Pretoria Destinations & Attractions
Pretoria, Jacaranda City, Tshwane. The administrative capital of South Africa is known by a few names, each of which tells a different part of its complex history. It was, originally, named after Andries Pretorius, who was one of the Boer leaders, largely responsible for the establishment of the Republic of the Transvaal during the 1800s. Tshwane is the name that was chosen for Pretoria in the event of an official name change. However, due to internal political conflicts, this name has still not been formalised. Under less controversy is the name Jacaranda City. This name comes from the thousands of jacaranda trees that line the streets and speckle the suburbs of Pretoria, scattering their violet blooms along the avenues.
The deep, fascinating history of this city comes from its being one of the oldest settlements in the country. It is home to numerous monuments, museums, heritage sites and landmarks. The Union Buildings are the impressive seat of the local government as well as the base of the countrys president. The Voortrekker Monument is nearby and is a granite monument that was inaugurated in 1949 to commemorate the Voortrekkers and their contribution to South African history. Other historical attractions in Pretoria include the Diamond Hill Battlefield, Kruger House and Freedom Park.
A number of museums are dedicated to the history and natural heritage of the region. These museums appeal to young and old alike and have intriguing exhibits of photographs, Stone Age implements, art and historical relics that paint a very interesting picture of the country.
The natural beauty of the area means that Tshwane has become a popular spot for those that love the outdoors. It is home to the National Botanical Gardens, National Zoological Gardens (South Africas largest zoo), Groenkloof Nature Reserve, Rietvlei Nature Reserve, Moreletaspruit Nature Reserve, Faerie Glen Nature Reserve, and Wonderboom Nature Reserve. The entire region is alive with birdlife, with hundreds of avian species to be found overhead, delighting keen bird-watchers.
Because Pretoria is such a popular tourist destinations, it is well equipped with accommodation facilities, restaurants and entertainment facilities. There are shopping malls aplenty; boasting cinemas, boutique stores, retail outlets and eateries. Some of the most popular centres include Menlyn Park, Centurion Mall, Wonderboom Junction and Irene Village Mall.
While Pretoria has so much to offer for visitors, it remains a quieter, more sedate place in which to take in the beauty of South Africa.
Akasia
In the northern part of the Gauteng city of Pretoria is a complex of suburbs called Akasia. This has been built on holdings once dedicated to agriculture and is surrounded by vast tracks of land that remain semi-rural. The ...
Amandasig
Surrounded by the foothills of the Magaliesberg Mountain Range, Amandasig gives visitors the feeling that they are secluded in the heart of the South African countryside. Despite its idyllic setting, Amandasig is close to a ...
Annlin
Just outside of Pretorias CBD is the scenic Annlin suburb that has, of late, blossomed with a number of townhouse complexes. Still, it has a warm, welcoming country look and feel to it that is just lovely ...
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Arcadia
The historical suburb of Arcadia is home to the famous Union Buildings and the President's residence. Due to the nearby university, Arcadia is popular amongst students who live, work and play here ...
Bashewa
Bashewa is a relatively small area in East Pretoria, one of the prettier and most significant towns of Gauteng Province. It is situated about an hours drive from Johannesburg and its international airport, OR Tambo. Bashewa ...
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Bon Accord
The Pretoria suburb of Bon Accord, which is French for 'good will', lies to the east of the Bon Accord dam close to Onderstepoort. Bon Accord lies far north enough of the city centre of Pretoria to be regarded as rural, and ...
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Brooklyn
Brooklyn is an upmarket suburb that boasts fabulous shopping, dining and entertaining options. Being situated in the heart of Pretoria makes it accessible and close to popular facilities and tourist attractions ...
Brummeria
Brummeria is within close proximity to the centre of Pretoria, and has a number of fabulous things to do and see for its visitors. It is home to the magnificent Pretoria Botanical Gardens, as well as several historical ...
Capital Park
Lying directly north of Pretoria's Church Square, Capital Park is one of the older more established suburbs of Pretoria, the little cottages here a throwback to the 1950s set in amongst more modern renditions with traditional tin ...
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Claremont
The central western suburb of Claremont lies in a vertical rectangle with Bremer and Van Der Hoff Streets as its fulcrum. Neighbour to Pretoria Gardens, Daspoort and Booysens, Claremont lies a mere twenty minutes' drive west of ...
