Pretoria

South Africa's administrative capital, where the Union Buildings' gardens overlook the whole city, the Voortrekker Monument and Freedom Park tell South Africa's history, and jacaranda trees turn the city purple each October.

Pretoria lies in the north of Gauteng Province, South Africa. It is the country's administrative capital, belongs to the City of Tshwane, and is about 55 km from Johannesburg. The city sits at an elevation of about 1,340 m, with a mild, dry climate. Winter (May–August) is sunny, dry, and cool in the mornings and evenings, while summer (November–February) brings afternoon thunderstorms. The city is best known for September–November, when tens of thousands of jacaranda trees bloom across the city, with October the peak, earning it the nickname 'City of Jacarandas'. The core sights fall into three areas. The city center is built around Church Square, with the Kruger House Museum, Melrose House, the Museum of Natural History, and the Old Town Hall nearby. To the east, on Arcadia Hill, stand the Union Buildings and the Mandela bronze statue, with an art museum close by. On the ridge south of the city, the Voortrekker Monument and Freedom Park face each other across a valley, telling two very different stories of South African history. Surrounding areas include the National Botanical Garden, the Wonderboom giant fig tree, and the Rietvlei and Groenkloof nature reserves. To the north, you can visit the Tswaing Meteorite Crater, and to the northeast, Dinokeng offers self-drive trips to see the Big Five. Transport: from O.R. Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg, the Gautrain runs directly to Pretoria and Hatfield stations. The sights are spread out, so taking a taxi or hiring a car is recommended. Plan 1–2 days. Note that safety in the city center is moderate: avoid walking after dark, and don't display valuables.

Top sights

Where to eat

Itineraries