Pretoria was founded in 1855 by Marthinus Pretorius, a Voortrekker leader. The city was named after his father, Andries Pretorius. The blossoming purple trees that decorate the streets explain the name, Jacaranda city.

It is a city metropolis with an unchanged natural landscape comprising of various thriving nature conservations.

Today, Pretoria is known as the City of Tshwane, named after the nearby river known to locals as the Apies River (“monkey’s river”).

SAVE by purchasing DISCOUNT vouchers for activities in Durban through our partner fomo.

• Visit our guide to annual festivals, big events and parties in Pretoria.

Don't forget to check what’s happening in Pretoria today

Pretoria is spoilt for choice for anyone looking to fill their days with adventure and activity!

ESDA | 1-Hour Horse Riding Experience with ESDA for 2

Get your fill of nature and enjoy the outdoors with a Horseback Safari ride!

Grab your family, a friend or a loved one or two and experience the world from a new and exciting vantage point. Look forward to scenic, breathtaking views of the landscape before you atop a majestic, kind hearted, spirited creature.

Make a day of it as Equestrian Skills Development Academy offers you the opportunity to try horse riding with a 60-minute outride as well as access to the venue and its facilities for the day.

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Horseback Africa

Horseback Africa is a comprehensive African experience that covers all aspects of outdoor fun, from touring the terrain on horseback to walks with lions and even safari tours on horseback.

They offer pristine accommodation with full catering services. It’s a fantastic and thoroughly unique way to view the wildlife Pretoria has to offer.

• Operating Hours:
  • Mon-Sun, 8am - 5pm
• Contact Number: 012 735 9909
• Address: Tourist route 4, Sand Road, Pretoria
• More Info: Website

Ludwig’s Rose Farm

Ludwig’s Rose Farm is a tranquil and quiet venue, featuring a restaurant in the centre of the most spectacular rose garden. Arrange a picnic for the family on the lush grounds or enjoy their famous breakfast and teas.

Visitors can expect to enjoy taking a break here to stop and smell the roses, literally!

• Operating Hours:
  • Mon-Sun, 8am - 5pm
• Contact Number: 012 817 2099
• Address: Plot 4, tygervalley, Lynnwood Road, Pretoria
• More Info: Website

Abseiling

There’s more to Pretoria than the Union Buildings and jacaranda trees.

Try your hand at an abseiling adventure near the nation’s capital and get your adrenaline pumping! Take a trip to Adventure Zone Cullinan, just 30 minutes from Pretoria CBD, for the exhilaration of abseiling down sheer cliffs, up to 60 meters high.

The beautiful Muningi Gorge provides some of the best abseiling cliffs with lookout points!

• Operating Hours:
  • Mon - Sat, 8am - 5pm
  • Sun, 8 am - 3 pm
• Contact Number: 012 734 0507
• Address: Muningi Gorge, Gauteng
• More Info: Website

Pretoria National Botanical Garden

The Pretoria National Botanical Gardens is one of the nine spectacular gardens South Africa has to offer. It spans over 76 hectares of land divided into two bio-domes.

The garden is home to a variety of flora and fauna holding 50% of South African tree species. Up to 50 hectares of the garden is developed and made up entirely of indigenous plant life.

The garden is a unique bridge between scientific research and recreational activities. Bird lovers can enjoy some quiet bird watching from one of the many hides.

If you're feeling more adventurous, you can set off on one of the many hiking trails.

The gardens offer visitors an array of activities, from gift shopping at the store on site to luncheons at African Pride Cafe overlooking the wetlands.

• Entrance Fee:
  • R30pp
• Operating Hours:
  • Mon-Sun, 8am - 6pm
• Contact Number: 012 804 4992
• Address: 2 Cussonia Ave, Brummeria
• More Info: Website

Picnics in Pretoria

Visitors are welcome to bring their own lunch and have a picnic on the magnificent garden grounds. The abundance of quiet green parks provide welcome quiet breaks in the thriving metropolis of Pretoria.

