Pretoria, also known as Jacaranda City, is one of South Africa’s three capitals. It serves as the administrative capital.
Cape Town is the legislative capital, while Bloemfontein is the judicial one.
The city gets its nickname from the 70,000 jacaranda trees that line its streets.
Every October, they bloom quite nicely, turning the city purple and making it a breathtaking sight.
But Pretoria is more than its famous jacarandas. Once the center of the apartheid government, it is now a place to explore South Africa’s colonial and apartheid history, with historic buildings, museums, and monuments.
Beyond history, the city also offers cultural and culinary experiences, plus plenty of outdoor adventures.
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Here are some of the best places to go to when you visit Pretoria
Pretoria Botanical Garden
This beautiful garden is perfect for a family trip, with leafy walkways and lush greenery. Whether you love birdwatching, hiking, or just being in nature, you’ll find something here.
The entry fee is a bit higher than at other parks, but you’re allowed to bring your own refreshments.
So pack a picnic basket and a blanket, and enjoy a relaxed afternoon surrounded by nature.
If you don’t feel like packing food, no problem. There’s a restaurant inside the park where you can stop for coffee, a glass of wine, or a quick lunch after your walk.
National Zoological Gardens
The National zoological gardens of South Africa covers 85 hectares, making it the eighth-largest zoo in the world by size. It’s also the only nationally accredited zoo in the country.
You’ll find a wide variety of animals here, everything from reptiles and birds to giraffes, lions, hippos, and elephants.
The zoo also has a walk-through aviary and even an inland aquarium.
In recent years, there have been reports of neglect. Still, many visitors report having a wonderful time and say it’s worth a visit.
The Wonderboom fig tree
In the Wonderboom Nature Reserve, you’ll find a 1,000-year-old wild fig tree. It grew so large that its branches touched the ground and took root, creating 12 “daughter” trees around it.
Over time, those trees repeated the process, forming what looks like a forest, all from one original tree.
Local legend says the tree grew so big because an indigenous tribal chief was buried beneath it.
Today, you can explore the tree from a wooden deck built around it, giving you a close-up view of its impressive size.
Voortrekker Monument
The Voortrekker Monument is a national heritage site that marks the Great Trek, when Boer settlers left the Cape Colony to escape British rule after the abolition of slavery.
This massive granite structure is one of the first landmarks you’ll notice when driving into Pretoria.
Climb the steps and you’ll reach the Hall of Heroes, which features 27 marble reliefs telling the story of the Great Trek.
Find Mrs Ples
Mrs Ples is the nickname for a fossilized hominid skull discovered at the Sterkfontein limestone caves in the Cradle of Humankind, near Johannesburg.
The skull is over two million years old. Along with other finds, like the Taung Child, it helped establish South Africa as the birthplace of humankind.
The fossil was first identified by Dr. Robert Broom, who called it Plesianthropus transvaalensis. Later, scientists reclassified it as Australopithecus africanus.
Still, the nickname “Ples”, short for the original species name, stuck.
Today, the skull is housed in the Transvaal Museum of Natural History in Pretoria. It’s a must-see for history and archaeology enthusiasts.
Accrobranch
If you like a good thrill, head to Accrobranch in Pretoria North.
This treetop obstacle course offers 2 hours of adrenaline-fueled fun with aerial obstacles and zipline adventures.
It’s great for team building or family bonding. Expect Tarzan swings, ziplines, balance beams, cargo nets, and even skateboard-style challenges high above the ground.
Sun City
If you don’t mind a two-hour drive from Pretoria, Sun City is well worth the trip. Originally famous for its casinos, the resort now offers much more.
You’ll find luxury hotels, restaurants, Vegas-style shows, and adventure activities for every kind of traveler.
The Valley of Waves, a man-made beach with wave pools, is perfect for a day of relaxation.
For something more active, you can try the maze of the Lost City, which is the largest maze in southern Africa.
Other highlights include hot-air balloon safaris, Big Five game drives, and the world’s fastest zip slide.
At Sun City, there’s something for everyone, from thrill-seekers to those who just want to kick back.
Rietvlei Nature Reserve
The Rietvlei Nature Reserve was created to protect endangered plants and animals, as well as the water systems that supply Pretoria.
The dam inside the reserve provides about 15% of the city’s drinking water.
Covering more than 4,000 hectares of grassland and wetlands, Rietvlei is home to an incredible variety of wildlife.
You might spot eland, buffalo, white rhinos, cheetahs, hippos, ostriches, jackals, hyenas, or even hedgehogs.
Birdwatchers and reptile lovers will also find plenty to enjoy.
Church Square
Church Square is one of Pretoria’s most historic landmarks.
It was laid out in a central point in Pretoria by the city’s founder, Marthinus Pretorius, to serve as a gathering place with markets and churches.
Today, the square is surrounded by notable buildings, including the Palace of Justice, the Ou Raadsaal, and the Old Capitol Theatre.
Despite its name, there’s no church on the square anymore, but it remains a fascinating spot to walk around.
If you have a couple of hours, take a guided tour to learn about the square’s history and architecture. It’s a rewarding way to experience the heart of the city.
Freedom Park
Freedom Park, which overlooks the Voortrekker Monument, opened to the public in 2007.
The site features memorials, symbolic architecture, and a museum dedicated to South Africa’s journey toward freedom.
A two-hour guided tour takes you through the park, explaining the meaning behind its structures and giving you time to reflect on the country’s past.
It’s both educational and deeply moving.
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