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Pretoria Travel Guide - Travel S Helper

Pretoria

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Pretoria is a city in South Africa’s Gauteng Province, in the northern section of the country. It serves as the seat of the executive arm of government and is one of the country’s three capital cities. (The legislative capital is Cape Town, while the judicial capital is Bloemfontein.)

Pretoria is renowned as the Jacaranda City in South Africa because of the hundreds of Jacaranda trees planted in its streets, parks, and gardens. It was named after the Voortrekker commander Andries Pretorius.

Pretoria has had a wide range of cultural influences throughout the years, which is reflected in the architectural styles seen across the city. It includes architectural styles ranging from 19th century Dutch, German, and British colonial architecture through contemporary, postmodern, neomodern, and art deco architecture, as well as a healthy mix of particularly South African designs.

The Pretoria National Botanical Garden and the National Zoological Gardens of South Africa are both located in Pretoria. The Austin Roberts Bird Sanctuary, Pretorius Square gardens, the Pretoria Rosarium, Church Square, Pretoria Showgrounds, Springbok Park, Freedom Park, and Burgers Park, the city’s oldest park and now a national monument, are just a few of the city’s smaller parks and gardens.

Pretoria has an impressive collection of public art. Pretoria, a dynamic and changing city, has a thriving art scene with a broad spectrum of works ranging from sculptures to murals to works by globally and locally known artists. A large collection of native artworks may be seen in the Pretoria Art Museum.

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Pretoria | Introduction

Pretoria – Info Card

POPULATION :  City: 741,651 /  Metro: 2,921,488
FOUNDED :   1855
TIME ZONE :  EAT (UTC+3)
LANGUAGE :  Afrikaans 47.7% , English 16.4% , Northern Sotho 8.0%, Tswana 5.4%, Other 22.5%
RELIGION :  Zion Christian 11.1%, Pentecostal/Charismatic 8.2%, Catholic 7.1%, Methodist 6.8%, Dutch Reformed 6.7%, Anglican 3.8%, Muslim 1.5%, other Christian 36%, other 18.8%
AREA :  687.54 km2 (265.46 sq mi)
ELEVATION :  1,339 m (4,393 ft)
COORDINATES :  25°44′46″S 28°11′17″E
SEX RATIO :  Male: 48.50%
 Female: 51.50%
ETHNIC :  White 52.5% , Black African 42.0%,  Coloured 2.5%, Indian/Asian 1.9%, Other 1.2%
AREA CODE :  012
POSTAL CODE :  0002
DIALING CODE :  +27 12
WEBSITE :  www.tshwane.gov.za

Climate of Pretoria

The climate of the city is humid subtropical, with long hot wet summers and brief chilly to cold, dry winters.

Winters in the city are typical of South African winters, with chilly, clear nights and mild to fairly warm days.

Although the average low temperatures throughout the winter are modest, the bright sky may make it very cold, with nocturnal low temperatures in previous years ranging from 2 to -5 degrees Celsius.

The average annual temperature is 18.7 degrees Celsius (65.7 degrees Fahrenheit). This is very high, given the city’s comparatively high altitude of about 1339 meters, and is owing mostly to the city’s protected valley location, which works as a heat trap and keeps it shut off from cool southerly and south-easterly air masses for much of the year.

The rainy season is focused in the summer, with drought conditions dominating in the winter, when frosts may be severe. Snowfall is an exceptionally unusual occurrence in the city; snowflakes were seen in 1959, 1968, and 2012, but the city has never seen an accumulation.

Geography of Pretoria

Pretoria is located in the northeast of South Africa, about 55 kilometers (34 miles) north-northeast of Johannesburg, in a transitional area between the Highveld plateau to the south and the lower-lying Bushveld to the north. It is located at an elevation of around 1,339 meters (4,393 feet) above sea level in a pleasant, protected, productive valley surrounded by the Magaliesberg range’s peaks.

How To Travel To Pretoria

Get In - By plane

The nearest international airport is Johannesburg’s O.R. Tambo International Airport. From there, the Albertina Sisulu Highway, or R21, connects to Pretoria. Airport shuttles are offered on-site or may be booked in advance:

  • JIATA Taxi Association, P O box 1899 Kempton Park South Africa 1620,  +27 11 390-1857.
  • Your Choice Tours, +27 84 580-4802,). 24/7.
  • Ants Events and Tours,  +27 82 557-9604, +27 12 346-2400, e-mail:[email protected].

