Pretoria

Pretoria, part of the city of Tshwane, is smaller, prettier and quieter than its bold neighbour, Johannesburg, just 50 kilometres away. Pretoria offers a laid-back pace, fascinating history, interesting cultural heritage, and a compact, easily navigable city centre. Visit Pretoria in early summer when its streets are carpeted in soft purple blossoms to see why it has earned the name ‘Jacaranda City’.

Pretoria, the country’s administrative capital, has been at the core of South African politics from its founding in 1855. As the capital of the apartheid state, the city has long been viewed as the bastion of colonial domination. However, since the inauguration of Nelson Mandela at the Union Buildings in 1994, Pretoria has been shedding that image, becoming increasingly multicultural and cosmopolitan.

With all that inherited history, Pretoria has a good sprinkling of graceful old buildings, museums and monuments. The Union Buildings, headquarters of South African government, are an architectural and historical highlight. Built in 1910, the national monument is the site of Nelson Mandela’s inauguration as South African president. The Voortrekker Monument and Museum are interesting for their display of Voortrekker history, and an integral part of Pretoria’s past.

Pretoria has two nature reserves just outside of the city. Rietvlei Nature Reserve offers fantastic bird watching, and you can also spot big game such as leopard, buffalo and cheetah. Groenkloof Nature Reserve has hiking, mountain biking and horse trails, as well as game drives. For another green escape, visit the Tswaing Meteorite Crater which has walking trails with fantastic views of the 220 000 year old crater.

Culture and heritage

The Union Buildings were built in 1910, and were intended to symbolise the union of Britain and the Boer nation.

Just outside of Pretoria is the Voortrekker Monument and Museum. Built in 1938 in honour the Voortrekkers, the monument offers a panoramic view of Pretoria while the museum houses Voortrekker memorabilia.

The Pretoria Art Museum displays South African art from all periods, as well as a small selection of international art.

The Transvaal Museum of Natural History displays fossils, dinosaur replicas and fascinating artefacts.

Freedom Park opened in 2007 as a monument to democracy. The park features a symbolic burial ground for those who lost their lives in the struggle for freedom in South Africa, as well as an exhibition space, wall of names and a sanctuary.

Parks and gardens

The National Zoological Gardens is the largest zoo in the country and offers a large selection of mammals, as well as a reptile park and an aquarium.

Visit the Pretoria National Botanical Gardens for a wide range of South African plants, including all South African flowering plant species and half of the country’s tree species.

Nightlife

Pretoria has a large student population and a thriving arts community that drive its nightlife, which is mostly concentrated in Hatfield near the university.

Esselen Street and the surrounding area in Sunnyside also have a number of bars, nightclubs and music venues.

Getting around

The best way to get around Pretoria is by hiring a car.

Car hire
Europcar has branches in Brummeria, Hatfield and Pretoria North. Tel +27-12 567-7756.
Tempest Car Hire has branches in Centurion and Pretoria East. Tel +27-12-663-1368.
Sixt is located in Church Street. Tel +27-12-342-2903.
Avis has branches in Hatfield, Centurion, Menlyn and the city centre. Tel +27-12-301-0700.
Municipal bus services start in Church Square. The enquiry office is located on the south-east corner of Church Square.

Hire metered taxis
Metered taxis can be found at Pretoria Main Station or hired by telephone.
Rixi’s Taxis can be contacted on tel +27-12-362-6262 or email bookings@rixitaxi.co.za.
London Cabs offers a pre-booked private transfer service and can be contacted on tel +27-861-11-4966.
For taxis to or from OR Tambo International Airport to Pretoria, call JIATA on tel +27-11-390-1502.
Minibus taxis are available all over the city. These taxis charge a flat rate. Trips within Tshwane generally cost less than R15.

Stadium

Loftus Versveld, one of the oldest stadiums in South Africa, has a capacity of 50 000. The stadium will hose five group matches, and one last 16 match.

Fan parks

The FIFA fan park for Pretoria will be located at the City of Tshwane Event Centre, which has a capacity of around 60 000.