Springbok Park

Springbok Park is one of the oldest parks and a national monument. Visitors describe it as more of a botanical garden than a city park. Why not take a short walk through the lush vegetation?

Located in Hatfield, next to the Dros on the corner of Pretorius and Grosvenor Street, this park is free to enter and easily accessible.

Tip: Don’t visit the park at night as safety could be a concern after dark.

• Operating Hours:
  • Open 24 hours
• Contact Number: 012 804 4992
• Address: Grosvenor Street, Pretoria

Jan Cilliers Park

Another favourite in the wide selection of parks to visit is Jan Cilliers Park. It’s the perfect spot to feed the ducks and walk your dogs.

Found on the corner of Wenning Street and Broderick Street, in the quiet suburb of Groenkloof, Jan Cilliers Park boasts plenty of indigenous flora and fauna.

The park is home to many ponds enjoyed by schools of fish, and ducks and geese use the park as part of their migratory routes. It is a dog-friendly park, but visitors are required to pick up after their pets.

Tip: Visits during the wet seasons are best to enjoy the mature Protea collection.

• Operating Hours:
  • Open 24 hours
• Contact Number: 082 546 5577
• Address: Broderick Street , Pretoria

With so many top Pretoria attractions to tick off, your city sightseeing checklist could get very long.

So to help you get the very best of Pretoria's top places to visit, we've put together a comprehensive guide of some of the most memorable places to visit and things to see. Some of these include:

• Fort Schanskop
• The Voortrekker Monument
• Freedom Park
• Sammy Marks Museum
• Church Square

For a full list of the most memorable things to do and places to see in Pretoria, click on the link below:

• Places to Visit & Tourist Attractions in Pretoria

Are you a keen scientist, an avid historian or do you simply love treating yourself to beautiful artwork? Well Pretoria is the place to be!

Our guide will take you on a journey to some of the most prestigious art galleries and museums Pretoria has to offer. Some of theses include:

• The National Cultural Museum
• The Pretoria Art Museum
• The Pioneer Museum
• Fried Contemporary
• The Showroom Art Gallery

For a full list of mesmerising museums and art galleries in and around Pretoria, click on the link below:

• 12 Mesmerising Museums & Art Galleries in Pretoria

The cultural scene in Pretoria is rich with history and talent. Whether you love a good comedy show or you prefer the beautiful sounds of jazz. There's something for everyone.

Because the theatre and live show scene is so full of talent and history, we decided to make it it's very own guide. It features some of the best performing arts stages in Pretoria, including:

• The South African State Theatre
• The Brooklyn Theatre
• UP Theatres
• Centurion Teater
• and so much more...

For the full guide, click on the link below:

• Theatres & Live Shows in Pretoria | 12 Of The Best

Find the latest movies and showtimes in Pretoria. See Trailers, Reviews, Ratings. Release Dates & More - (2D, 3D, Scene XTREME & VIP, IMAX & IMAX 3D, PRESTIGE, 4DX)

• Ster Kinekor Sterland (Arcadia)
• Ster Kinekor The Grove (Equestria)
• NuMetro Menlyn Park (Garston AH)
• Ster Kinekor Kolonnade (Montana Park)
• NuMetro Parkview (Moreletapark)
• Ster Kinekor Brooklyn Commercial (Nieuw Muckleneuk)
• Ster Kinekor Brooklyn Nouveau (Nieuw Muckleneuk)
• Capitol Cinemas (Roodeplaat)
• NuMetro Clearwater Mall (Roodepoort)

Whether you’re in the mood to immerse yourself in an African bushveld experience, or you simply need a weekend away; Gauteng has it all!

