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History and heritage
Tshwane Metropolitan and Metsweding
Blooming Jacaranda trees in the Tshwane Metropolitan, Gauteng
© South African Tourism
Did you know?
The Tswaing Crater in the Tshwane Metropolitan, Gauteng, was formed 220 000 years ago.
The Tshwane Metropolitan and Metsweding areas are located north of Johannesburg. Gauteng's Tshwane Metropolitan houses the administrative capital city of Pretoria while the neighbouring municipal district of Metsweding forms Gauteng's most northern border with Mpumalanga, Limpopo and North West.
Both the Tshwane Metropolitan and Metsweding regions have plenty to offer visitors, with numerous tourism routes that highlight their natural, cultural and historical attractions.
Pretoria, also called the Jacaranda City, had roles in both the South African War and the country's freedom struggle. This history is recounted through its museums and monuments, and can be rediscovered on the Setso, Struggle and Freedom, and Park Heritage tourism routes.
Visitors will be pleasantly surprised by the metro's natural attractions. It's home to the Rietvlei Nature Reserve which features, amongst others, white rhino, buffalo and cheetah; the 12ha Austin Roberts Memorial Bird Sanctuary; the Groenkloof Nature Reserve; and the Wonderboom Nature Reserve, famed for its 1 000-year-old Wonderboom (wonder tree).
A major Tshwane attraction is the Tswaing Crater, a 1.4km-diameter meteorite crater that is ranked as one of the world's best-preserved meteorite impact craters.
Metro cultural experiences include arts and crafts markets, art galleries, theatres the Cultural History Museum, and township tours.
The neighbouring Metsweding region offers vast stretches of Highveld bush that features game and nature reserves, and several conservancies. Here you can enjoy hot air ballooning, horse riding, hiking and walking, mountain biking, game viewing and bird watching, all in a rustic setting.
A definite 'must-see' is the quaint mining village of Cullinan, which produced the world's largest diamond, the Cullinan Diamond. Take a trip down the Cullinan Mine, do a heritage tour or simply wander around the village, taking in its pretty streets and old Victorian charm.
In Bronkhorstspruit, attractions include the Bronkhorst Spruit Dam for water sports, the Nan Hua Buddhist Temple, and Loopspruit Winery - the most northerly positioned wine estate in South Africa.
Travel tips & Planning info
Who to contact
Gauteng Tourism Authority
Tel: +27 (0)11 639 1600
Tshwane Tourism Authority
Tel: +27 (0)12 328 5961
Cullinan Meander
Mobile: +27 (0) 72 344 3072
Mobile: +27 (0)82 852 3010
E-mail: info@easyfind.co.za
How to get here
Fly direct from any of South Africa’s major cities into OR Tambo International Airport at Johannesburg.
If you’re driving, from Durban take the N3 motorway to Johannesburg and from Cape Town take the N1 motorway to Johannesburg.
From Johannesburg, take the N1 north motorway to Pretoria.
Around the area
Visit nearby Magalieberg, Hartbeesport, and Rustenburg.
Tours to do
SA Mint Tour in Centurion; historical tours of Pretoria; the Tshwane Metro’s self-drive tourism routes; Pretoria Art Museum; Cullinan Mine underground tour; Dinokeng tourism area; township tours at Refilwe.
Get around
Transport options around the Tshwane Metropolitan include buses, metered taxis and trains, Tshwane Gautrain stations will open in mid-2011. Self-drive is the best way to explore Metsweding.
What to pack
Sun protection is recommended year-round.
Where to stay
Both the Tshwane Metropolitan and Metsweding offer a wide variety of accommodation options.
What to eat
A variety of cuisines is available, especially in Pretoria.
What's happening
Annual Mint Festival at the SA Mint in Centurion in October; the Pretoria Show in Pretoria in August.
Best buys
Gold and diamond jewellery and gold and platinum coins at the SA Mint in Centurion; original art in the Tshwane Metro and Metsweding galleries; country arts and crafts in Cullinan; African art and curios in the townships and at craft markets; diamonds in Cullinan.