December 22, 2024 01:10 AM

Where In South Africa: Pretoria Versus Cape Town

As one of the few unique countries in the continent, well-traveled people around the world are simply familiar with the wonders of South Africa. Apart from its favorable seafaring position at the continent's southern edge, South Africa is one of the rarest success stories of multi-ethnic coexistence in the continent.

Although its capital city is Johannesburg, this country has three government seats, namely: Pretoria (executive), Cape Town (legislative) and Bloemfontein (judicial). The former two seemed to be the more visible location in the worldwide tourist radar.

Here are the following reasons why travelers would visit Pretoria:

Voortrekker Capital. When the British took Cape Town from the Dutch in the 17th Century, their descendants trekked the land further east. Hence the Voortrekkers named the first land they occupied after their leader, Andries Pretorius. Among the key landmarks that commemorate this saga is the iconic Voortrekker Monument.

Scenic Floral Setting. Pretoria's friendly nickname is "Jacaranda City." These magnificent purple-blooming trees were introduced to Pretoria from Argentina in the late 1800's. Becket Street is one of the many popular neighborhoods during the months of October and November.

Lions & Cheetahs. If there is any more good reason to visit Pretoria, it is for their exotic local wildlife. The National Zoological Gardens is home to Africa's finest big cats. Visitors are riveted by the sight of high-velocity sprints performed by cheetahs at Anna van Dyk Cheetah Center.

These are the following reasons why visitors would visit Cape Town:

Boardwalk Empire. The Victoria & Alfred Waterfront is one of the easiest sites to note when newcomers visit Cape Town. This marina is teeming with catamarans and yachts. The boardwalks are replete with open restaurants, bars, and shops that keep the vibes alive day and night.

Kingdom of Penguins? Penguins are endemic in Antarctica, right? Well, many people often forget that only a few leagues separate Cape Town's coast to shores of the planet's bottom axis. 3,000 of these fine creatures in Boulder's Beach descended from Antarctica's leading penguin swimmers.

Burgers & Barbecue. If there's one great reason why tourists worldwide would visit South Africa, it is because of their local food. Cape Town is proud of their 'braai' (barbecue) and their exotic ostrich burger. What do they call burgers in Cape Town? It's 'Royale with Shakes!'

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