Everything You Need to Know About Pretoria City

Are you considering a trip to Pretoria? If so, you’re in for a treat! Whether you’re planning to stay for a few days or longer, Pretoria provides plenty of opportunity for relaxation, exploration, and fun. Here’s a comprehensive guide on what to expect from Pretoria as well as how to best enjoy it.

What is Pretoria and Where Is it Located?

Pretoria, sometimes called by its older name, Tshwane, is the largest city in South Africa’s Gauteng province. It is located approximately 45 kilometers northeast of Johannesburg and is both the administrative and de facto capital of the country. With an estimated population of over 1.3 million residents, Pretoria is one of the largest cities in South Africa.

Generally, travelers tend to come to Pretoria as part of an extended stay throughout South Africa, with visits to Cape Town and Johannesburg also on the agenda. One can also fly in from OR Tambo International Airport, which is located near Johannesburg.

What’s the History of Pretoria?

The roots of the city date back to 1855 when two Voortrekker leaders Andries Pretorius and Marthinus Pretorius established a settlement called Pretoria. Several years prior, Johannesburg had also been founded by another Voortrekker leader Jan van Riebeeck and both towns played key roles in the discovery of gold in the area.

Pretoria went on to become South Africa’s first capital under Boer rule before the collapse of their fragile state and was later re-established as the official capital in 1910, during the period of British control and the country’s Union.

The city saw significant investment during Apartheid and still serves as the administrative capital of South African government today. It is also home to several universities and other tertiary educational institutions.

What Are the Highlights of Pretoria?

Pretoria is a great mix between traditional and contemporary, with plenty of traditional heritage sites and monuments, plus fun places to relax and enjoy modern culture. Here are some of the reasons travelers love coming to this vibrant city:

Voortrekker Monument

Located in Groenkloof Nature Reserve, this massive granite monument reflects Afrikaner pride in their own pioneering spirit. The unique design pays tribute to the courageous Boer people who pioneered the development of South Africa including treks in areas like Pretoria.

The massive structure includes a floating entrance balcony which is enclosed by six-pillars covered with bas-reliefs depicting Voortrekker history. At the center of the monument is a circular wall inscribed with unveiled personalities such as Petrus Jacobus Joubert, Hendrik Potgieter, Louis Trichardt, Piet Retief, Stephanus Kruger and Andries Pretorius who were all key figures in the creation of the chapel.

Paul Kruger House Museum

This museum which was once home to former president Paul Kruger presents visitors with a unique look into the lifestyles of wealthy 19th century Afrikaners. It features various collections representing many aspects of early Afrikaner culture as well as some glimpses into Kruger’s own life story.

Paul Kruger was a leading figure in the establishment of both Pretoria and South Africa’s Boer Republic, and was renowned for his influential understanding of law and justice. His home overlooks Church Square in downtown Pretoria and showcases some luxuries one may have expected from a home associated with this early president.

Union Buildings

An exciting attraction for history buffs is the Union Buildings which were initially designed by Sir Herbert Baker and are now used for government offices in Pretoria. The structure complex is made up of two wings comprising semi-circular balconies that reach out over 27 hectares in government garden and estate grounds.

This iconic location has been the site of presidential inaugurations since 1910 as well as more somber events such as memorial services for notable South African figures like Nelson Mandela. Many also come here to gain insight into the nation’s background including multiple visits to pay tribute to the fallen heroes of both world wars.

Coetzenburg Stadium

Sports fans can always plan a trip to Coetzenburg Stadium which hosts track & field events as well as local soccer matches throughout the year. The venue features two rugby fields, two soccer fields and two show fields as well as two fully equipped training grounds for teams to practice or exercise.

With seating for up 25,000 people plus ample parking, this stadium is popular amongst supporters from all across South Africa plus tourists who want to catch a match or event. The atmosphere here is always lively and there are plenty of nearby pubs and eateries that serve pre-match refueling before kickoff or post-match drinks following the final whistle.