Get In - By train

Between OR Tambo International Airport and Pretoria, a convenient high-speed train connection is provided. Travelers may utilize this direct connection from the airport’s arrivals hall. Gautrain buses are safe and pleasant and operate on local routes from Pretoria’s several stations. R164 is the price from the international airport to Pretoria.

The Pretoria train station is located just south of the city centre on the junction of Thabo Sehume and Railway streets.

Trains to Johannesburg depart often and cost R16.50 one-way. Metrorail also serves many rural towns and several of Pretoria’s suburbs.

Get In - By bus

Major bus companies such as Greyhound, Translux, Intercape Mainliner, and BazBus provide links to all of South Africa’s major cities. Additionally, there are several bus lines that operate trips to Zimbabwe.

Get In - By car

The Gauteng area is connected by five motorways, making it accessible from all major cities in the nation. This would cover the national roads N1, N3, N4, N12, and N14.

The majority of National Routes (N) are now tolled. The Gauteng Freeway Improvement Project, which began in 2007, resulted in the implementation of an open road tolling system (e-toll) on the highways around Johannesburg and Pretoria.

How To Get Around In Pretoria

The Tourist Hop on/Hop Off bus service was discontinued in January 2011. The tourist bureau had no idea when or if the bus would return. While crime is often greater in South Africa than in other areas of the globe, common sense measures could help avoid occurrences. After nightfall, be extremely cautious and avoid traveling alone. The majority of major retail complexes are quite secure.

Alternatively, use a metered cab, hire a vehicle, or take the municipal bus. Additionally, there is a sizable informal network of low-cost minibus taxis, which are mostly utilized by local commuters. These cabs had a reputation for being hazardous, however this has changed significantly in recent years, with the majority of taxis now being reasonably comfortable and rarely packed, particularly during peak hours. Unfortunately, accidents do occur. Inquire about routes and costs with locals at taxi stops.

While walking is an excellent alternative during the day, it may be dangerous after dark in particular locations, such as downtown Pretoria.

Prices In Pretoria

Tourist (Backpacker) – 41 $ per day. Estimated cost per 1 day including:meals in cheap restaurant, public transport, cheap hotel.

Tourist (regular) – 121 $ per day. Estimated cost per 1 day including:mid-range meals and drinks,transportation, hotel.

MARKET / SUPERMARKET

Milk 1 liter $ 0.83
Tomatoes 1 kg $ 1.10
Cheese 0.5 kg $ 2.65
Apples 1 kg $ 1.21
Oranges 1 kg $ 0.80
Beer (domestic) 0.5 l $ 0.92
Bottle of Wine 1 bottle $ 4.10
Coca-Cola 2 liters $ 1.05
Bread 1 piece $ 0.60
Water 1.5 l $ 0.75

RESTAURANTS

Dinner (Low-range) for 2 $ 15.00
Dinner (Mid-range) for 2 $ 21.00
Dinner (High-range) for 2 $ 29.00
Mac Meal or similar 1 meal $ 3.10
Water 0.33 l $ 0.58
Cappuccino 1 cup $ 1.20
Beer (Imported) 0.33 l $ 1.60
Beer (domestic) 0.5 l $ 1.25
Coca-Cola 0.33 l $ 0.70
Coctail drink 1 drink $ 3.20

ENTERTAINMENT

Cinema 2 tickets $ 9.00
Gym 1 month $ 28.00
Men’s Haircut 1 haircut $ 7.50
Theatar 2 tickets $ 56.00
Mobile (prepaid) 1 min. $ 0.12
Pack of Marlboro 1 pack $ 2.40

PERSONAL CARE

Antibiotics 1 pack $ 12.00
Tampons 32 pieces $ 2.30
Deodorant 50 ml. $ 2.00
Shampoo 400 ml. $ 3.00
Toilet paper 4 rolls $ 1.45
Toothpaste 1 tube $ 1.10

CLOTHES / SHOES

Jeans (Levis 501 or similar) 1 $ 42.00
Dress summer (Zara, H&M) 1 $ 32.00
Sport shoes (Nike, Adidas) 1 $ 60.00
Leather shoes 1 $ 72.00

