The country's administrative capital and part of Tshwane Municipality, Pretoria is 30 mi/45 km northeast of Johannesburg, less than an hour's drive. Important sights include the Paul Kruger House (so precisely furnished that you'd think the former president still lived there) and the historical Melrose House (for its antiques). Also noteworthy are the National Cultural History Museum (especially its African Window facility), the South African Mint (collection of world coins) and the Voortrekker Monument, commemorating the battle of Blood River, where the
voortrekkers routed the Zulus. The monument is surrounded by a stone wall carved with 64 wagons in a traditional
laager (defensive circle or encampment). The National Zoological Gardens is one of the largest in the world and the adjoining aquarium is outstanding, too. The city's gardens, parks and jacaranda-tree-lined streets (ablaze with color in October) are unforgettable.
Another must-see is the Premier Diamond Mine in Cullinan, 20 mi/30 km east of town, where the world's largest diamond was found. Tours of this diamond mine are available. A few miles/kilometers north of Hammanskraal is a colorful papatso (marketplace) known for Ndebele paintings—well worth a half-day visit. If you're staying longer, take the 45-minute drive out to the De Wildt Cheetah Research Centre. Tours are available daily except Monday and Friday, and advance reservations are recommended. The facility also can be visited as a day tour from Johannesburg.
