Pretoria

Understand

Pretoria is part of City of Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality.

History

The area known today as Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality, with Pretoria (City) at its centre, is believed to have been occupied by the Sotho people for many centuries. During the 15th century the Ndebele people also migrated into the area and settled along the banks of the Apies River. Tshwane [tsʰwane] is the Setswana name of the Apies River. Around 1820 the Matabele under the leadership of Mzilikaza also entered the region, leading to local conflicts between the Matabele newcomers and the already established Sotho and Ndebele tribes as well as the European "Voortrekkers" who were steadily moving northward through the country. These conflicts came to an end when the Matabele were defeated by the "Voortrekkers" in 1837 at Mosega. By 1855 there was no known tribe in what is known as the Pretoria area today. Only nomadic groups passed through this area, with one of the Setswana people (so it is alleged) led them. Pretoria was founded in 1855. The first capital of the Zuid-Afrikaansche Republiek (South African Republic) was Ohrigstad, but the capital was moved to Pretoria. After the Second Boer War, the ZAR become Transvaal province, and Pretoria its capital. The city was named after Andries Pretorius, the Boer leader at the Battle of Blood River where the Voortrekkers defeated the Zulus under King Dingaan. In 1856 the area today known as Arcadia was acquired in exchange for a pony and added to the town. In 1899, during the Second Boer War, Winston Churchill was captured and held as a POW in Pretoria until his eventual escape to Mozambique. British forces captured Pretoria in 1900 and held control over the city until the signing of the Treaty of Vereeniging in 1902. When the Union of South Africa was established in 1910, Pretoria was elected the capital and is still the administrative capital of the Republic of South Africa today.

Climate

Pretoria is located in a summer rainfall area with hot days regularly followed by short and intense afternoon thunderstorms. The thunderstorms are often accompanied by lightning and occasionally result in hail. Summer temperatures range between 16°C at night to 30°C during the day, with occasionally higher temperatures (up to about 36°C). Winters are mild and dry with temperatures averaging between a minimum of 5°C and a maximum of 20°C. Winter nights and (occasionally winter days) can be surprisingly cold and buildings are generally not well insulated. Bring warm clothes if you're visiting during the winter months.

Getting there

By car Five highways join in the Gauteng region, making it accessible from all cities in the country. This would include the N1, N3, N4, N12 and N14 national highways. Most National Routes (N) are toll roads. Open road tolling (e-toll) is available on the freeways around Johannesburg and Pretoria.

By plane The closest international airport is O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB IATA) in Johannesburg. The Albertina Sisulu Highway or R21 leads from there to Pretoria. Airport shuttles are available on the airport or can be booked:

JIATA Taxi Association, ☏ +27 11 390-1857. Johannesburg-based company. Ants Events and Tours, ☏ +27 82 557-9604, +27 12 346-2400, [email protected]. Very reliable and friendly.

By bus Major bus companies like Apm, Citiliner, Greyhound, Translux, City to City, Intercape Mainliner offer connections to all big cities in South Africa. there are also lots of bus lines that have buses to Zimbabwe. Citiliner fare to Bulawayo is R410. The trip takes 15 hours. Apm bus lines have a bus from Pretoria to Capetown every day at 16:00 with a fare of R450. Intercape has a sleepliner bus from Pretoria to Knysna every day at 14:00 with a fare of R569. Citiliner has a bus going to Mbombela every day at 09:00 with a fare of R200. The trip takes 6 hours. Citiliner has a bus going to Kimberley every day at 09:45 with a fare of R275. The trip takes 8 hours. Apm has a bus going to Durban every day at 10:30 with a fare of R220. The trip takes 9 hours. The Baz Bus also stops in Pretoria.

By train A convenient high-speed rail link, Gautrain, is available between Johannesburg, OR Tambo International Airport and Pretoria. Travellers can access this direct link from the arrivals hall in the airport building. Safe, comfortable Gautrain buses serve local routes from the different stops in Pretoria. The fare from International airport to pretoria is R164. There are frequent commuter trains from Johannesburg which cost R16.50 one way. Metrorail also services other outlying towns and many suburbs of Pretoria. Long-distance trains from other parts of South Africa generally arrive in Johannesburg, however trains from Musina via Polokwane and from Komatipoort via Nelspruit call in Pretoria. However, as of 2025, there are no more long-distance trains from and to Pretoria.