TRANSPORTATION

Gasoline 1 liter $ 0.82
Taxi Start $ 2.00
Taxi 1 km $ 0.80
Local Transport 1 ticket $ 1.10

Sights & Landmarks In Pretoria

  • Botanical Gardens, 2 Cussonia Ave, Brummeria, Pretoria,  +27 12 843-5071, e-mail:[email protected]. Daily from 08:00 until 18:00. A secluded urban paradise to discover. This 76-hectare urban oasis is located in the eastern suburbs of Pretoria, South Africa’s administrative capital. Entrance cost of R30.
  • National Zoological Gardens (The Zoo), 232 Boom St, Pretoria (Near the city center),  +27 12 339 2700, e-mail: [email protected]. 08:30 – 17:30 daily, open 365 days. The aquarium, reptile park, and all of the bigger animals, including koalas, are all here. On Friday and Saturday evenings, visitors may also camp inside the zoo. Golf carts may be rented for R80 per hour. R60 per day for children’s pushcarts. A cableway connects the top and bottom of the zoo and costs R20 one way and R30 return from 10:00 a.m. to 16:15 p.m. everyday. Adults pay R95, minors pay R60, and vehicles pay R20.
  • The Union Buildings, 2 Church St,  +27 12 300 5200, e-mail:[email protected]. Gardens open 24/7. The site of South Africa’s presidency. Sir Herbert Baker designed the structure in 1908. Because it houses the Presidential Offices, entry to the building itself is forbidden for security reasons. The stunning terraced gardens, which include a broad range of indigenous flora, are available to the public and give a genuinely breathtaking perspective over the city. Free.
  • The Wonderboom (Tree of Wonder or Miracle Tree), Wonderboom Nature Reserve (Drive northwards on Paul Kruger Street (R101) and Mansefield Avenue for about 6 to 7km from the city centre. Immediately after the road goes through the gap in the Magaliesberg range turn right onto the M1 and cross the Apies River. The entrance is on the right about 300 metres from the R101.),  +27 12 440 8316, +27 12 341 5204. 07:00 – 18:00. A 1000-year-old fig tree. The tree, which is now a national monument, is extremely enormous, reaching 25 meters tall and with a main trunk diameter of 5,5 meters. Its growth habit is particularly unusual: as the branches became longer, they drooped towards the ground, took root, and finally created a circle of new trunks or daughter trees around the parent tree. There are now a total of 13 trunks, and the huge tree occupies a 55-metre-diameter area. R25 for adults, R15 for children.
  • Streets with jacaranda trees, South of Union Buildings. The jacarandas bloom in purple in September. These trees may be seen along many roadways. The Union Buildings are a fantastic site to see them in action.
  • Church Square, Church Square, Pretoria,  +27 11 085 2500, e-mail:[email protected]. 24/7. Church Square is one of the few spots in the Pretoria CBD where one can get a feeling of what Pretoria may have looked like a century ago, and as a consequence, it is often used as a set for local historical movies and TV shows.

Things To Do In Pretoria

Experiences

  • Friends of the Rail, Alongside Miechaelson Street, Hermanstad,, +27 12 767 7913. 09:00 – 12:00. Take a step back in time by riding a steam train through Pretoria or seeing Cullinan, the birthplace of the world’s biggest diamond. The train operates twice or three times every month; for particular dates, see the website’s schedule. R250.
  • Klitsgras Drumming Circle, Tierpoort, Garsfontein Rd(Take the Garsfontein Road (M30) in the eastern direction. 14km after crossing Hans-Strijdom Drive, turn left onto Plot 62. It’s right next to the Excel service station.), +27 83 311 0025, e-mail: [email protected]. Open 19:00 till late. Drumming circle in the woods. Once you have a drum, food, and drink, you may relax in our amphitheater around a comfortable fire and listen to the experts and amateurs drumming together, which everyone participates in on. Everyone follows these people’s lead, even if you have no idea what you’re doing; you just follow their drumming. So you’re not only here to watch, but also to participate in the entertainment! The fire dancers then migrate to the drumming woods as a visual addition. Our location is frequently frequented by didgeridoo performers and percussionists. Every other Friday night. Renting a drum costs R40.

Performing arts

  • State Theatre, cnr Pretorius and Prinsloo Streets,  +27 12 392 4000, e-mail: [email protected]. Opening timings are subject to performance. The State Theatrical in Pretoria, South Africa, is Africa’s biggest theatre complex.

