| The country's administrative capital, Pretoria is less than an hour's drive from Johannesburg. 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 laager (defensive circle or encampment) of 64 life-size ox wagons. The National Zoological Gardens is one of the largest in the world with more than 3,500 animal species (the adjoining aquarium is outstanding, too). The city's gardens, parks and jacaranda-tree-lined streets (ablaze with color in October) are unforgettable. |