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Clydesdale
Clydesdale is the ideal combination of being central and picturesque, making for a great base from which to explore Pretoria. About half a kilometre from Loftus Stadium, as well as a number of historical attractions, it is ...
Colbyn
Colbyn is a typical Pretoria suburb, with gloriously coloured jacarandas flanking the streets and steeped in historical heritage and charm. Colbyn promises plenty of fun sites, as well as great shopping within a short drive ...
Constantia Park
The scenic suburb of Constantia Park is well connected to Johannesburg and other parts of Pretoria by major motorways, but does not negotiate on its prettiness. The homes here are modern and stylish, making the entire area even ...
De Wilgers
De Wilgers, sometimes also referred to as Die Wilgers, lies wedged between Lynnwood Road and the N4 to the east of the centre of Pretoria, ideal for getting around the Jacaranda City and for a quick getaway, either into or out of ...
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Deerness
Hidden in amongst the suburbs of Rietondale, Rietfontein and Villeria, the little suburb of Deerness, just north of Arcadia, remains virtually obscure in Pretoria, seldom spoken of and known only by those who live here, or pass ...
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Derdepoort
Although situated in the heart of the rural countryside of Pretoria, Derdepoort is, in fact, less than 20 minutes drive from the city centre. It is close to a number of nature areas as well as plenty of shopping opportunities ...
Donkerhoek
With a name that translates to dark corner, Donkerhoek is a neighbourhood of smallholdings perched idyllically in the countryside. While these were once isolated parts of the country, Donkerhoek is much closer now to the malls, ...
Eastwood
Eastwood is one of the older more established suburbs of Pretoria, lying in the more sought after eastern parts, just outside the centre of the Jacaranda city. Staying here places you in an ideal spot from which to explore parts ...
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Eloffsdal
Pretoria's Eloffsdal lies in the initial sprawl of the Jacaranda City's northern suburbs, this side of the lower hills of the Magaliesberg that divide Wonderboom South from suburbs like Magalieskruin. Whilst Eloffsdal won't set ...
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Equestria
Estate living and simplexes are the name of the residential game in the pretty, modern suburb of Equestria. This upmarket area is well connected to the main highways and close to a number of amenities, malls, attractions and ...
Erasmia
Erasmia is a pretty residential suburb in the heart of Centurion, which is situated midway on the short route between Johannesburg and Pretoria in the Gauteng Province of South Africa. As such, it enjoys being conveniently ...
Erasmuskloof
Nestled in amongst Waterkloof Ridge, Waterkloof Heights and Newlands, Erasmuskloof lies on the other side of the N1 from Waterkloof, in an area where you can still buy vacant land on which to build, yet your access to and from ...
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Erasmusrand
The leafy, Jacaranda-littered streets of Erasmusrand are occupied by beautiful family homes. This well-to-do area is close to a number of major malls and the convenient facilities of Pretoria ...
Faerie Glen
Faerie Glen is an old, well-established suburb on the slopes of the Bronberg Mountain. It is popular for its pretty, peaceful ambience coupled with its accessibility. It has been developed recently to include some important ...
Garsfontein
Big houses and manicured gardens characterise the relatively new suburb of Garsfontein, giving it a real suburban feel that is ideal for families, young and old. Due to its recent development, there are all of the necessary ...
Gezina
Gezina, sandwiched by Voortrekkers Road and Michael Brink Street just next door to Rietfontein in Tshwane's northern suburbs, is an ideal place to stay in the Jacaranda City if you need to be close to the centre or the more ...
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Groenkloof
Just over the hill from Pretoria's Unisa campus, Groenkloof lies bordered by the suburbs of Nieuw Muckleneuk, Waterkloof and the Groenkloof Nature Reserve. Calling it Groenkloof ('green gorge' when translated from the ...
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Hatfield
The huge homes of Hatfield are famous for being the residence of choice for a number of embassies. This pretty suburb is in the hub of Pretoria, and close to a number of popular tourist attractions ...
Hazelwood
The suburb known as Hazelwood, situated just above the Pretoria Country Club, east of Waterkloof, is a pretty neighbourhood in the heart of the sought-after eastern suburbs of Pretoria, close to Menlyn shopping centre. Streets ...