Outdoors

  • Groenkloof Nature Reserve, Fountains Valley Resort (Take exit 335 (M7 (M18) Eeufees Rd) off the N14 and follow the Fountains Resort sign),  +27 12 440-8316, e-mail: [email protected]. 5:30AM to 7PM in summer and 7AM to 8PM in winter. Walk, mountain bike, take a 4×4 drive, or stay overnight in the world’s second oldest natural reserve. See giraffes, antelopes, and a variety of other creatures. R15 for admission, R35 (with an R300 refundable deposit) for an overnight hut (sleeps 12), R50 per day for mountainbike rental, R100 for guided treks, and R40 for access to the 4×4 route (R250 if you get stuck and call for a recovery vehicle).
  • Austin Roberts Bird Sanctuary, cnr Boshoff and Roper,  +27 12 440-8316, e-mail: [email protected]. Open 7AM to 5PM (6PM in summer). nice and expansive restaurant. worthwile Free entrance.
  • Wonderboom Nature Reserve,  +27 12 341-0591. Open 7AM to 6PM, entrance until 4PM.There isn’t much fauna, just a few Dassies. An really ancient fig tree. Barbecue is an option.

Food & Restaurants In Pretoria

The renowned restaurants include Cynthia’s, The Hillside Tavern and Pachas. There are also many franchised diners throughout the city.

Budget

  • Centurion Mall Express Sandwich Baron ([email protected]), Shop 30A, Cnr Hendrik Verwoerd and Embankment, Centurion Mall, Centurion,  +27 12 643-1144. Sandwich Baron makes all of its platters and sandwiches from scratch and does not carry any pre-made items. There is also a catering service.
  • Tings ‘n Times, 065 Arcadia Street, Hatfield, +27 12 430-3176/7. Tings an’ Times is a bohemian-inspired restaurant filled by calming Reggae beats that caters to both young and elderly. Our unique cuisine provides a range of gastronomic delicacies that blend African and Mediterranean flavors.
  • Mimmos. Italian restaurant chain, incl. SA-Food. Good pricing, take-out, and internet.

Mid-range

  • Toni’s is an excellent choice for the tastiest pizza in town.
  • Panarotti’s Panarotti’s is a nationwide chain with multiple locations in Pretoria.
  • Spur. Spur the development of a nationwide network of Native American-themed steakhouses. Pretoria has many branches.

Splurge

  • Cynthia’s Indigo Moon Restaurant, 283 Dey Street, Nieuwmuckleneuk, Brooklyn,  +27 12 346-8926. Around R170 per person.
  • Kream Restaurant, 570 Fehrsen Street, Building 3 Ground Floor, Brooklyn Bridge, +27 12 346-4642. This new restaurant has a fresh upmarket urban feel and offers splendid food at very reasonable prices. Around R150 per person.
  • La Pentola, 5 Riviera Galleries, Well Street, Riviera,  +27 12 329-4028, fax: +27 12 329-5464. Open Mon to Fri from 12PM to 3PM and 6PM to 10PM, Sat from 6PM to 10PM, closed on Sundays. Multi award winning restaurant with excellent food. From around R150 per person.

Museums & Galleries In Pretoria

  • Correctional Services Museum, +27 12 314-1766. Open 9AM to 3PM Monday to Friday.
  • Melrose House Museum, 275 Jacob Maré St,  +27 12 322-2805, e-mail:[email protected] the Anglo-Boer War peace pact was signed in 1902.
  • National Cultural History Museum, 149 Visagie St, +27 11 324-6082. Discover South Africa’s people and civilizations from the Iron Age to the present day.(Wheelchair friendly).
  • Pioneer Museum,  +27 12 803-6086, e-mail: [email protected] 9AM to 4PM daily. An old pioneer house R7 entrance fee.
  • Sammy Marks Museum, Zwartkoppies, +27 12 802-1150.
  • Transvaal Museum, Paul Kruger St, +27 12 322-7632. Where you may find Mrs. Pless when she is not on tour.
  • Voortrekker Monument and Fort Scanskop, Eeufees Road, Groenkloof(On Proclamation Hill, big cubic building, to the south west of the city, you can’t miss it), +27 12 326-6770. R40 per person.
  • Freedom Park, Salvokop of Potgieter St (Located on a hill across from the Voortrekker Monument), +27 12 470-7400, fax: +27 12 361-0021, e-mail:[email protected].
  • Willem Prinsloo Agricultural Museum,  +27 12 736-2035, e-mail:[email protected].
  • Kruger House Museum, 60 Church Str,  +27 12 326-9172, fax: +27 12 328-5173.

