Colbyn

Colbyn, Pretoria

Situated virtually alongside or to the east of the Union Buildings, perhaps the most recognised buildings in South Africa today,

Colbyn is one of the older suburbs in Pretoria, its jacaranda-lined streets and large properties a solid combination that preserves a feeling of peace and tranquillity, despite being within walking distance of restaurants, shopping centres and major avenues for traffic. Colbyn is only 10 minutes from the centre of Pretoria, with access to various museums, monuments, green spaces, theatre, art galleries and historic buildings.

The Union Buildings, which changed overnight from a symbol of white oppression to one of harmony, has not only some of the world's most beautiful examples of sandstone architecture, but the surrounding terraced gardens, within walking distance of Colbyn, are well worth a visit. Interestingly, the statue of the country's first president, General Louis Botha, remains among a number of monuments that embellish the lawns here. And the view from the top of the building of the city below is quite lovely at night, although probably not all that safe.

The Hatfield shopping mall and entertainment centre is easily accessed from Colbyn and you're not far from a few of the major highways in and out of Pretoria. The zoo too is an easy trip from Colbyn and is regarded as one of the finest in the world. It may lie right in the heart of Pretoria, but it is 80 hectares of greenery that houses 97 mammals and 161 bird species and well worth a visit.