Pretoria

South Africa

Safety rating
5/10
Best time to visit
Spring, especially October to November, is magical when the jacarandas bloom purple across the city.
Population
2.5M

Overview

South Africa's administrative capital is a greener, calmer city famous for its lilac jacaranda blooms each spring. Grand government buildings, monuments and museums give 'Tshwane' a stately, historic character.

Top attractions

See the Union Buildings and Nelson Mandela statue, the Voortrekker Monument, and the Freedom Park heritage site.

Getting around

The Gautrain and ride-hailing apps are the easiest ways around; a rental car helps for spread-out attractions.

Airports near Pretoria

Pretoria essentials