Pretoria

🇿🇦 South Africa

Discover the Capital City of South Africa

Pretoria - Vacation Briefing

Pretoria, located in the northern part of South Africa, is the administrative capital of the country. Known for its stunning jacaranda-lined streets and rich history, Pretoria offers a unique blend of culture, nature, and architecture. The city is home to many historic landmarks and museums, including the famous Union Buildings and the Voortrekker Monument. With its pleasant climate and beautiful parks, Pretoria is a haven for nature lovers. Explore the lush Botanical Gardens or venture into nearby game reserves for an unforgettable safari experience. Indulge in the vibrant culinary scene, shop for handmade crafts at local markets, and immerse yourself in the warm hospitality of Pretoria's diverse population.

Popular Sights in Pretoria

Union Buildings Voortrekker Monument Pretoria National Botanical Garden Church Square Freedom Park Pretoria Zoo Melrose House National Museum of Natural History Austin Roberts Bird Sanctuary Austin Roberts Memorial Bird Sanctuary

Click on a sight to open a Google search

Things to do during your Pretoria vacation

Pretoria, the administrative capital of South Africa, is known for its rich history and diverse culture. With a wide range of activities to suit every interest, this city offers something for everyone. Whether you're interested in exploring historical landmarks, discovering natural beauty, or indulging in delicious cuisine, Pretoria has it all.

Union Buildings: Visit the iconic Union Buildings, the official seat of the South African government, and enjoy panoramic views of the city.
Voortrekker Monument: Learn about the history of the Afrikaner people at the impressive Voortrekker Monument, a national heritage site.
National Botanical Gardens: Stroll through the beautiful National Botanical Gardens and marvel at the diverse plant species, including a unique cycad collection.
Freedom Park: Explore Freedom Park, a memorial and museum that commemorates the struggle for freedom and democracy in South Africa.
Pretoria National Zoo: Discover a variety of wildlife at the Pretoria National Zoo, home to over 600 species including lions, elephants, and giraffes.
Austin Roberts Bird Sanctuary: Birdwatchers will enjoy a visit to the Austin Roberts Bird Sanctuary, a peaceful haven for numerous bird species.
Hazel Food Market: Experience the vibrant atmosphere of the Hazel Food Market, offering a wide range of local and international culinary delights.
Groenkloof Nature Reserve: Escape the city and embark on a hiking or biking adventure in the scenic Groenkloof Nature Reserve.
Pioneer Museum: Step back in time at the Pioneer Museum, which showcases the history of early pioneers and the development of Pretoria.
Melrose House: Visit Melrose House, a beautifully restored Victorian mansion that played a significant role in South Africa's history.

Why you should visit Pretoria

Overall

Pretoria, South Africa is a destination with diverse offerings. While it may not be a top-tier destination, it has its own unique charm.

Safety

Pretoria is generally a safe city to visit, but travelers should exercise caution and be aware of their surroundings due to occasional instances of crime.

Culture

Pretoria boasts a rich cultural heritage with fascinating historical sites, museums, and diverse cuisine options.

Nightlife

Pretoria offers a decent nightlife scene with a variety of bars, clubs, and live music venues to choose from.

Adventure

Pretoria is not a prime destination for adrenaline-seeking adventurers as it lacks extreme adventure activities. However, it does offer some recreational opportunities like hiking and nature exploration.

Relaxation

While Pretoria may not be known for its relaxing amenities like beaches or lakes, it offers parks, gardens, and tranquility spots where visitors can unwind.

Best time to visit Pretoria

Pretoria, South Africa offers pleasant weather and vibrant cultural events throughout the year. However, the best time to visit is from September to November and from March to May, when the temperatures are mild and the city is less crowded.

Jan

Pleasant weather, but crowded

17°C - 29°C

Feb

Warm but crowded

17°C - 29°C

Mar

Mild weather, fewer crowds

16°C - 28°C

Apr

Ideal weather, fewer crowds

13°C - 26°C

May

Mild weather, fewer crowds

9°C - 24°C

Jun

Cool weather, moderate crowds

7°C - 22°C

Jul

Mild weather, moderate crowds

7°C - 23°C

Aug

Moderate weather, moderate crowds

9°C - 25°C

Sep

Mild weather, fewer crowds

12°C - 27°C

Oct

Mild weather, fewer crowds

13°C - 28°C

Nov

Mild weather, fewer crowds

15°C - 29°C

Dec

Warm weather, but crowded

17°C - 29°C

A guide To your first day of Pretoria vacation

morning

Visit the Union Buildings and enjoy the panoramic views of the city.
Explore the beautiful Pretoria National Botanical Garden.

afternoon

Take a guided tour of the Voortrekker Monument, showcasing South Africa's history.
Visit the Pretoria Zoo and spot a variety of animals from around the world.

evening

Stroll along Church Street and experience the buzzing nightlife with a wide range of bars and restaurants.
Catch a live performance at the State Theatre and enjoy the vibrant arts scene of Pretoria.

night

Visit Menlyn Park Shopping Centre for a late-night shopping spree.
Indulge in a traditional South African braai (barbecue) at one of the local restaurants.

How to get to Pretoria

By Plane

O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB) in Johannesburg and Lanseria International Airport (HLA) in Johannesburg are the major airports for reaching Pretoria. Both offer frequent international flights and have convenient transport links to the city. JNB is the larger hub with a wider range of global connections, while HLA is smaller and closer to the city center, making it ideal for quick transfers or shorter stays.

By other means

Pretoria is well-connected by train and bus. Gautrain, a high-speed rail service, provides efficient connections between Pretoria and Johannesburg as well as O.R. Tambo International Airport. The city also has a comprehensive public bus system that operates within Pretoria and connects to nearby towns. Exploring Pretoria by public transport is not only convenient but also a great way to experience the local culture and interact with the friendly locals.

Tips for Booking Your Trip

Planning a trip can get tricky, right? Don't worry, we've got some solid advice to make your life easier. Here's how you can find flights and accommodations without a hitch.

Flights: How to Score the Best Deal

First things first, check out Google Flights. Their price calendar and nearby airport options are really useful. Found a good deal? Great, but hang on a sec—make sure you compare it with prices on Kayak, Skyscanner, Momondo, and Kiwi. A little research can go a long way.

Accommodation: Find Your Ideal Spot

For places to stay, start by scanning Booking.com and Airbnb to get an idea of what's out there. Then, level up your search by looking at Hostelworld and Agoda. Oh, and a quick tip: the hotel's own website might have some special offers, so give that a look too.

Ready to make some moves? The links you need are right below. Happy booking!