Pretoria

Despite it’s convoluted past and sad symbolism, the beautiful city of Pretoria is an integral part of South Africa’s history. For visitors, its undoubtedly an important step on the path to understanding the complexities of this country. But don’t think its all about the past, for Pretoria is a city that’s taken the future by storm with superb shopping, great restaurants and a vibrant arts community. The hamlet of Hatfield is the heart of the new, happening sector of the city.

At the heart of the city is Church Square, dominated by a huge bronze figure of ‘Oom Paul’ Kruger, generally regarded as the father of Afrikanerdom. High on a hill south of the city is the massive Voortrekker monument – a shrine to the Afrikaner community.

The most famous of all Pretoria’s landmarks is the magnificent crescent shaped Union Buildings. It was in 1994 in these terraced gardens, that Nelson Mandela was inaugurated as South Africa’s first black president, undoubtedly one of the 20th centuries defining moments.

Visit Pretoria in the Spring and fall in love with lilac. Seventy thousand Jacaranda trees burst into bloom and soft the edges of this city of multiple statues. It’s a glorious sight.

Getting There & Around

The nearest international airport is OR Tambo International in Johannesburg. Pretoria is linked to Johannesburg by the N1 freeway.

If luxury train travel is for you, Pretoria is also the place to board the famous Blue Train and Rovos Rail.

Weather

The city has a mild climate and snow is an extremely rare event, which occurs once or twice in a century. The city is arguably the sunniest Capital in the world, receiving over 3300 hours of sunshine a year (over 9 hours per day on average).