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Kameeldrift
In Kameeldrift, time seems to slow down and the weight on ones shoulders eases. This country-style suburb is scenic and tranquil, but only 15 minutes drive away from the heart of Pretoria ...
Karenpark
Lying just north of Akasia in Tshwane's north western suburbs, Karenpark nestles in the foothills of the Magaliesberg, in amongst suburbs with a distinct feminine ring to them - Heatherdale, Chantelle, Clarina and Theresa to name ...
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Kilner Park
Kilner Park enjoys its prime position within a veritable greenbelt, which makes its landscapes beautiful and its birdlife impressive. It is also central and well connected to some of the major motorways for the convenience of its ...
La Montagne
La Montagne may be central and close to the CBD of Pretoria, but its pretty homes, well-kept gardens and tree-lined streets make it feel more like an escape from the hustle and bustle of city life ...
Lynnwood
The wide streets of Lynnwood are occupied by upmarket homes, giving the neighbourhood a graceful, if old-fashioned, appeal. Lynwood is close to many of the attractions for which Pretoria is known and loved, as well as to the ...
Lynnwood Ridge
Lynnwood Ridge lies just north of Lynnwood Road in the sought-after eastern suburbs of Pretoria a pretty, leafy suburb with large properties, swimming pools, big gardens and well established shopping malls. Both the N1 and the ...
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Magalieskruin
Nestled against the backdrop of the majestic Magaliesberg Mountain Range lies the pretty suburb that is aptly named Magalieskruin. It is close to popular attractions like the Pretoria Zoo, Wonderboom Nature Reserve and Tswaing ...
Menlo Park
The upmarket Pretoria suburb of Menlo Park is neighbour to Brooklyn and Lynnwood. It was recently revamped, so that it now boasts a brand new epicentre with plenty to see and do ...
Menlyn
The Menlyn of old was predominantly associated with Menlyn's huge shopping mall, its residential area sedate and quiet. But today's Menlyn is metamorphising into something of a 'Sandton' in Pretoria, and set to become a far more ...
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Meyerspark
Pretty homes line the quiet streets of Meyerspark, which makes for beautiful, peaceful neighbourhoods. Although it may feel remote as a result of the tranquillity, this part of Pretoria is well connected and close to many of the ...
Montana
The green, leafy suburb of Montana is hidden against the foothills of the Magaliesberg Mountains, quiet and tranquil. Being a rather new development, the homes are modern and large. It is close to popular tourist attractions as ...
Monumentpark
Immediate neighbour to the Pretoria-east suburbs of Waterkloof Ridge, Kloofzicht and Erasmusrand, Monumentpark is one of the more sought-after, upmarket suburbs in the leafy eastern parts of the second-largest city in ...
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Moreleta Park
Pretorias Moreleta Park is a lovely, lush suburb in which large homes perch on sprawling estates. It is the neighbourhood of choice for young families and executives for its close proximity to a number of malls and services ...
Mountain View
At first sight it's just another jacaranda clad suburb of Pretoria, but drive into Mountain View and you soon notice that those homes lucky enough to have their backs to the lower slopes of the Magaliesberg Mountains are sitting ...
Muckleneuk
Muckleneuk is a charming green suburb that is close to all the conveniences of Pretoria's city centre, despite being fairly quiet and peaceful. It is conveniently located near both the University of Pretoria and UNISA ...
Murrayfield
Murrayfield, in the eastern suburbs of Pretoria, neighbours the well known and sought-after Lynnwood Ridge, Brummeria, Meyerspark and La Montagne. It is a little suburb that lies in the crook of the N4 with easy access to this ...
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Newlands
Set in the eastern suburbs of Pretoria, Newlands lies just on the other side of the N1 from Waterkloof Ridge, neighbour to Garsfontein, Faerie Glen and Constantia Park. It is a pretty little suburb with wide, leafy streets, close ...
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Pretoria CBD
While much of Pretoria is defined by lush suburbs and Jacaranda-flanked streets, the CBD (Central Business District) is abuzz with corporate giants and retail outlets. More than this, there is a deep historical element that ...
Pretoria East
Every city has its dividing line. Normally its south and north of a river or railway line that becomes the distinction between the eligibility of any given suburb. In Pretoria, its more a case of a line of division between east ...
