Find out about one of the Capital City's most picturesque suburbs.
About the area
Nestling on the natural hills just southeast of Pretoria Central, Muckleneuk, with its beautiful Jacaranda-lined streets, is undoubtedly one of the Capital City’s most picturesque suburbs. Located a few kilometres from the city centre, the suburb offers spectacular views of the city’s skyline.
As one of the oldest suburbs in Pretoria, established in the late 1890s, Muckleneuk boasts a rich historical heritage and unique character. The suburb was named by pioneer George Walker, who acquired a portion of the original farm Elandspoort. He named the suburb after his family estate in Scotland.
The dwellings reflect different periods of development and architectural influences. The area still offers large historical dwellings designed by prominent architects of the time, Gerard Moerdijk and the distinguished Sir Herbert Baker.
The lower part comprises blocks of high-rise apartments representing a more modern era. These are popular with younger generation residents as the University of Pretoria and Unisa are within comfortable commuting distance.
Muckleneuk extends to Bailey’s Muckleneuk in the east and Nieuw Muckleneuk further southeast. The suburb is bordered by Sunnyside to the north and Groenkloof in the south. Nelson Mandela Drive (M3) is on its western border and joins the main roads of Christina de Wit Avenue (M18), Elandspoort Road and George Storrar Drive (M7) at the Fountains Circle. This offers easy access to the N14 (Krugersdorp), N1 (Johannesburg) and R21 (OR Tambo International Airport).
Shopping facilities nearby include centres in Sunnyside, Groenkloof, Menlyn and Brooklyn.
Muckleneuk is set in an ideal position for getting around to the wealth of attractions in the vicinity. There is the Austin Roberts Memorial Bird Sanctuary, which is a delightful place for birdwatching and family picnics, the Voortrekker Monument, Freedom Park and Groenkloof Nature Reserve. The suburb is also home to the Pretoria Arts Association and art gallery.
I love it when the Jacarandas are in full bloom and the neighbourhood is transformed into a flowering purple mass.
Naomi Hill, resident.
Top schools nearby:
- Crawford College Pretoria
- Pretoria Boys’ High School
- Afrikaanse Hoër Seunskool
- Afrikaanse Hoër Meisieskool Pretoria
- Pretoria High School for Girls
Transport plus:
- Close to Gautrain stations
- On Tshwane municipal bus route
- In close proximity to Pretoria Railway Station offering easy access to train and taxi services as well as to a variety of private coach operators
Nearby medical facilities:
- Zuid-Afrikaans Hospital
- Netcare Jakaranda Hospital
- Life Groenkloof Hospital (previously Little Company of Mary Hospital)
- Mediclinic Heart Hospital
This article originally appeared in Neighbourhood, Sunday Times.