What Is the Climate In Pretoria?

Pretoria enjoys mostly sunny weather with little rain throughout much of the year. The temperature is mild year round with an average high of 26°C/78°F during summer months (November-April) and an average low of 15°C/59°F during winter months (May-October).

Rainfall tends to be concentrated in one or two storms during spring (September-November) although thunder showers occur sporadically throughout all seasons. As such, the best times to visit Pretoria are during summer (November-April) when most days provide near perfect conditions perfect weather conditions.

How Do You Get Around In Pretoria?

Pretoria has good road infrastructure and travelers can rely on either rental cars or taxis/cab services for transport around town and beyond into neighboring towns such as Johannesburg or Cape Town. Rental cars are available from several international firms as well as locally based companies at various locations throughout Pretoria with vehicle classes readily available for car hire along with chauffeur services or self-drive options.

Taxis/cab services such as Uber are also available but fares must be agreed on in advance unless booked through an app like Uber which provides payment options via credit/debit card or other digital wallets providing convenience and security when paying drivers they don’t know. As a safety note, drivers/passenger should take note of taxis/cab registration numbers before departing this helps confirm identity if necessary later on, although customer reviews help inform travelers prior to booking.

Where Can I Find Fun Things To Do In Pretoria?

You’ll never have time to get bored in Pretoria! There are many great activities that visitors can enjoy while in this exciting city, here are just a few:

Have Fun atPretoria’s Top Attractions

* Visit Tshwane Sightseeing’s Cultural Outfitters for artistic works created by local artisans.
* Shop at The Grove Mall for all your retail needs from high-end retail stores to boutique beauty product vendors.
* Visit Freedom Park to learn more about South Africa’s struggle for independence and those who sacrificed much for future generations.
* Head out on safari at Lion & Safari Park.

Exciting Nightlife

* Spend an exciting evening dancing at The Atterbury Theater located at Groenkloof Nature Reserve.
* Catch an outdoor movie at Jackalberry Theater near Union Buildings.
* Relax with live music at any one of several pubs throughout downtown Pretoria such as The Irish Harp Pub & Restaurant or The Rusty Hook Taproom & Kitchen.

Experience Nature

* Explore Soweto Pub Crawl Tour. This unique tour begins with a stop at Soweto Motorcycle Tours where visitors ride a converted microbus through Soweto Township before taking a historical taxi tour around Vilikazi Street and famous landmarks like Mandela House Museum as well as Soccer City Stadium where 2010 World Cup games were held. It about two pubs in Soweto such as Obi’s Pub & Grill and Laru Beya (meaning “come rest”) with sampling beer from Lephalale Brewery along the way before ending back in Pretoria CBD after darkfall .

* Explore nearby Magaliesberg Mountain Range with informal hikes or even couple of day excursions allowing lovely views from surrounding peaks such as Witkransberg with activities including possible rock climbing explorations .

* Visit Kgaswane Nature Reserve for activities like game watching along with cave exploring and rappelling opportunities .

* Get active at Crocodile River Nature Reserve which offers canoeing, hiking and abseil opportunities among lush green scenery near Hartbeespoort Dam.

* Check out Cullinan Diamond Mine where visitors can tour underground tunnels that reveal many opulent gems while learning more about recent attempts by miners to unearth huge diamonds such as Cullinan I diamond, also known as “the Star of Africa ” weighing 530 carats it remains largest rock crystal ever discovered and currently part of British Royal Collection residing within Tower London .

The Bottom Line

Pretoria is an exciting city ideal for both short trips or even extended stays during visits to South Africa; with attractions suitable for all ages ranges from Boer History landmarks like Voortrekker Monument to modern attractions like Paul Kruger house museum plus cultural activities such as Soweto Pub Crawl Tour along vast natural beauty available at Magaliesberg Nature Reserve or Kgaswane Nature Reserve providing plenty for every traveler experience!