We've put together a guide to some of the very best game reserves, nature reserves, game lodges in Pretoria and Joburg! These include:

• Dinokeng Game Reserves
• Mabula Game Lodge
• Groenkloof Nature Reserve
• Wonderboom Nature Reserve
• Mongena Game Lodge

For the full break down of the best game lodges and reserves in Pretoria and Joburg, click on the link below:

• Game and Nature Reserves Near Pretoria and Joburg

Explore the very best Pretoria has to offer in terms of local produce and craftsmanship.

Discover a nearby farmer’s markets selling fresh produce, open-air food markets and monthly night markets you never knew existed. Some of which include:

• Cowhouse Market
• DeepRoots Market
• Irene Village Market
• Pretoria Banting Market
• Pretoria Boeremark

For a full, comprehensive break down of food and craft markets in Pretoria, click on the link below:

• Pretoria Markets: Food, Craft, Music & More - 2017

Pretoria is home to an impressive amount of activities and things to do with the whole family!

From zoos to waterparks, Pretoria has it all. And because it has such an impressive array, we've put together its own guide. It includes:

• Pretoria Zoo
• Zita Park
• Gotcha Paintball
• StokeCity WakePark

For the full guide, click on the link below:

• Fun Things To Do in Pretoria with Kids | Family-friendly Activities

Are you a lover of good coffee and fabulous food? Well, so are we! And luckily for you, Pretoria is home to some of the most delicious food and coffee in the country.

Coffee in Pretoria

Pure Cafe Restaurant and Speciality Coffee Shop

Pure Cafe prides itself on only using the freshest ingredients. Boasting a fresh flavoured menu with something to suite everyone's taste buds. With an ever present owner who is meticulous about attention to detail, the cheery green environment is a pleasure to be involved in.

Tip: Kids rave about the strawberry milkshake chocolate surprise.

• Operating Hours:
  • Mon-Sat, 7am - 3pm
• Contact Number: 012 342 1443
• Address: 137 Thomson St, Pretoria
• More Info: Website

Grounded At Echo

Grounded Cafe was started as a place for people to come, chill and unwind, an escape from everyday life. It has now turned into a very happening coffee spot with its constant arrival of regulars who come to meet, drink, chat and sometimes even work. The flow of regulars lets us know that they know how to make a good coffee.

• Operating Hours:
  • Mon-Fri, 6am - 6pm
  • Saturdays 8am - 3pm
• Contact Number: 012 329 0159
• Address: 353 24th Ave, Pretoria
• More Info: Website

Restaurants in Pretoria

South Africans are known as foodies and Pretoria is home to loads of foodie options, check out our top choices of where to eat in the Jacaranda City below.

Want more munch🍔 for your budget, check out these Food Specials happening in Pretoria!

Karoo Cafe

The Karoo Cafe is unlike any other. Their aim is to educate the community on self sustainability and to create an environmentally conscious following. The education doesn’t stop there, they strive to provide platforms for local artists to exhibit, perform or showcase and share their talents.

It is a home style cafe with free range chickens wandering about boasting a farm style kitchen and menu. With so much to see at the cafe, visitors are often returning to find new gems in this gold mine.

• Operating Hours:
  • Mon-Fri, 7am - 9pm
  • Saturday 8am - 6pm
  • Sunday 8am - 3pm
• Contact Number: 012 807 6063
• Address: Corner of Lynnwood and Albeth, Pretoria
• More Info: Website

Kream Brooklyn

Founded in 2007 by Tufan Yerebaken, Kream is a trendy upmarket restaurant that serves modern dishes in an artistic environment. There are many seating options from private booths, intimate tables and terrace seating, it caters for all clientele.

Priding themselves on the friendly service and menu that is the best value for money Kream invites you to taste a bit of the Kream Kulture.

• Operating Hours:
  • Mon-Sat, 12pm - 10:30pm
  • Sunday 12pm - 2:30pm
• Contact Number: 012 346 4642
• Address: 570 Fehrsen St, Pretoria
• More Info: Website

La Pentola

La Pentola derives its flavours from Italian, French and Mediterranean roots. With only the freshest local produce reaching your plate. Open for lunch and dinner this African-infused restaurant promises a night of dining you won’t easily forget.