Shopping In Pretoria

Shopping Malls

  • Menlyn Park. Located in the East. It is a fairly huge mall with a roof top drive-in movie.
  • Brooklyn Mall. Just east of the city center, featuring art galleries and cinemas showing both popular and indie films.
  • Kolonnade. In the north, with an ice rink and other attractions.
  • Centurion Mall. South of Pretoria, in Centurion.
  • Wonderpark. Skatepark and hundreds of retailers towards the north, immediately as you exit the Mabopani motorway into Brits Road.
  • The grove, Lynwood Cnr Simon Vermooten (Head Lynwood rd. east). Newer, larger mall. There is no free parking. Also suitable for dining out on a mid-range budget.
  • Hatfield Plaza Mall, Burnett Steet. 8am-7pm. features a Pick N Pay supermarket and several dining options

Other Shopping

  • German bakery and Alma German butchery. East of Pretoria, Offramp Rossouw, then turn north, after 200 m. Closed Mondays. Also serves Coffee. you can also buy some imported products. MAOAM.save parking.

To decrease parking space stress and CO2 consumption, the city of twsane provides a variety of retail complexes of a similar sort where you may buy for your requirements. There are also numerous smaller, neighborhood shopping malls, generally with one of the big chain businesses as an anchor. Avoid centers where you have to pay a charge to access. Rather, encourage the locals who keep an eye on your vehicle.

Supermarkets

  • Shoprite, U Save, Checkers, Supermarkets, Whittle Lane, 218 Scheiding Street. and Brooklyn mall. 8am-7pm.
  • Pick N Pay Supermarket, Hatfield Plaza mall. 8am-7pm.
  • Game (part of Wallmart usa), Brooklyn Mall. 8.30am-5pm.
  • Spar, Burneet Street (next to Hatfield Plaza). 8am-7pm.

Nightlife In Pretoria

  • The nightlife in Pretoria is centred around Hatfield (near the university), which has a number of pubs and nightclubs. Menlyn Square (just off the Menlyn retail mall) is another popular site with various establishments that cater to a more affluent clientele.
  • Drop Zone, Hatfield Square. Popular late-night/early-am club that remains open till late at night/early in the morning. The admission is free.
  • Tings ‘n Times, 065 Arcadia Street, Hatfield,  +27 12 430 3176/7. Tings has some fantastic live acts in addition to being a terrific affordable eatery with a Rastafarian flair.
  • Zeplin’s Nightclub, Wonderwater Centre, Cnr Braam Pretorius & Lavender Annlin, South Africa. Pretoria’s goth/alternative subculture is catered to.
  • Babylon. One of South Africa’s largest nightclubs aimed towards LGBT customers. Babylon is a clean and contemporary restaurant that is open every Saturday night and is little pricey.
  • Exclusive Books. EB is located at several shopping malls and provides coffee while reading their books.

Stay Safe & Healthy In Pretoria

Pretoria is a reasonably secure city by South African standards, and violent crime against visitors is uncommon.

Having said that, common sense should still be employed. Before you do anything, consult with the locals. After nightfall, life slows down a little and shifts to the large retail malls on the outskirts of town.

Even if you’re in a group or visiting Unionbuildings, avoid walking about after dark. After nighttime, the city center gets abandoned, therefore it’s not a good idea to stay around there. The shopkeepers would close all the blinds to protect their property and ensure that no one can look inside. Hatfield Plaza and all other major shopping centers are busy with shoppers, students, tourists, police, and car minders until +- 22.00 pm. There is very little chance of any real trouble happening, but it can be annoying and intimidating for tourists because the beggars are quite insistent, which is not happening in guarded shopping centers, the Hatfield area is usually perfectly safe.

Consider that you must still go from the safe location to your accommodation through a risky area. Here are some critical phone numbers to have on hand in case of emergency. If there are people visible close at traffic lights at night, you should proceed. If crossing safely at night, stop signs and red traffic lights should be disregarded. Keep your eyes peeled.

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