1 Pretoria railway station (corner of Thabo Sehume St and Railway St, just south of city centre). (updated Sep 2019)

Getting around

Although crime in South Africa is higher than in many other parts of the world, common sense precautions should prevent incidents. Be especially aware of your surroundings after dark and don't travel alone. Main shopping centres are reasonably safe. Either use a metered taxi, rent a car or use the municipal bus service. There is also a very extensive network of informal, cheap minibus taxis, mostly used by local commuters. These taxis used to have a reputation for being unsafe, but this has greatly improved and most taxis are now relatively luxurious and not overcrowded, except during peak times. Accidents are rare. Ask locals waiting at taxi stops about routes and rates. Walking is a good option during the day, but may be unsafe after dusk in certain areas, such as central Pretoria.

Train service. Pretoria Main railway station. Tempest Car Hire, ☏ +27 12 663-1368, fax: +27 12 663-1387, [email protected]. Affordable car rental service available at all major locations in South Africa. HeinRich's Taxis, [email protected]?Subject=taxi. Safe and professional taxi service. Hendrick Metered taxi and Shuttles, 0826742075, www.hendrickcabs.co.za Rixi Taxi, ☏ +27 12 362-6272. Safe and professional taxi service. Not the cheapest means of getting around. Tshwane Bus Routes. Graphical map of bus routes and timetables and some information on using Minibus Taxis. R8 within the central business district, and R16 for long-distance journeys. Not extensive coverage or very regular, but is fairly reliable. Main office at church square. Timetable available there. Bus stops have poor indication of bus direction. So ask or wait. Bus frequency is best during rush hours. Very old fashioned but good for nostalgists. Uber. Uber is available in Pretoria, but there is a zone surrounding the Gautrain station where pickups and drop-offs are not permitted. The availability of Ubers is not as great as in Johannesburg, so you may encounter difficulties finding one at some of the more distant sights like the Voortrekker Monument.

See

1 Pretoria Botanical Gardens, 2 Cussonia Ave, Brummeria, Pretoria, Gueteng, South Africa, ☏ +27 12 002 5288, fax: +27 12 804 4992, [email protected]. Daily 08:00 - 18:00. An urban oasis to explore. This 76-ha urban oasis is a pristine getaway in the eastern suburbs of South Africa's administrative capital, Pretoria. Cashless environment For Adults: in off peak season (April - August) R80, Peak season R100 (September-March) For students: in off peak season (April - August) R45, Peak season R50 (September - March) SANB (South African Nasional Biodiversity Institute) Members: Free,(excluding special events) Pensioner: On Tuesday free entry For Children: R30 For Children Under the age of 6: Free BotSoc life Members and Guests: Free SANBI annual membership fees, (excluding special events): > R650 per Adult > R 325 per scholar (6 - 17 yrs) > R480 per Student > R480 per senior Citizen. (updated Jul 2026)

2 National Zoological Gardens (The Zoo), 232 Boom St, Pretoria (Near the city center), ☏ +27 12 339 2700, [email protected]. daily 08:30 - 17:30, open 365 days. Aquarium, reptile park and all the larger mammals including koalas. One can also camp within the zoo on Friday and Saturday nights. Golf carts are available for rental at R80/hour. Children's pushcarts at R60/day. A cableway operates from 10:00 - 16:15 daily between the top and bottom of the zoo, price R20 one way, R30 return. R95 adults, R60 children, R20 per vehicle. (updated Mar 2016) 3 The Union Buildings (often referred to as "Arcadia"), 2 Church St, ☏ +27 12 300 5200, [email protected]. Gardens open 24/7. The offices of the South African presidency. The building was designed by Sir Herbert Baker in 1908. Entrance to the building is prohibited for security reasons. However, the beautiful terraced gardens, which boast a wide variety of indigenous plants, are open to the public and provide a truly amazing view over the city. One of the 14 places in the world heritage listing Nelson Mandela Legacy Sites. Free. (updated Nov 2022) 4 The Wonderboom (Tree of Wonder or Miracle Tree), Wonderboom Nature Reserve (drive northwards on Paul Kruger Street (R101) and Mansefield Avenue for about 6-7 km from the city centre; immediately after the road goes through the gap in the Magaliesberg range turn right onto the M1 and cross the Apies River; the entrance is on the right about 300 m from the R101), ☏ +27 12 440 8316, +27 12 341 5204. 07:00 - 17:00 (last entry 16:00). A fig tree over 1000 years old. The tree, now a national monument, is unusually large, standing some 25 metres high and having a

