Home to approximately 1,000,000 people, Pretoria is the State Administrative Capital of South Africa, and is known as the ‘jacaranda city’ because of the thousands of jacaranda trees that line its streets. In October when the trees are in full bloom, they cover the city in a lilac haze, creating stunning views from the surrounding hills.


Attractions and Things To Do in Pretoria

The Kruger House Museum
Houses the personal belongings of President Kruger.

Melrose House
A beautiful example of Victorian architecture. The Peace Treaty of Vereeniging (the treaty that ended the Anglo-Boer/South African War) was signed here in 1902.

Pioneer Open-Air Museum
Demonstrations include milking cows, baking bread, making butter and candles, and grinding coffee beans.

Voortrekker Monument
The Voortrekker Monument houses a museum and commemorates the Great Trek. There are about 260 steps leading to the dome, where one can enjoy spectacular views of the city.

Fort Schanskop
Fort Schanskop has been refurbished and boasts a 375 seat amphitheatre.

The Union Buildings
Completed in 1913 the Union Buildings were designed by Sir Herbert Baker. This is where the presidential inauguration of Nelson Mandela in 1994 and Thabo Mbeki in 1999 and 2004 was held.

Sammy Marks Museum
Located just outside Pretoria dating back to 1885. Rooms in the house are filled with Victorian paintings, furniture, silver and porcelain. There is also a restaurant and tea garden.

General Smuts House Museum
Containing the original furniture of the Smuts family. Located south-east of Pretoria

Rietvlei Nature Reserve
Rietvlei Nature Reserve is notable for its 73 grass types, 147 different herbs, a large number of game and over 140 bird species.

Mapoch Ndebele Village
Located north of Pretoria. It is being restored by the National Cultural History Museum and the village residents. The 50 families staying here have undergone tourist-guide and business training to help the project work. It is the first living cultural village in South Africa owned and managed by its residents.

Mamelodi Heritage Route
Launched by the Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism, together with the Mamelodi Heritage Forum in September 2000.

The Willem Prinsloo Agricultural Museum
The museum is centered around a farm dating back to 1880. Traditional farming activities are demonstrated. Events such as the prickly-pear festival, a mampoer festival and the Agricultural Museum Show are held here every year. Situated just outside Pretoria.