Pretoria occupies a special place in the hearts of most South Africans, as it has always been at the centre of the country’s political turmoil. As the country’s administrative capital, it had to bear the brunt of the hatred against the much-despised “apartheid system”. But, equally, it has also been the location of South Africa’s most transformative celebrations. Few people will forget the moment when, on a sunny day in 1994, the reins of power were handed over to the country’s first black president, Nelson Mandela, in front of the city’s iconic Union Buildings. This was the same man who had stood trial for treason in the city’s Supreme Court 33 years earlier and been sentenced to a life in prison.

21 March: Human Rights Day - On this day in 1996, the South African Human Rights Commission was established to promote respect for human rights, along with protection, development and attainment of human rights.

Check out the wildlife
If you have a tight schedule, you don’t have to go to the Kruger National Park to see some of the country’s famed wildlife. A 90-minute drive from Pretoria is Warmbaths, a provincial town known for its hot water springs. Visit the springs for a rejuvenating soak, but spend most of your time at one of the many private game reserves in the area. Mabula Lodge is one of the most famous, but there are plenty of parks and reserves on all sides of town. There are also farms here that offer wild game hunting, if that is your thing.

Pretoria shares the OR Tambo International Airport with Johannesburg, as it is almost about the same distance from either city. This busy international airport has flights from a large number of international destinations and is also the hub airport for southern Africa. The airport is connected to all the major South African cities with regular flights.

Business hours are Monday through Friday, 8am to 5pm but many offices will close at around 4pm on Fridays. Banks operate a slightly shorter working day, but are usually open on Saturdays. Shops are usually open six days a week and close on Sundays.