Do

Experiences

1 Friends of the Rail, alongside Miechaelson Street, Hermanstad, ☏ +27 12 767 7913. Daily 09:00 - 12:00. Take a step back in time and circle Pretoria on a steam train or visit Cullinan, birth place of the world's largest diamond. The train runs two or three times per month, check timetable on website for exact dates. R250. (updated Mar 2016) 2 Klitsgras Drumming Circle, Tierpoort, Garsfontein Rd (take the Garsfontein Road (M30) in the eastern direction; 14 km after crossing Hans-Strijdom Drive, turn left onto Plot 62; it's next to the Excel service station), ☏ +27 83 311 0025, [email protected]. Daily 19:00 till late. Drumming circle out in the bush. Once you have a drum, food and drink you can sit down in the amphitheater around a cozy fire where the professionals and novices are drumming together and everyone joins in. Everyone takes lead from these people even if you do not know what you are doing, you just follow their drumming. So you are not only here to watch, but to be part of the entertainment! And then as a visual bonus the fire dancers move to the groves of the drumming. Didgeridoo players and percussionist frequent the venue. Held every second Friday night. R40 for drum rental. (updated Mar 2016) Skydive Pretoria, Wonderboom Airport, ☏ +27 81 499 5739.

Performing arts 3 State Theatre, corner Pretorius and Prinsloo Streets, ☏ +27 12 392 4000, [email protected]. Opening times dependent on performances. The State Theatre in Pretoria, South Africa is the largest theatre complex in Africa. Tickets for performances can be booked via Computicket (updated Mar 2016)

Sports Rugby Union: Bulls play in the United Rugby Championship (formerly Pro14), the multi-national European professional league. The playing season is Oct-March, with home games at Loftus Versfeld Stadium (capacity 52,000) in the Arcadia district. Loftus Versfeld is also home to the Blue Bulls, a developmental side for the URC Bulls that plays in the domestic Currie Cup from January–June. Cricket: Pretoria Capitals play in the southern town of Centurion, where they share the stadium with Titans.

Outdoors 4 Groenkloof Nature Reserve, Fountains Valley Resort (take exit 335 (M7 (M18) Eeufees Rd) off the N14 and follow the Fountains Resort sign), ☏ +27 12 440-8316, [email protected]. Daily 05:30 to 19:00 in summer and 08:00-20:00 in winter. Walk, mountainbike, go on a 4x4 drive or stay over in the second oldest nature reserve in the world. See giraffe, antelope and many other animals. 3½-, 4½- and 10½-km hiking trails. R38 entranc

Buy

Shopping malls 1 Menlyn Park. Located in the east. A very large mall, it includes a roof top drive-in theater. (updated Feb 2019) 2 Brooklyn Mall. Just east of the city centre with art galleries and movie theaters for mainstream and independent films. 3 Kolonnade. In the north with an ice rink and other entertainment. 4 Wonderpark. In the north just as you get onto Brits road off the Mabopani highway. Skatepark and hundreds of stores. 5 The grove, Lynwood Cnr Simon Vermooten (head to Lynwood Rd East). Larger mall. No free parking. Also good for middle budget eating out. (updated Mar 2016) 6 Hatfield Plaza Shopping Centre, Burnett St. 08:00-19:00. Has a Pick N Pay supermaket and many places to eat. (updated Aug 2016)

Other shopping German bakery and Alma German butchery. Tu-Su. East of Pretoria, Offramp Rossouw, then turn north, after 200 m. Serves coffee. You can also buy some imported products.

Supermarkets Shoprite, U Save, Checkers, Supermarkets, Whittle Lane, 218 Scheiding Street, and Brooklyn mall. Daily 08:00-19:00. All three stores are part of Shoprite. (updated Aug 2016) Pick N Pay Supermarket, Hatfield Plaza mall. Daily 08:00-19:00. (updated Aug 2016) Game (part of Wal-mart USA), Brooklyn Mall. Daily 08:30-17:00. (updated Aug 2016) Spar, Burneet Street (next to Hatfield Plaza). Daily 08:00-19:00. (updated Aug 2016)

Banks & ATMs First National Bank, Hatfield Plaza. ATM 24 hours. Has a Mastercard/Visa card ATM. no-fee at ATM for overseas cards. (updated Sep 2016)

Eat

The renowned restaurants include Cynthia's, the Hillside Tavern and Pachas. There are also many franchised diners throughout the city.

Budget Centurion Mall Express Sandwich Baron ([email protected]), Shop 30A, Cnr Hendrik Verwoerd and Embankment, Centurion Mall, Centurion, ☏ +27 12 643-1144. Sandwich Baron produces freshly made platters and sandwiches and holds no ready-made products in stock. Also has a catering service. Mimmos. Italian restaurant chain, incl. SA-Food. Good prices, take aways, wifi.

