Meet Mrs Ples at the Ditsong Natural History Museum

The ZK Matthews Great Hall on the Unisa Muckleneuk campus seats a thousand people and has a stage built for a symphony orchestra. The Pretoria Symphony Orchestra has played there on Sunday afternoons, and Unisa runs its own concert season on the same campus with tickets sold at the door. Check the orchestra ticketing…

The Pretoria National Botanical Garden no longer takes cash, so bring a bank card or you may not get past the gate. EFT works only for pre-bookings. Last entry is an hour before closing in the evening, and the garden sometimes shuts for concerts and events, so check the SANBI notice on the day. Guided themed walks…

A Re Yeng buses run on a card system and there is no cash fallback on board, so buy a Connector card first and load it with trips. Cards are sold at station kiosks and participating retailers, and you tap at the turnstile before you board. Fares depend on the distance travelled. The weekday, Saturday and Sunday…

The Capital Craft Beer Festival is a one-day winter event in the Pretoria National Botanical Garden, usually held in June. Expect dozens of local breweries, several stages of live bands and food stalls on the lawns, with a kids area for families. Buy tickets in advance, because the festival draws thousands, and pay by…

Rietvlei Nature Reserve lies on the edge of Pretoria around a large dam, with grassland, hides for birdwatching and game that includes rhino, buffalo and zebra. Cycling is allowed, which makes it one of the few places near town to pedal among wildlife. Guided game drives need your own vehicle and an advance booking…

Loftus Versfeld, the home of the Bulls and Mamelodi Sundowns, runs behind-the-scenes tours by advance booking only, so turning up at the gate will not get you in. Contact the Bulls office a few days ahead. On match days the D-field south-west of the stadium becomes a fan park with food and a beer garden, which is the…

The Voortrekker Monument stands inside its own nature reserve, so you can pair the monument with a walk on the hillside instead of a quick photo stop. The monument has been a National Heritage Site since 2011 and its grounds welcome walkers and picnics. Book your entry online before you go, wear sturdy shoes and bring…

Freedom Park rewards a guided visit, because the symbolism of the Wall of Names, the semicircle of 200 reeds and the Isivivane garden is easy to miss on your own. Public tours leave three times a day, so arrive a little before the first one you want. Plan for plenty of walking outdoors and carry water and sun…