Pretoria, South Africa-4-day-itinerary

November 7, 2024

Pretoria Itinerary: 4 Days of Adventure and Culture

Day 1: History and Heritage

Union Buildings: Start your day with a visit to the Union Buildings, the official seat of the South African government. Take a guided tour of the buildings and learn about the country’s history.
Pretoria National Botanical Garden: After the tour, take a stroll through the beautiful Pretoria National Botanical Garden, which features over 50 hectares of gardens and a variety of plant species.

The Blue Crane Restaurant: Head to The Blue Crane Restaurant, located in the heart of the city, for a delicious meal. Try their famous bobotie, a traditional South African dish.

Voortrekker Monument: Visit the Voortrekker Monument, a historic monument that commemorates the Voortrekkers, pioneers who settled in South Africa in the 19th century.
Pretoria Art Museum: End your day with a visit to the Pretoria Art Museum, which features a collection of South African art from the 17th century to the present day.

Sheraton Pretoria Hotel: Stay at the Sheraton Pretoria Hotel, located in the heart of the city and within walking distance to many attractions.

Pretoria National Zoological Gardens: Start your day with a visit to the Pretoria National Zoological Gardens, one of the largest zoos in South Africa. See over 700 species of animals, including the Big Five (lion, leopard, rhinoceros, elephant, and Cape buffalo).
Cableway Pretoria: Take a ride on the Cableway Pretoria, which offers stunning views of the city and surrounding areas.

The Fountains Restaurant: Enjoy lunch at The Fountains Restaurant, located in the heart of the zoo. Try their delicious burgers or salads.

Groenkloof Nature Reserve: Visit the Groenkloof Nature Reserve, a beautiful reserve with hiking trails and stunning views of the surrounding areas.
Adventure Works: End your day with an adventure activity at Adventure Works, such as rock climbing or zip lining.

State Theatre: Start your day with a visit to the State Theatre, one of South Africa’s leading theatres. Catch a show or take a guided tour of the theatre.
Pretoria CBD Walking Tour: Take a walking tour of the Pretoria CBD, which includes visits to historic buildings and landmarks.

The Club Lounge: Enjoy lunch at The Club Lounge, located in the heart of the city. Try their delicious sandwiches or salads.

Menlyn Maine: Visit Menlyn Maine, a vibrant shopping center with over 250 stores and restaurants.
Time Square Casino: End your day with a visit to Time Square Casino, which offers a variety of games and entertainment options.

Cullinan Diamond Mine: Take a day trip to the Cullinan Diamond Mine, one of the largest diamond mines in the world. Take a guided tour of the mine and learn about the history of diamond mining in South Africa.

The Cullinan Hotel Restaurant: Enjoy lunch at The Cullinan Hotel Restaurant, located near the mine. Try their delicious pub-style meals.

Cullinan Village: Visit the charming Cullinan Village, which features a variety of shops, restaurants, and cafes.
Return to Pretoria: Return to Pretoria in the late afternoon, with plenty of time to pack up and prepare for your departure.

Things to Know

Language: English is widely spoken in Pretoria, but you may also hear Afrikaans, Zulu, and other local languages.
Currency: The South African rand (ZAR) is the local currency. You can exchange currency at banks or currency exchange offices.
Safety: As with any city, be aware of your surroundings and take necessary precautions to stay safe.
Weather: Pretoria has a subtropical climate, with hot summers and mild winters. Be sure to pack accordingly.

Transportation

Flights: Fly into O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB), which is located about 45 kilometers from Pretoria.
Taxis: Taxis are widely available in Pretoria, but be sure to use reputable companies and negotiate prices beforehand.
Car Rental: Car rental companies are available at the airport and in the city.

Tips

Book ahead: Book your accommodations and tours ahead of time to avoid sold-out situations.
Pack layers: Pack light layers for your trip, as the weather can be unpredictable.
Try local food: Be sure to try some of the delicious local cuisine, such as bobotie, boerewors, and malva pudding.

Other Things of Interest

Pretoria Farmers Market: Visit the Pretoria Farmers Market on a Saturday morning for fresh produce, crafts, and a lively atmosphere.
Jacaranda City Festival: If you’re visiting in October or November, be sure to catch the Jacaranda City Festival, which celebrates the blooming of the city’s famous jacaranda trees.