With world renown chef and author Shane Savages at the helm, they serve a few more dangerous dishes for the avid foodies - crocodile in a Mexican chilli pastry.

Tip: Come hungry, you will want to try more than one thing on the menu.

• Operating Hours:
  • Tue - Sun
    • 12pm - 3pm
    • 5:30pm - 10pm
• Contact Number: 012 329 4028
• Address: 5 Wells Street, Pretoria
• More Info: Website

Capeesh

A landmark in Pretoria, Capeesh has been open for over 10 years. The Italian restaurant is Pretoria’s favourite local hangout. They pride themselves on making everyone feel like apart of their big family.

• Operating Hours:
  • Mon-Sun, 12pm -11pm
• Contact Number: 012 346 1932
• Address: Fehrsen St, Pretoria
• More Info: Website

Pretoria offers a variety of shopping experiences, including everything from markets to brand name stores and tempting restaurants.

Grove Mall

Visit the Grove Mall for all your shopping requirements, from clothing stores to biltong cafes. Have a meal at one of the restaurants or fast food venues.

They also have an IMAX theatre. Don’t forget to take the kids to visit the Grove Ice Rink while you’re there.

• Operating Hours:
  • Mon-Sun, 8am - 10pm
• Contact Number: 012 807 0963
• Address: Lynnwood Rd & Simone Vermooten Rd, Pretoria
• More Info: Website

Menlyn Maine Central

Menlyn Maine Central Square is an art-filled shopping extravaganza. From shopping to the gym, Menlyn Maine strives for convenience and self-sustainability. It is a green centre, hosting a hotel and many restaurants as well.

• Operating Hours:
  • Weekdays 7:30am - 10pm
  • Weekends 7:30am - 9pm
• Contact Number: 012 361 7758
• Address: Corobay Ave, pretoria
• More Info: Website

Every now and then, taking some time out to relax is so needed! And fortunately, Pretoria has some top class spas and activities that will help you unwind.

Spas in Pretoria

After a long day of exploring the city of Pretoria, you might want to visit one of the superb spas.

Sweet Face and Thai Massage Parlour

Head down to Sweet Face Thai Massage parlour in the heart of Brooklyn, Pretoria. Choose from a range of different massages to suit all your needs, from yoga application massages to hot oil massages.

With over 25 years of experience and highly skilled therapists, you can rest assured you are in good hands.

• Operating Hours:
  • Mon-Sun, 9am - 8pm
• Contact Number: 021 362 2630
• Address: 156 Alexander Street, Brooklyn
• More Info: Website

Kievits Kroon Spa

Kievits Kroon Spa combines accommodation and relaxation, hard to resist. It serves as a business retreat or the ideal family vacation.

Romance is their speciality and they cater specifically for each individual's needs. The lodging is mansion-like and all guests are treated like VIPs.

• Operating Hours:
  • Mon-Sun, 6am - 10pm
• Contact Number: 0860 543 848
• Address: 41 Reier Road, Kameeldrift
• More Info: Website

Camdeboo Day Spa

Located on the grounds of the beautiful Irene Country Lodge, the Camdeboo Day Spa is surrounded by magnificent views.

The Camdeboo Spa is named after the white stinkwood trees that are abundant in the area. Offering a variety of treatments with a modern sophisticated twist, their philosophy is simple and creates a sense of balance.

Camdeboo has four treatment rooms, a sauna, a Techno gym, an outdoor pool, heated Jacuzzis and a lovely restaurant.

• Operating Hours:
  • Mon-Sun, 8am - 7pm
• Contact Number: 021 667 6464
• Address: Nellmapius Drive, Pretoria
• More Info: Website

Klippenbosch Day Spa

The Klippenbosch Day Spa is located 35km from Pretoria East and is secluded and intimate with an indigenous feel.

