Architectural Tours
Tour Arc1: The Gauteng and Mpumalanga Architecture Circuit (9 days)
Architecture in the Northern parts of the country reflects the wide range of cultural influences which forms part of this nation. From the early Stone and Iron Age inhabitants to the modern cultural blend in the country contributed to the wide variety of historical and contemporary African and European architectural creations and innovative designs found in our cities and rural areas. Experience architecture and culture against the Dutch Afrikaner background of Pretoria, the vibrant and innovative Township architecture and downtown Egoli - Place of Gold. See the sharp contrasts between rural tribal architecture and the crazy Sun City extravagant architecture in the bush - and feel the thrill of viewing game in the wild of the Pilanesberg National Park, during both day and night drives.
Please note that this tour can be combined with Arc2: The Cape Architecture Discovery, to experience architecture from both the Northern and Southern part of the country
Day 1: Pretoria and an Introduction
Arrive at Johannesburg International Airport in the morning. You are met in person by your hosts and transferred to your guesthouse in the Capital of Pretoria - capital city of the old Dutch and Afrikaans cultures. On the way from the airport we drive through the campus of the University of South Africa. Its main building is an imposing structure which exploits its elevation above the city to the full. After some refreshments and a short information session, we enjoy lunch and some leisure time. Late afternoon we are treated to a visual introductory lecture of the indigenous architecture of South Africa by one of our experienced architects. This presentation will provide us with the background required to begin to understand the architecture and general culture of this multi-cultured, Rainbow Nation.Day 2: Pretoria and Dutch- Afrikaner Heritage
Today we experience the Afrikaner and indigenous heritage in and around this charming capital city. We visit the Voortrekker Monument and view its impressive architecture by Moerdyk and sculptured panels, portraying stories around the Great Trek of the Afrikaners to the north in the early 1800's. Thereafter we visit one of the forts overlooking Pretoria, built just before the Anglo Boer War to protect the city from British invasion. In the afternoon we discover the Dutch-Afrikaner heritage on foot around the historical Church Square and admire the neo-Renaissance, neo-Gothic and Art Nouveau styled buildings of just before and after the war at the turn of the 19th century. We also visit the house of the famous Afrikaner president Paul Kruger, which was designed in the style of a typical Cape Karoo farmstead. On our way back to our guesthouse we view a few other historical landmark buildings before retiring for an evening of fun.Day 3: Melrose House, Victoria Hotel, Station, University of Pretoria, Loftus, Union Buildings
After a hearty Pretoria breakfast we further explore the varied architectural treasures of the Capital. We visit the stately home of Melrose House, built in the 1880's and used as the venue where the Anglo-Boer War peace treaty was signed in 1902. We view the stately Pretoria Station, designed by Sir Herbert Baker, before visiting the varied architecture of the University of Pretoria, varying in style from late French Renaissance to modern. Close-by we visit Loftus - a prime example of a large rugby stadium and the bastion of one of South Africa's national sports. This afternoon we are shown the impressive architecture of one of Sir Herbert Baker's masterpieces - the Union Buildings, constructed between 1910 - 1913 and the office of the President. Our guided tour also includes the beautiful terraced gardens.Day 4: Soweto and contrasting black architecture
A visit to South Africa is not complete without experiencing the vibrant township life and varied architecture. We visit Soweto, the expansive and contrasting black city-within-a-city and learn about day-to-day black city life. We first visit the fascinating Apartheid Museum with its stark but beautiful lines. We drive past Baragwanath, the largest hospital in the Southern Hemisphere, before visiting some simple shacks to see how innovatively all available materials are used and turned into homes. We pass Nelson Mandela's and Winnie Mandela's (separate) houses and see the contrast between squatters and the rich in close proximity. We visit the Funda Community Art Centre to see how art is taken to heart by the black community, as well as a local gallery, Ma- Africa, where a variety of black artists' work is exhibited. Thereafter we enjoy a leisurely lunch and local beers in the friendly and social atmosphere of a Soweto "shebeen" before returning to Pretoria.Day 5: Johannesburg - the Urban Mix
