Pretoria is South Africa’s administrative capital and a city rich in history, culture, government landmarks and leafy urban scenery. Known for its jacaranda-lined streets, heritage buildings, museums and gardens, Pretoria offers a blend of city convenience and relaxed charm. Visitors can explore the Union Buildings, Voortrekker Monument, nature reserves, botanical gardens and cultural attractions. The city is also well positioned for business travel, stopovers and trips to nearby game reserves and leisure destinations. With its mix of historic sites, green spaces, shopping, dining and easy access to the broader Gauteng region, Pretoria is a practical and appealing destination for both leisure and business travellers.
Pretoria is a city in the northern part of Gauteng Province, South Africa. It is one of the country’s three capital cities, serving as the seat of the executive branch of government. Pretoria has a reputation for being an academic city with three universities and the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) located in its eastern suburbs, the city also hosts the South African Bureau of Standards making the city a hub for research. Pretoria is the central part of the Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality which was formed by the amalgamation of several former local authorities including Centurion and Soshanguve.
Pretoria is named after the Voortrekker leader Andries Pretorius and within South Africa is popularly known as the “Jacaranda City” due to the thousands of Jacaranda trees planted in its streets, parks and gardens.
Pretoria is home to the National Zoological Gardens of South Africa as well as the Pretoria National Botanical Gardens. There are also a number of smaller parks and gardens located throughout the city, including the Austin Roberts Bird Sanctuary, Pretorius Square gardens, the Pretoria Rosarium, Church Square, Pretoria Showgrounds, Springbok Park, Freedom Park, and Burgers Park, the oldest park in the city and now a national monument. In the suburbs there are also several parks that are notable: Rietondale Park, “Die Proefplaas” in the Queenswood suburb, Nelson Mandela Park and Mandela Park Peace Garden and Belgrave Square Park.
At a glance
Why stay in Pretoria?
Pretoria offers history, culture, green spaces and modern amenities, making it ideal for both business and leisure travel.
Accommodation & specials in Pretoria
More about Pretoria
Jacaranda trees, government buildings, museums, heritage sites and urban convenience.
Pretoria has played a central role in South Africa’s political and administrative history.
Jacaranda-lined streets, urban gardens, nature reserves, birdlife and grassland vegetation nearby.
Union Buildings, Voortrekker Monument, museums, nature reserves, gardens, shopping and dining.
Warm summers and cool, dry winters, with summer rainfall.
A diverse metropolitan population of over 2 million. English, Afrikaans and several South African languages are spoken.