This full day driving tour focuses on the story of Pretoria (City of Tshwane) and South Africa, told by visiting some of the most prominent places in the city, situated on the lush banks of the Apies River. It includes visits to Church Square, the Union Buildings, Hazelwood Village for lunch, the Voortrekker Monument and Freedom Park.
We put the history of these contrasting places into context rather than glorifying the past, providing insight into the development not only of the city but of South Africa as a county with Pretoria as its administrative capital. This region served as the Capital of many different governments over time. Including Nguni Chiefs, Ndebele leaders, the Boer Republic (ZAR), the British Transvaal Colony, the Union of South Africa, the apartheid Republic of South Africa and for 30 years already, the democratic Republic of South Africa. It is a city with fascinating history!
We explore a lengthy, complex and fascinating history stretching thousands of years back to pre-colonial times and right through to the devastating Anglo-Boer War of 1899 and the formation of the Union of South Africa in 1910. We delve into the passing of the dreaded Land Act in 1913 and the eventual implementation of Apartheid in 1948, a year before the imposing Voortrekker Monument opened – a fascinating building that resembles Afrikaner-Nationalism and the rise of Apartheid in every possible way, while its interior tells the story of the 1830s migrations to this area. Our visit to this somewhat controversial landmark is followed by a stroll through Freedom Park on the neighbouring hill.
Freedom Park celebrates the advent of democracy in South Africa. An absolutely stunning museum and garden, with spectacular architecture and landscape architecture – but designed to blend in with the natural setting and to NOT intimidate or impost. Instead, it is putting the South African story into perspective, celebrating equality for all.
The tour is not only about history but also about contemporary culture. We therefore enjoy lunch at any of the many restaurants in the Hazelwood Village in the eastern parts of Pretoria. This is a wonderful recent development of suburban homes refurbished into a vibrant but tranquil restaurant hub.
This is an emotional and inspiring tour that is a MUST DO for anyone visiting South Africa.
Typical schedule:
9:30am: Pickup in Johannesburg or Pretoria.
10:15am: 1st stop: Church Square
11:00am: Depart
11:20am: 2nd stop: Union Buildings
12:00pm: Depart
12:30pm: 3rd stop: Lunch in Hazelwood
1:30pm: Depart
2:00pm 4th stop: Voortrekker Monument
3:00pm: Depart
3:20pm: 5th stop: Freedom Park
Rates:
Available as a private tour only at any time, 7-days a week, subject to availability.
We charge separately for guiding and for transport:
The minimum guiding charge is R6000 for up to 3 guests or R1600 per person if you are more than 3 guests. For larger groups, we can prepare a customized quote.
The minimum transport charge is R2500 in total for up to 3 guests or R3500 in total if you are up to 6 guests. For more guests, we will quote you on the best transport option. Transport charges may vary depending on your pickup and drop-off location or the travel season. We will confirm charges before you make the booking.
Any food, drink or museum entrance fees for the customer’s account on the day.
Expect to pay:
Voortrekker Monument: R120 per person
Freedom Park: R155 per person
BOOK NOW:
To book your tour, send an email to gerald@localplaces.co.za or a WhatsApp to +27 (0) 82 894 5216
Please do not phone as we are mostly busy hosting guests.
Send a message and we will contact you as soon as is possible.
We will respond to your booking request and provide an online payment link for you to pay by bank card to secure the booking.
TERMS & CONDITIONS
Guests participate in all LocalPlaces tours at their own risk. Neither LocalPlaces, nor its guides, accept any responsibility whatsoever for any injury, accident or death that may occur while participating in a LocalPlaces tour, whether in a public or a private space.
A tour booking is only secured upon payment.
Provisional bookings will automatically be cancelled if not paid within 48 hours from making a booking.
Bookings cannot be cancelled once paid for any reason whatsoever and no refunds will be offered for cancelled bookings.
Bookings can be postponed to another date if postponed more than 30 days in advance of the booked date. However, bookings cannot be postponed for any reason whatsoever within 30 days of the tour date, as we would lose the opportunity to take another booking for that slot.
STARTING POINT
For driving tours pick up and drop off from your hotel or accommodation (one address) is included as long as it is within the northern suburbs of Johannesburg, or at the airport, or in Pretoria.
JOIN OUR GROUP:
If you urgently want to know about already scheduled open tours in a current week, which you could join, please WhatsApp us directly on +27 82 894 5216. We also run a WhatsApp Group where we post news on upcoming quick encounters, tours and events. send a message to us requesting to join this group.
WhatsApp us on +27 82 894 5216 or email us on gerald@localplaces.co.za to check availability.