Around Pretoria
Close to the ground.
Cullinan Diamond Mine
Cullinan Diamond Mine is located about 30 km east of Pretoria in the small diamond mining town of Cullinan. It is most famous for producing the largest diamond ever found: the "Cullinan Diamond," unearthed in 1905, weighing in at 3,108 carats. The largest diamond cut from the Cullinan Diamond was named the First Star of Africa and is now mounted on the Sceptre of the Cross, one of the British Crown Jewels. The mine was sold by DeBeers to Petra Diamonds in 2007, and since has continued to produce huge exploits. In 2008 a 480 carat diamond was found that sold for US$18 million, and in 2009 a 507 carat diamond was found and is expected to catch above US$20 million. Tours are available of both the above ground (1.5 hrs, R60) and below ground operations (must arrange in advance, 4hrs, R440), where you can check out the working mine operation and diamond cutting and polishing.
To get there from Pretoria, take the N4 East to the R515 exit, then turn left and follow the signs to the diamond mine.
De Wildt Cheetah Research Center
De Wildt Cheetah Research Center was established in 1971 and has since bred over 800 cheetah cubs (many of which have been reintroduced into the wild) as well as wild dog, brown hyena and others. Due in large part to the center's cheetah breeding, the animal was removed from the endangered species list in South Africa. Visitors can get an up-close view of the animals and learn from the knowledgeable guides during a three-hour open vehicle tour.
The De Wildt Cheetah Research Center is actually located in the North West province, but is a popular trip from Pretoria. From Pretoria take the N4 west about 50 km to R511, then turn south on R511 for roughly 6 km until you hit R513. Take a left heading east on R513 for about 7 km to the De Wildt Cheetah Center.
National Botanical Garden
National Botanical Garden is a 76 hectare garden established in 1946. A 50 m high exposed quartzite rock provides varying climate conditions to accommodate a wide variety of trees and plant. The garden has over 50% of the indigenous tree species in South Africa and special collections of medicinal plants, cycads, and aloes. In addition to the plant life, there are nearly 200 bird species as well as numerous smaller mammals and reptiles.
To get there from Pretoria, head east on Church St/R104 about 8 km. Turn right onto Cussonia Rd just after passing under the N1 and the gardens are 300 m on the left. If taking public transport, catch the Meyerspark or Murrayfield bus from Church Square.
Tswaing Crater and Museum
Tswaing Crater and Museum is one of the more recent and better preserved meteorite impact sites in the world. The 200 m deep, 1.4 km wide crater was formed roughly 220,000 years ago when a meteorite estimated to be 30-50 m wide, traveling about 100,000 km/hr vaporized on impact. There are over 7 km of hiking trails surrounding the crater which you can walk right into. Explore on your own or take a guided tour (3 hrs, R80).
To get there take the N1 north to the N4 heading west toward Rustenburg. Drive 19 km to the R80 on which you head north toward Soshanguve. After about 18 km turn right toward M35 Soutpan, then 1 km to the T-junction at which you turn left/north on M35. Continue 18 km north past Soshanguve settlements to the signed turnoff to the Tswaing Crater.
Smuts House Museum
Smuts House Museum is in the former home of Jan Smuts and is a small farm house just outside of the village of Irene. It is a simple wood and iron house surrounded by a garden and tranquil trees and became a national monument after being restored to the state in which Jan and his wife, Isie lived for the last 40 years of their life. Jan Smuts was a military leader and philosopher, and twice served as the Prime Minister of the Union of South Africa in the early 1900s.
To get there from Pretoria head south on the N1 to the Botha St exit. Go south on Botha St about 2 km to Nelmapius Rd/M31. Take a left heading east on Nelmapius St for about 200 m and then right/south onto 23rd Street. Continue 1.5 km to the museum. There are also signs directing you toward the house from the N14/R28 and R21.
Irene Village Market
Irene Village Market is centrally-located in the village of Irene, close to the Smuts House Museum.
To get there from Pretoria head south on the N1 to the Botha St exit. Go south on Botha St about 2 km to Nelmapius Rd/M31. Take a left heading east on Nelmapius St for about 200 m and then right/south onto 23rd Street. Continue 1.5 km to the museum. There are also signs directing you toward the house from the N14/R28 and R21.
Fort Klapperkop Military Museum
Fort Klapperkop Military Museum is located at Fort Klapperkop, which was one of four forts built in the late 1890s by the Boer South African Republic to protect the capital city. The fort was outfitted with artillery including a 155mm Long Tom cannon. While manned by troops for two years until the British overtook Pretoria, the fort never came under attack. In the late 1900s, the fort was restored and became the site of the South African Defense Force Memorial and Military Museum.
The fort and museum are about 2 km south of Pretoria. Head out of town on Nelson Mandela Dr/R21 and continue roughly 2 km to the left turn off on Johan Rissik Dr.