One of the oldest and largest cities in South Africa, Tshwane has a rich heritage, immense cultural diversity and a wealth of natural wonders. Here are five of the top places to visit.

Top experience

If TripAdvisor is anything to go by, Horseback Africa is a must do on any travel itinerary.

This family-owned lodge offers horse riding safaris for anyone wanting to get closer to nature – including first-time riders. The philosophy behind the safaris is that on horseback you are free to follow the wildlife wherever it goes.

An off-the-beaten-track experience, Horseback Africa offers that personal and exclusive touch.

This is just one of the reviews on TripAdvisor:

“I have travelled my whole life and this was the best experience ever ….”

You can spend a few days at the lodge, sharing tales around the campfire, or simply relaxing in nature. There are also several clearly marked hiking trails where you'll be able to spot birds and wildlife – a must for anyone with a passion for photography.

Contact information
Address: Off the R573 near Cullinan
Phone: +27 (0) 12 735 9909 or +27 (0) 82 789 9002
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Website: www.horseridinginafrica.com

Top event

Every year the capital city hosts one of the largest golfing tournaments in the country, the Tshwane Open.

The event sees 156 international and local professionals battle it out for the prestigious title, for world ranking points and for point in the Race to Dubai. The Open is part of the Sunshine Tour (the highest level of competition for male professional golfers in Southern Africa) and is co-sanctioned by the European Tour.

What makes the Tshwane Open stand out from other tournaments is that it is promoted as being about “more than just golf”. Alongside the golf, Tshwane hosts a number of other festive events including a night-market, an entertainment zone and an exhibit by local crafters.

Contact information
Address: Pretoria Country Club
Web: tshwaneopen.co.za

Top restaurant

Ranked among the Top 10 restaurants in the country is Restaurant Mosaic at The Orient Boutique Hotel.

This gracious restaurant is well-known for its eight-course grande degustation menu, where guests can sample award-winning chef Chantel Dartnall’s signature dishes. It also offers a five-course version and a “petit version” with a choice of three dishes.

Located in the Francolin Conservation Area, near the Crocodile River Valley, Restaurant Mosaic has an intimate setting in which the chef meets diners to explain the menu and answer questions in person.

Dartnall draws inspiration from fresh, seasonal produce: for the changing seasons there is an à la carte menu. “Each season we have a theme, such as Cambodia, Burma, or Paris in the springtime - I like to have tongue-in-cheek dishes on my menu,” she says.

Contact information
Address: Francolin Conservation Area, Crocodile River Valley, Elandsfontein
Phone: +27 (0) 12 371 2902/3/4/5
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Web: www.restaurantmosaic.com

Top place to visit

For an authentic township experience Mamelodi is a must.

It’s fitting that this township’s name means “Mother of Melody” given that it was the birthplace of Molombo jazz, a combination of mbaqanga with traditional drumming, gospel music and African jazz guitar.

But, Mamelodi is about more than just music – if you want to understand the history of South Africa Mamelodi can provide a comprehensive lesson. Here you will see memorials to those who gave their lives in the struggle for freedom; you can hear stories of life under apartheid; and you can meet the optimistic leaders of the future.

While winding your way through the township, be sure to look out for the work of the local artists and take some time to stop at a local shisa nyama, chill with local residents and soak up the vibe.

 

Top attraction

One of the most visited tourist attractions in Tshwane – and in Gauteng – is the Voortrekker Monument.

The monument commemorates the pioneer history of Southern Africa and the history of the Afrikaner: it provides an insight into what drove some 6 000 pioneers of French, German and Dutch descent to leave the Cape in 1835 and head into the hinterland in search of a better life.

Visitors can browse the art gallery and even take horse and ox wagon rides in the surrounding nature reserve.

In addition to touring the monument, visitors can also go cycling, horse riding and hiking through the reserve. The nature reserve is also a wonderful place to spot birds.

Contact information
Address: Eeufees Road, Groenkloof
Phone: +27 (0) 12 326 6770
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Web: www.vtm.org.za