Brummeria, Pretoria

Lying just east of the city centre of Pretoria, Brummeria is literally just up the road from the CSIR, Pretoria’s council for scientific and industrial research that has its own convention centre dedicated to conferences and functions, so it is not difficult to imagine that Brummeria is fairly popular amongst visitors to these events.

Aside from the obviously interesting work that the CSIR carries out, it doesn’t necessitate a visit, however, there are a fair number of attractions in and around Brummeria that make staying here worthwhile. The Pretoria Botanical Gardens provide a relaxed environment perfect for family picnics and exploring a wealth of garden that includes 50% of the country’s tree species. The gardens are filled with birds; there are beautiful green lawns beneath glorious shade trees and various special gardens like the collections of medicinal plants.

Other places to visit include the open air Pioneer Museum in Silverton. This is a lovingly restored farm that belonged in the past to the Mundt family that includes the original Voortrekker cottage - made up of mud and anthills to form clay walls - and reconstructed farmyard complete with animals and farm tools. See demonstrations of wheat grinding, bread making and milking. Conversely, head out to Sammy Marks Museum on the old tarred road to Bronkhorstspruit. The original homestead, Swartkoppies, includes much of the original furniture and other household items, and is a popular place to visit for tea.