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A capital city with capital adventure options
Adventures in Pretoria
Go sailing on Hartbeespoort Dam
© South African Tourism
Did you know?
The Wonder Cave, situated in the Cradle of Humankind World Heritage Site is said to be 2.2 million years old and has a volume of 46 000 cubic metres.
Adventures in Pretoria are always on the cards. In view of its youthful population, Tshwane/Pretoria is a magnet for extreme sports lovers and their choice of endorphin-inducing activities.
In Pretoria, adventures range from airborne attractions to fun watersports to fantastic hikes in unspoilt nature reserves. For starters, jumping out of planes has long been a pastime of Pretoria's adventure set. Both the Aero Club of South Africa and the South African hang-gliding and paragliding associations have their headquarters in Midrand - midway between Johannesburg and Pretoria. Skydiving is another favourite hobby in Pretoria, practised at Wonderboom Airport north of the city.
The Rietvlei Nature Reserve offers a variety of options for adventure-seekers. There is fresh-water fishing on the western and northern shores as well as game viewing and bird watching and a number of hikes as well.
Hartbeespoort Dam area (45 km from Pretoria) is a great place to enjoy a variety of watersports including waterskiing, jet-skiing and sailing. Not too far off, you'll also be able to go on hot air balloon safaris or walk with elephants at the Elephant Sanctuary.
Dirt biking is also popular in the area and there are quad biking options on offer as well. Why not hire a 4x4 vehicle and explore the regions of Dinokeng, the Hennops River and the Magaliesberg. If you like horse riding, there are a number of farms located in the Midrand/Centurion and Fourways areas (closer to Johannesburg) where you can go on rides.
Near the Cradle of Humankind, some 45 minutes from Pretoria, you can also enjoy hikes as well as a visit to the Sterkfontein Caves. While there, make sure that you make a special journey into the scenic Wonder Cave. The activities of caving and kloofing (canyoning) are also available on the outskirts of Gauteng province.
Travel tips & Planning info
Who to contact
Pretoria/Tshwane Tourism Information Centre
Old Nederlandsche Bank Building
Church Square
Pretoria
Tel: +27 (0) 12 358 1430
Fax: +27 (0) 12 358 1485
Web: www.tshwanetourism.co.za
How to get here
Pretoria is an hour’s drive from Oliver Tambo International Airport.
Around the area
Spend time exploring the surrounding areas of Dinokeng, the Cradle of Humankind, Broederstroom and the Magaliesberg. Make sure you visit Wonderboom Airport, if you are keen on airborne adventures.
Tours to do
Take an organised tour of Cullinan, and see first-hand where the world's biggest diamond was discovered.
Length of stay
Spend a few nights in the city and then make your way to areas like the Cradle of Humankind, Dinokeng or the Magaliesberg to further explore adventure activities.
What to pack
Light clothing for the day and sturdy walking shoes if you're planning on going hiking.
Where to stay
There are guest houses and lodges in and around Pretoria, and cultural villages, bed and breakfasts and country houses as you head further afield.
What to eat
Taste different African cuisines at the Lesedi Cultural Village en route to Hartbeespoort Dam.