Mid-range Toni's Pizza Toni's is a great place to get the best pizza in town. Panarotti's Panarotti's is a national chain with several Pretoria branches. Spur. A national chain of Native American-themed steak-houses. Several branches in Pretoria.

Splurge Kream Restaurant, 283 Dey Street, Nieuw Muckleneuk, ☏ +27 12 346-4642. This new restaurant has a fresh upmarket urban feel and offers splendid food at very reasonable prices. Around R150 per person. La Pentola, 5 Riviera Galleries, Well Street, Riviera, ☏ +27 12 329-4028, fax: +27 12 329-5464. M-F 12:00-15:00 and 18:00-22:00, Sa 18:00-22:00. Excellent food. From around R150 per person.

Drink & nightlife

Pretoria's nightlife is concentrated in Hatfield (near the university), which boasts a number of bars and night clubs. Menlyn Square (just off the Menlyn shopping centre) is also a popular location which contains several venues but caters for the more upmarket crowd. Exclusive Books. EB is in many shopping centres and offers coffee while reading their books.

Sleep

Being the capital, there are many posh hotels (including the Sheraton) and guest houses and all the usual hotel chains have one or more hotels. With so many hotels owned by the same chains, in particularly Tsogo Sun. Make sure you note the address when booking so you go to the right hotel. When Parliament is in session and when there are other state events it can be almost impossible to find a mid-range or splurge room. Consider nearby Centurion as an alternative if you have to be in Pretoria at those times.

Budget 1322 Backpackers, 1322 Arcadia Street, Hatfield, ☏ +27 12 362-3905, [email protected]. very clean backpackers hostel with single/double rooms and dorm beds. Has a nice garden with a swimming pool, bar, TV room, free Wifi, breakfast and tea and coffee. Dorm R180 per person. double room R380.. Khayalethu Guest House, 1291 Arcadia Street, Hatfield, ☏ +27 12 362 5947, [email protected]. Free breakfast. Dorm bed R240 per person.. Pretoria Backpackers, 425 Farenden Street, Clydesdale, ☏ +27 12 343-9754, [email protected]. Double rooms and free breakfast. From R250 per person. Pumbas Backpackers, 1232 Arcadia Street, ☏ +27 12 362-5343. Great backpackers, managed by the friendly owners Frank and Corné. Free wifi and breakfast! Offers doubles, dorms and camping. Has two friendly dogs walking around and a nice central location in Hatfield. dorm R170 per person. camping R90 per person.

Mid-range Dark Chocolate Guest House Pretoria, 25 Catherine Street, Shere, ☏ +27 12 809-0626. Standard rooms, all equipped with plasma TV, bathroom and shower. Facilities and services are swimming pool, restaurant and bar/lounge. From R1,040. Khayalethu GuestHouse, 1291 Arcadia Street, Hatfield, ☏ +27 12 362-5403. Khayalethu GuestHouse has 10 en suite rooms, off-street parking and free internet access. City Lodge, ☏ +27 11 557-2600, [email protected]. From around R400 sharing. The Farm Inn, Lynnwood Rd, ☏ +27 12 809-0266, [email protected]. Provides a unique South African experience. stuffed and alve animals around. Also excellent for day visitors. From R510pps. Ithiliens Grace Guest House, 47 Kamperfoelie Street, Amandasig (easily accessible from all major highways), ☏ +27 79 892-2376, [email protected]. R280-900. The Village in Hatfield _, 1252 Arcadia Street, Cnr. Glyn & Arcadia Streets, Hatfield (N4 into PTA-Hatfield, near Duncan Street), ☏ +27 12 362-3737, [email protected]. Several family homes were converted into sleeping rooms. lots of space, quiet. Next to sports university. Functions possible.

Go next

Irene is a small town to the south of Pretoria with a day spa and a dairy farm. Mpumalanga Escarpment in a weekend Kruger National Park in a (very long!) weekend Soutpansberg, north, for lonely weekends in nature Cradle of Humankind, with caves to view ancient caves, digging sites and skulls Magaliesberg, a very old mountain range. Rietvlei Nature Reserve, a small and quiet nature reserve with a number of wildlife species and lots of bird watching opportunities. Visit Hartebeespoort Dam. There are hot air balloon rides over the savanna, a cable car, a golf course and watersport. Souvenir shops, shopping, and a snake farm are nearby.