Travel to Pretoria

Travel to Pretoria

South Africa's capital city was named to honour the Voortrekker leader, Andries Pretorius, and is situated just an hours drive from the much larger and bustling city of Johannesburg.

Pretoria is calm in comparison to its larger neighbour, and is attractive and unhurried, with lush trees lining its streets and examples of fine 19th century architecture throughout the city. The British influence is still felt here, both in the buildings and the culture. Although Pretoria largely exists for the administration of the government, it is also a city of culture, boasting theatres, museums and a variety of monuments dedicated to its history.

In the area immediately surrounding Pretoria, lovers of the outdoors will enjoy the nature parks and wildlife sanctuaries that the country is noted for. Greater Pretoria is also known as a city of knowledge and science, having the most highly developed research and technology sector on the African continent. Four universities are based here, as are a number of scientific institutes including the internationally renowned Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) and the acclaimed Onderstepoort Veterinary Research Institute.

Transportation to Pretoria

From outside of Africa, the most common way to reach Pretoria is by air, with flights arriving at the Johannesburg International Airport. Once in Africa, the options also include air travel, with train and bus connections and also travel by hired car being additional possibilities.

Pretoria is located just 30 miles from Johannesburgs airport, and buses, minibuses and taxis provide frequent service to Church Square in Pretoria. Intercity buses and trains provide service to the Pretoria Station in the centre, from points such as Cape Town, Durban, Johannesburg, Nelspruit (near Kruger Park) and Port Elizabeth.

If youre driving from Johannesburg, youll want to take the M1 north, which turns into the N1, a 40-minute drive.

What to see

The centre of Pretoria is rich in history and architectural treasures. Some of the highlights include the African Window Museum and Church Square, around which youll see a number of buildings from the late 1800s including the Raadsaal (Council Hall of the Zuid-Afrikaanche Republiek) and the Palace of Justice.

Additional attractions include a few interesting museums, an arts theatre, Pretoria Zoo and Burgers Park, which was established in 1882 as Pretorias first city park. Pretoria Zoo is the largest in South Africa and it also features an aquarium. At the State Theatre, which consists of several individual theatres, you can enjoy productions ranging from opera to ballet, drama, cabaret and jazz. The Wonderboom Nature Reserve is situated just north of the zoo and boasts a giant fig tree, estimated to be more than 1,000 years old, covering half a hectare.

Daytrips

Not far from the city, you can visit the diamond mines and the national parks that South Africa is so famous for. If your interest is in bird-watching, the Austin Roberts Bird Sanctuary boasts more than 100 species which can be seen in their natural surroundings. If land animals are more to your liking, you can visit the Cheetah Research and Breeding Centre, where scientists strive to preserve this fascinating species. Numerous reptile attractions are also nearby including the Hartebeespoort Dam Snake and Animal Park, Makopa Reptile Park and the Thaba Kwena Crocodile Park.

Activities and leisure

The area surrounding Pretoria is particularly conducive to outdoor activities. You can enjoy walking, riding a mountain bike or driving a four-wheel drive vehicle in the Groenkloof Nature Reserve, the second oldest nature reserve in the world.

Here you are likely to see antelope, giraffe and lots of other animals. The nature reserve is located between the city centre and Centurion. You might want to visit Hartbeespoort Dam or take a hot air balloon ride over the savannah. Theres also a cable car here, a golf course and water sports for your enjoyment.

If youre a train enthusiast, you can tour Pretoria on a steam train or visit Cullinan, where the worlds largest diamond was found. For more information, call Friends of the Rail at: +27 12 548 4090.

Safety issues

Pretoria, as with most other parts of South Africa, can be safely visited provided tourists take basic common sense precautions such as not walking alone at night and being careful about wearing or carrying valuable items while on the street. The city has mounted a strong anti-crime effort, but visitors should be aware that violent crimes such as armed robbery, carjackings, muggings and other incidents are regularly reported by visitors.