The Central City of Johannesburg is an interesting and unique mix of architectural styles - borrowed from European architecture but adapted to suit the African situation and cultural tastes. We view architecture from the Renaissance, Victorian, Edwardian, Classic, Art Deco and Exhibition styles, as well as post war, modern and post modern buildings. We also visit the famous Mandela Bridge, Newtown & urban renewal.Day 6: Johannesburg - WITS, RAU & Sir Herbert Baker
Today we experience the areas of Johannesburg outside of the central city. We view buildings varying from the pleasant lines of Sir Herbert Baker, to the stark monstrosity which is the Johannesburg general Hospital. We compare the contrasting University building designs of the Classic-styled WITS University to the intriguing Afrikaner "Laager" design of the Rand Afrikaans University. We also tour around the more architecturally interesting suburbs of Johannesburg and view a typical old gold mine shaft construction before returning to our guesthouse.Day 7: Rural & Tribal Architecture, Sun City & Pilanesberg Game Reserve
This morning we venture into the north-western, rural part of the country to the Big Five Pilanesberg Game Reserve. On the way we stop over at some local rural family dwellings and see how these homes have been adapted to cope with modern demands. Further on we also visit a traditional Ndebele village, see their unique architecture and experience the day-to-day living of this colourful African people. Thereafter we leave directly for Sun City and book into our cabanas. This evening we go out in open bush vehicles and discover the animal nightlife under the expert guidance of the Game Park Rangers, after which we enjoy a well-deserved dinner (included). The evening is at leisure to enjoy a show or try your luck in the Casino.Day 8: The crazy architecture of Sun City
After a scrumptious bushveld breakfast we explore one of the most amazing - and to a great extent bizarre - entertainment complexes in the world. Inspired by a concept of a "Lost City" in the African jungle, the complex boasts impressive, totally "kitsch" architecture, simulated earthquakes, jungle walks, a casino and a Gary Player designed golf course. We are taken for a guided tour of the exclusive Palace of the Lost City before enjoying lunch under the Cascades waterfalls. The afternoon is at leisure to further explore this amazing complex on your own.Day 9: The Pilanesberg Game Reserve and Home
This morning we again go "hunting" for the Big Five and enjoy a morning's leisurely game drive in the bush. We stop over at a few special water holes, where protected hides allow one to get close to the water and view the antiques of a variety of animal life from the safety of the hide. We make our way back to Sun City where we have lunch before returning to Pretoria. You are then transferred directly to your terminal at Johannesburg International for your flight home.Included in the tour:
- Transport in air-conditioned vehicles
- Services of an accredited guide
- All breakfasts
- Accommodation in good Guest Houses, Guest Lodges and Country Hotels (The Guest Houses/Lodges are all quality establishments, offering private rooms with private bathrooms and full breakfasts)
- All entrance fees
- The following excursions are included, time permitting:
- The Afrikaner "Voortrekker" Monument
- Anglo Boer War fort
- Church Square and its neo-Renaissance, neo-Gothic and Art Nouveau styled buildings
- The home of President Paul Kruger
- Melrose House
- Pretoria Station
- The various styles of the University of Pretoria
- Loftus Rugby Stadium
- Sir Herbert Baker's Union Buildings
- Baragwanath Hospital, the Apartheid Museum and Soweto
- Central Johannesburg with its Renaissance, Victorian, Edwardian, Classic, Art Deco and Exhibition styles, as well as post war, modern and post modern buildings
- Johannesburg suburbs, Sir Herbert Baker homes, WITS and RAU contrasting university styles
- Innovative rural and colourful tribal architecture and building styles
- The crazy architecture of Sun City and the Lost Palace
- The Pilanesberg Game Reserve, with day and night game drives