Pretoria South Africa 3 Day Itinerary

Day 1: Exploring Pretoria’s History and Culture

Morning

  • Visit the Union Buildings: Start your day by visiting the iconic Union Buildings, a beautiful example of South African architecture and the official seat of the government. Take a guided tour to learn more about its history and significance.
  • Walk through the Pretoria National Botanical Garden: After visiting the Union Buildings, take a stroll through the nearby Pretoria National Botanical Garden, which features over 220 hectares of beautiful gardens and walking trails.

Lunch

  • Eat at The Blue Crane Restaurant: Head to The Blue Crane Restaurant, located in the heart of Pretoria, for some delicious South African cuisine. Try their famous bobotie or boerewors rolls.

Afternoon

  • Visit the National Museum of Natural History: Spend the afternoon exploring the National Museum of Natural History, which features exhibits on South Africa’s natural history, including dinosaurs, mammals, and human evolution.
  • Explore the Pretoria Art Museum: End your day with a visit to the Pretoria Art Museum, which showcases a diverse collection of South African art.

Evening

  • Stay at The Capital Menlyn Maine: Rest your head at The Capital Menlyn Maine, a modern hotel located in the heart of Pretoria. Enjoy their rooftop pool and bar for some stunning city views.
  • Dine at The Capital Craft Bar: Head to The Capital Craft Bar, located within the hotel, for some craft beer and delicious pub grub.

Tips and Transportation

  • Use Uber or Taxify: Getting around Pretoria is easy with ride-hailing services like Uber or Taxify.
  • Be aware of your surroundings: As with any city, be mindful of your belongings and avoid walking alone at night.

Day 2: Nature and Adventure

Morning

  • Visit the Groenkloof Nature Reserve: Start your day with a visit to the Groenkloof Nature Reserve, which offers stunning views of Pretoria and surrounding hills. Take a hike through the reserve’s many trails.
  • Go on a Game Drive at the Dinokeng Game Reserve: Head to the Dinokeng Game Reserve for a game drive, where you can spot some of South Africa’s famous wildlife, including lions, elephants, and giraffes.

Lunch

  • Eat at The Bushwillow Restaurant: Take a break from your adventure-filled morning with lunch at The Bushwillow Restaurant, located within the Dinokeng Game Reserve. Enjoy their delicious buffet spread.

Afternoon

  • Visit the Pretoria Zoo: Spend the afternoon exploring the Pretoria Zoo, which is home to over 700 species of animals.
  • Take a stroll through the Moreleta Spruit Walk: End your day with a leisurely walk along the Moreleta Spruit Walk, which offers beautiful views of the surrounding countryside.

Evening

  • Stay at The Waterberg Game Park: Rest your head at The Waterberg Game Park, a tranquil retreat located just outside Pretoria. Enjoy their luxurious rooms and stunning views.
  • Dine at The Waterberg Restaurant: Head to The Waterberg Restaurant, located within the game park, for some delicious South African cuisine.

Tips and Transportation

  • Book your game drive in advance: Make sure to book your game drive at the Dinokeng Game Reserve in advance to avoid disappointment.
  • Pack comfortable shoes: Wear comfortable shoes or hiking boots for your hike through the Groenkloof Nature Reserve.

Day 3: Shopping and Relaxation

Morning

  • Visit the Menlyn Park Shopping Centre: Spend the morning shopping at the Menlyn Park Shopping Centre, which offers a range of high-end boutiques and restaurants.
  • Relax at The Maslow Hotel’s Spa: Treat yourself to some relaxation time at The Maslow Hotel’s Spa, which offers a range of treatments from massages to facials.

Lunch

  • Eat at The Patisserie Boutique Bakery: Take a break from your shopping spree with lunch at The Patisserie Boutique Bakery, which offers delicious pastries and sandwiches.

Afternoon

  • Visit the Brooklyn Mall: Head to the Brooklyn Mall for some more shopping or simply to grab a coffee and people-watch.
  • Take a stroll through the Pretoria Botanical Gardens: End your day with a leisurely walk through the beautiful Pretoria Botanical Gardens, which features over 50 hectares of gardens and walking trails.

Evening

  • Stay at The Maslow Hotel: Rest your head at The Maslow Hotel, a luxurious retreat located in the heart of Pretoria. Enjoy their rooftop pool and bar for some stunning city views.
  • Dine at The Social on Main: Head to The Social on Main, a trendy restaurant located within The Maslow Hotel, for some delicious contemporary cuisine.

Tips and Transportation

  • Use a taxi or shuttle service: Getting around Pretoria can be easy with taxi or shuttle services available from your hotel.
  • Be prepared for crowds: Be prepared for crowds at the shopping centres and popular attractions.

Other Things to Know

  • Language: Afrikaans, English, and isiNdebele are some of the official languages spoken in Pretoria. However, most people speak English as a second language.
  • Currency: The South African rand (ZAR) is the local currency.
  • Weather: Pretoria has a subtropical climate with hot summers and mild winters. Be sure to pack accordingly.
  • Safety: As with any city, be mindful of your belongings and avoid walking alone at night.

** Transportation from OR Tambo International Airport**

  • Use a shuttle service or Uber: Getting to Pretoria from OR Tambo International Airport is easy with shuttle services or ride-hailing apps like Uber.