South Africa’s administrative capital, Pretoria (Tshwane) is just a short distance by car or Gautrain from Johannesburg and a great city to visit for a day or weekend getaway. It’s known as the ‘Jacaranda City’ because of the jacaranda trees which line its streets, which turn purple when the blossoms bloom in spring. This leafy city is home to fascinating historical landmarks, such as the Cultural History Museum and the Voortrekker Monument. Other tourist attractions in Pretoria include the iconic Union Buildings and the lush Pretoria Botanic Gardens.
Why visit Pretoria
- The weather in Pretoria is superb year-round.
- Nearby Cullinan is a late Victorian era village where the world’s largest diamond, the Cullinan Diamond, was discovered.
- The museums and monuments are fascinating places to visit.
- You can see the Union Buildings, where Nelson Mandela was inaugurated as president in 1994.
- The city is near to some excellent reserves, including the Pilanesberg National Park and Rietvlei Nature Reserve.
- Pretoria’s surroundings are full of excellent outdoor activities, from hiking and mountain biking to golf and ziplining.
Quieter than Johannesburg it may be, but Pretoria is full of exciting entertainment offerings, superb restaurants and several iconic landmarks. Whether you’re travelling to Pretoria with friends, family or as a couple, enjoy the city's many tourist attractions with a Pretoria holiday package from Thompsons Holidays.
There are plenty of historical landmarks and exciting attractions to visit in Pretoria. Sir Herbert Baker’s iconic architecture is on view at the Union Buildings, or you can step even further back in time and visit Fort Klapperkop, constructed in 1889. Pretoria offers a plethora of stately mansions to explore, such as the majestic Melrose House Museum. View a fascinating collection of cultural treasures, including San rock art, Iron Age figurines and contemporary artworks in the National Cultural History Museum.
Things to do in Pretoria
- Visit Freedom Park, a place of hope that also honours those who lost their lives in the country’s political struggle.
- See the magnificent jacaranda trees in full bloom.
- Explore some of the city’s museums and find out all about South Africa’s history.
- Discover Pretoria’s iconic architecture, visible in the Voortrekker Monument and the Union Buildings.
- Visit the 1,000-year-old fig tree in the Wonderboom Nature Reserve.
- Enjoy horse riding at Esperanza Equestrian Centre.
- Watch a rugby match at Loftus Versveld.
- Embark on a safari in Rietvlei Nature Reserve.
- Take the kids to Cedar Junction theme park for a ride on a mini train.
- Learn all about animal conservation at Bester Birds Zoo.
- Enjoy mountain biking in Kiddies Bike Park.
Whether you’re taking the kids on an educational holiday, travelling with friends to embark on some adrenaline-filled adventures or want a romantic couple’s getaway, experience the best of Pretoria with a Thompsons Holidays travel package. Browse our deals and book now.
When is the best time to visit?
- Pretoria can be visited at any time of the year, but the weather is at its mildest from March to May and September to November.
- Pretoria is hotter than Johannesburg in summer and cooler in winter.
Getting there
- Pretoria is roughly an hour's drive from Johannesburg.
- Travelling by Gautrain from Johannesburg to Pretoria: 35 minutes.
- Buy local food and souvenirs and support local artisans.
- Avoid single-use plastic.
- Be safety conscious: don’t display cash or valuables. Leave jewellery and expensive watches at home.
- Keep your belongings safe – use the hotel safe for passports and valuables.
- Contact the Thompsons Holidays 24-hour care line to assist.
- Pretoria enjoys warm to hot summers and cold, dry winters.
- Pack a lightweight rain jacket for those late afternoon thundershowers in summer.
- In winter, layered clothing is best.
- Sunscreen, hat and sunglasses.
- Comfortable shoes.
- Don't forget your camera!