Guests are greeted with a cold drink on arrival and surrounded by friendly and attentive hosts. The spa is surrounded by natural wildlife, providing a true African experience.

Meals are carefully prepared on-site with attention to the right nutritional elements for balance between the body and the organs.

Enjoy a walk on the beach just clear of the tranquil bushveld, in between treatments. Limited accommodation is available at the self-catering luxury cottage, so book early.

• Operating Hours:
  • Tues - Sat, 8:30am - 4:30pm
• Contact Number: 011 964 1278
• Address: 35 km east of Pretoria, out on M6
• More Info: Website

Inner Soul Art Lounge & Day Spa

Inner Soul Art Lounge & Day Spa is a modern twist on what a spa should be. Relax under the healing of touch therapy by one of the many qualified therapists at Inner Soul.

Heal your soul with art classes on offer or take a browse through the onsite art gallery featuring many fine art pieces.

• Operating Hours:
  • Mon - Sat, 9am - 6pm
• Contact Number: 087 351 8357
• Address: 41 Lynburn Road, Pretoria
• More Info:Website

Bushman's Rock Spa

Just outside Pretoria you will find the Bushman’s Rock Spa that forms part of the Bushman’s Rock Country Lodge.

The entire establishment is built on the Dinokeng Game Reserve and the spa itself is on the edge of the river that feeds the Roodeplaat Dam.

There is easy access to and from the main centres of Gauteng. They provide treatments and healing through touch, sound and aromatherapy.

The lodge and spa is a wonderful destination for that special weekend getaway.

• Operating Hours:
  • Mon-Sun, 8:30am - 5:30pm
• Contact Number: 083 778 5360
• Address: Plot 570 Wewer Road, Kameeldrift East
• More Info: Website

Golfing in Pretoria

Pretoria Country Club

The Pretoria Country Club is the epitome of luxury golfing and dining all rolled into one giant perfectly manicured package. One of the oldest golf clubs in South africa, the club is rich with history and culture. A few of the facilities the club offers are:

• 6 Squash Courts, 2 of which are glass backed
• 6 All Weather Tennis Courts
• A Par 72 Golf Course
• 2 Restaurants

Tip: They do bridge events.

• Operating Hours:
  • Mon-Sun, 8am - 6pm
• Contact Number: 012 460 6242
• Address: 241 Sidney St, Pretoria,
• More Info: Website

Waterkloof Golf Club

Located in Pretoria East, Waterkloof Golf Club has become a landmark to all who pass it. Pristine lawns stretch out to the horizon and can be seen from up high above in the sky. Golfing doesn’t get any better than this.

• Contact Number: 012 007 1147
• Address: Johann Rissik Road, Pretoria
• More Info: Website

Adventure Golf

Adventure Golf is mini golf at its best, with waterfalls and rolling mini green hills, it’s fun for the whole family. Ticket prices include three games, so you can challenge yourselves and best your last score.

• Entrance Fee:
  • Kids under 7 - R60
  • Adults - R90
• Operating Hours:
  • Mon-Sun, 9am - 10pm
• Contact Number: 011 447 3045
• Address: Fourways Mall
• More Info: Website

Choosing to party the night away or just enjoy some drinks with friends? This guide will help you find the ideal spot.

Our guide features some of the best clubs, bars and lounges in Pretoria, including:

• Beerhouse
• AandKlas
• Whisk Wine Bar
• Recess the Venue
• Houe 22

For the full list and details, click on the link below:

• Pretoria Nightlife | Clubs, Bars & Lounges

Whether you're in the mood for a family getaway, a solo retreat or a romantic escape, Gauteng is full of ideal options.

So ideal, that we put together a comprehensive guide of the best weekend getaways in Gauteng. Some of these include:

• Hartbeesport
• Magaliesburg
• Bela Bela
• Waterberg
• Dullstroom

For the full guide, click on the link below:

• Weekend Getaways Near Pretoria and Joburg 2017

Take a look at some of the top tips you need to know before visiting the Capital City.

