Central
012-358-0495
4. Jan Cilliers Park
Corner of Wenning and Broderick streets, Groenkloof
012-358-0495
5. Springbok Park
Corner of Schoeman and Grosvenor streets, Hatfield
012-358-0495
6. Venning Park/Rose Park
Corner of Schoeman and Eastwood streets, Arcadia
012-358-0495
7. Magnolia Dell
Corner of Queen Wilhelmina Drive and University Road, Bailey’s Muckleneuk
012-358-0495
Lights will shine this festive season:
The festive season is not only known for spending time with family, but also for people decorating their home with lights. Here are a couple of places where you can experience the festive spirit:
1. Jakaranda Children’s home light festival
Talitha Kumi Street, East Lynne
From 1 to 31 December
012-800-4700
2. Lawley street Christmas lights
306 Lawley Road, Waterkloof
1 December to 1 January
There are also a few Christmas projects where locals drive around, spreading Christmas joy:
1. Community Christmas Project:
From 17 to 23 December, the Community Christmas project will visit Danville, Daspoort, Booysens, Claremont, Hermanstad, Pretoria Tuine, Mountain View, Lady Selbourne, Suiderberg,Wolmer, Mayville, Parktown, Wonderboom-suid, Les Marais, Eloffsdal and Roseville. Each day the group will drive a different route. There are routes available on their website, www.ccproject.co.za.
2. Sector 4 Christmas Project:
This Christmas project takes place only in Hercules sector four each year, which includes Andeon and Swacina Park. It will kick off on 7 December.
Fun in the sun this festive season:
Bored? Pretoria is a city, rich with heritage and with loads to do, and you can do it on a budget. Here is a list of of things to do in Pretoria for just under R50.
1. Groenkloof Nature Reserve
If you’d like to break away from the big city life, Groenkloof Nature Reserve might just be the place for you. The reserve is located near Fountains Valley on the southern outskirts of Pretoria.
The reserve plays host to a wide variety of wildlife including zebra, jackal, duiker, kudu, impala, blue wildebeest, blesbok, red hartebeest, ostrich, giraffe and sable. Bird lovers will also not be disappointed and will be kept busy for hours on end.
2. Union Buildings
Visit the gardens of the president’s official office. The gardens play host to a range monuments, including one of General Louis Botha, the first prime minister of the Union of South Africa, and the South African Police Memorial.
The garden’s lawn, flowers and trees provide an excellent photo opportunity and are popular for wedding and matric farewell photos.
You can also bring a picnic basket and relax while admiring the architectural masterpiece.
3. Freedom Park
Freedom Park is a “tribute to African and human dignity, and a place for the renewal of the human spirit.”
Learn about your African roots and visit the two components of Freedom Park: the Garden of Remembrance and the //hapo Freedom Park Museum.
The Garden of Remembrance is a place where all those who contributed to the freedom of South Africa are acknowledged. The garden contains a memorial monument as well as rolling green lawns.
4. Fort Klapperkop Military Museum
This is the perfect place to learn more about the history of Pretoria during the Anglo-Boer War. Fort Klapperkop was the third fort to be erected to protect Pretoria during the war.
Have a look at some interesting exhibitions of Anglo-Boer War objects and furniture.
5. Pretoria Art Museum
Get in touch with your arty side and visit the Pretoria Art Museum. Located in the heart Pretoria, the art museum takes up an entire block of the city.
The museum is primarily focused on South African work. Expect to see pieces by renowned figures in the world of art, including works by Hugo Naude, Henk Pierneef, Irma Stern and Maggie Loubser.
The museum also plays host to urban and rural art and features major national and international travelling exhibitions.
6. Melrose House
Melrose House is a historic house museum situated in the city centre. The house became famous when it was used as the headquarters of the British forces during the Second Boer War.
The Peace Treaty of Vereeniging that ended the war was signed inside this house on 31 May 1902.
7. Austin Roberts Bird Sanctuary
Enjoy a day in the tranquil Austin Roberts Bird Sanctuary. It’s situated in Muckleneuk in Pretoria and is a home to more than 170 bird species, including the grey crowned crane, rock doves, speckled pigeons and the Egyptian goose.
The 11.8-hectare reserve has two streams which feed water into the wetlands that attract a large number of bird species.
You can access the bird hide in the sanctuary for free and guided walks can also be arranged. The reserve also has a restaurant and a play area for kids.
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