AFTERNOON SHOPPING BREAK

The Kolonnade Shopping Centre is about 40km from the sanctuary and has a variety of shops available, including department stores, restaurants, book stores, salons, etc.

THE CINEMA

As well as shopping at Kolonnade, you can also catch the latest films.  And grab some popcorn of course!

BOWLING AND ICE SKATING

The Kolonnade Shopping Centre also houses Ten-Pin Bowling Alley and an Olympic size ice rink, which is a fun escape from the sun on a hot day.

KRUGER NATIONAL PARK

Many volunteers have grouped together and hired a car for a 3-4 day trip to try and spot the Big Five (and more!!) at Kruger, South Africa's largest National Park.  We can help you organize the trip, as well as give you advice on the best places to stay.  There is so much to see and do, not one volunteer has come back disappointed!

THE WONDERBOOM NATURE RESERVE

The Nature Reserve has at its heart a 1,000 year old "miracle tree".  This Ficus salicifolia, a wild fig also known as the Wonderboom, spans nearly 50 meters in diameter.  According to legend, the tree grew to this great size because the chief of an indigenous tribe is buried beneath its roots.

PRETORIA ZOO

The National Zoological Garden's Pretoria Zoo is the largest zoo in South Africa.  It houses 3117 specimens of 209 mammal species, 1358 specimens of 202 bird species, 3871 specimens of 190 fish species, 388 specimens of 4 invertebrate species, 309 specimens of 93 reptile species, and 44 specimens of 7 amphibian species.  Quite a lot for the animal lover to see!

LOCAL MUSEUMS

Pretoria is home to many monuments and 33 museums, including the Voortrekkers Monument, the Apartheid Museum, the Pretoria Art Museum, and the Transvaal Museum to name a few.

LET BATTLE COMMENCE

It is up to the volunteers to keep themselves amused during the evenings.  Make sure you bring some games to keep you all entertained.  Cards, Uno, and Yahtzee are current favorites.  You can normally hear laughter coming from the veranda after dark - just make sure no one peeks at your cards!

THE BRAAI

We normally hold a weekly Braai (BBQ) at the sanctuary. It’s a great way to get to know the volunteers, and normally the food is accompanied by a few alcoholic beverages (vodka is only 40 Rand – how can you say no at those prices!).  The more we can hang out outside the better, so we can be seen keeping warm around the fire in the late evening.  Many fun games and drunken chats have been had around the fire and it’s a good way to keep warm on chilly evenings.

AFRICAN SKIES

Try to catch the sunrise when you are doing the monkeys' breakfast, or in the evening, an equally picturesque sunset.  This typically beautiful sunset scene was taken from our front garden.