The History of Tshwane

The city is rich in history, offering a buffet of diverse cultures and stories of how they integrated after Mandela became president in 1994.

Some of these stories are painful, but they are part of what makes South Africa and Pretoria what it is. What serves as a painful reminder for some is now a remembrance of the fight won through unity.

Weather in Pretoria

Summer stretches from November through to early March in South Africa. Pretoria usually sees highs of 28 degrees Celsius in the afternoons and a cooling temperature of 15 degrees overnight. December brings damp air and cooling rain to the often humid atmosphere.

The occasional thunderstorms and lightning is a favourite weather trait here - usually harmless and lasting only a few minutes. It is frequently overcast or mildly cloudy but don't be fooled by this, the sun's harmful UV rays cause massive sunburn without sunscreen protection.

Winters in Pretoria last from June to the end of August. Expect frosty mornings and below freezing temperatures at night. The city has a rather dry winter with very little rainfall and the occasional sunny day.

For an accurate weather forecast, click here

Travelling in Pretoria

Pretoria might be a small city but it has many transportation networks to help you get around. Transport can be quite pricey while travelling which is why locals suggest public transportation.

Gautrain

It is an 80km rapid transit system that runs throughout the entire province of Gauteng. It makes traveling from city to city simple, fast and cost efficient.

There are two Gautrain stations in Pretoria: Pretoria Station and Hatfield Station. The Gautrain station is shared with Metrorail in Pretoria CBD during peak morning hours.

The Gautrain is connected to other forms of public transport like taxis, buses and the Metrorail public train system. These services are fully integrated and may be used separately or jointly by transferring from one to another.

The Gautrain bus services operate from 5:30 - 20:30 on work days. Bus tickets are reduced when you use the bus within 20 minutes of using the train, helping users to make green choices that have less impact on the environment as Pretoria is a hub for conservationists.

• Opening Hours:
  • Daily, 4:45am - 9:30pm
• Contact Number: 0800 428 87246
• More Info: Gautrain Website

Rent a Car

Car rental options available include:

• Avis Car Rental Website
• Bidvest Car Rental Website
• Tempest Car Hire Website

Mini Bus Taxis

Like all South African cities Pretoria is well stocked with mini bus services throughout the city and city limits. This form of transportation is one of the cheapest methods to get around.

However, it comes with the same risks one would take using any other public transport. Be vigilant and don’t show off or display expensive belongings. Taxi drivers are very helpful and will let you know exactly where to get off.

Private Taxi Services

Private taxi services are abundant in the city. This list will help you find the right fit for your pocket and plans.

• Rixi Taxi
• Hendrick Metered Taxi Services
• Zebra Cabs
• Heinrich’s Taxis

Scheduled City Tours

Bookings are essential for touring the city. Knowledgeable guides will show you all Pretoria has to offer, whether it be a shuttle visiting landmarks or a guided walking tour of all the local hotspots.

Tour 2.0 provides catered tours for foodies, city explorers and even foot traffic touring. Mystery Ghost Bus Tour is not for the fainthearted. A themed tour of haunted locations and night rides are on offer. You can even risk booking a sit-down meal in a haunted house, if you dare…

• Entrance Fees:
  • R500pp
• Address: Smuts House Museum, Irene, Pretoria
• More Info: Website

Pretoria is a city that provides one of the largest varieties of entertainment, from picnicking at the botanical garden to walking with lions, visiting an air force museum or taking a ride at a local waterpark.

It is a student metropolis with a small world feel and the friendliest people you will ever meet. Out of the three capital cities in South Africa, Pretoria is the research centre and truly comes alive with culture and history.

Our vision at Vibescout is to provide the most relevant, current and comprehensive information.

If you feel we've missed something amazing or have any suggestions regarding our system, we would love to hear from you! Contact: info (at) vibescout.com