Pretoria Gardens
Interesting that a suburb should be named after gardens without an official garden in sight. But once one begins consulting the history books, the reason for this suburb's name becomes more evident. Pretoria Gardens developed ...
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Pretoria North
Lying north of the foothills of the Magaliesberg Mountain Range is Pretoria North, characterised by rolling grassy hills and beautiful views. It is home to the famous Onderstepoort Veterinary Institute ...
Queenswood
Queenswood is a popular neighbourhood for its being so centrally situated. It enjoys convenient accessibility to both the city centre and natural attractions that lie further afield, such as the National Botanical Gardens ...
Rietfontein
Just outside the hub of Pretoria is the suburb of Rietfontein. This is the ideal combination of being within the city buzz while enjoying all of the beauty and peace that comes with living in the country ...
Rietvalleirand
Pretoria is a town of history and culture, and is neighbour to Johannesburg, which is the main urban metropolis in Gauteng Province. In the east of this ever-growing city is the suburb of Rietvalleirand. This is a green suburb ...
Riviera
Just 10 minutes drive from the CBD of Pretoria is the attractive suburb of Riviera. Its homes are welcoming, great for families, and it is situated just behind the impressive Union Buildings ...
Shere
Shere is a scenic suburb situated on the hillsides of Pretoria East in the ever-bustling Gauteng Province. This places it conveniently close to the urban hub of Johannesburg and the OR Tambo International Airport, which is only ...
Silver Lakes
The scenic Silver Lakes is an upmarket and in-demand suburb that is home to residential and golfing estates, giving its landscape an air of undeniable beauty and pristine class. It boasts clear views across Pretoria, making time ...
Silverton
Situated just beyond the N4/N1 interchange, Silverton lies close to the National Botanical Gardens, north east of the inner city of Pretoria. The pretty suburb's immediate neighbours are Meyerspark, Salieshoek, La Concorde and ...
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Sinoville
Situated in the northern part of Pretoria, Sinoville provides prime access to the Magaliesberg Mountains, while being conveniently near to the heart of the city. For this reason, it is a fabulous spot for tourists to stay ...
Sunnyside
Sunnyside is a convenient suburb in which many students stay as it is so close to the university, as well as to the centre of Pretoria. It is known for its great nightlife, but is also historically relevant and interesting ...
Theresa Park
Pretoria is a historical town in Gauteng, just outside the City of Gold, Johannesburg. It exudes a very special charm, thanks to its green, leafy appearance, and its wealth of historical and cultural riches. Theresa Park is a ...
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Tweefontein
A mere 55 kilometres from the OR Tambo International Airport, Tweefontein is one of the beautiful suburbs of Pretoria in the South African province of Gauteng. It enjoys all of the benefits of being nestled within the fertile ...
Villieria
The northern Pretoria suburb of Villeria, neighbour to Rietfontein, Rietondale, Moregloed and Waverley, lies just north east of the city centre, this side of the Magaliesberg mountain range. It is an older suburb, with generous ...
Wadrift
The suburb of Wadrift is situated in Greater Pretoria, Gauteng, where the loveliness of the northern part of South Africa is made especially evident. It is a scenic suburb that offers the ideal combination of upmarket appeal and ...
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Wapadrand
Wapadrand is made particularly beautiful by its impressive abundance of lush vegetation. It is an upmarket suburb in the far east of Pretoria, nestled against the backdrop of the Bronberg Mountains ...
Waterkloof
Some of Pretorias most expensive properties can be found in the picturesque suburb of Waterkloof. This is a well-established area that has some breath-taking views of the city below and its green landscapes ...
Waterkloof Glen
Waterkloof Glen is one of the suburbs in the east of Pretoria and is, typically, green and leafy, like its neighbours. It is close to many attractions that are popular amongst tourists and is accessible via a number of major ...
Waterkloof Ridge
Waterkloof Ridge is a newer extension of the original Waterkloof suburb, and boasts Victorian and Tuscan architecture that creates a charming ambience. Its hilltop location provides its residents with glorious views over some of ...
Waverley
Waverley is a picturesque little suburb that is idyllically perched among the foothills of the Magaliesberg Mountains. Despite these gorgeous surrounds, Waverley remains close to the heart of Pretoria, in which many corporate and ...
Weavind Park
Weavind Park is a verdant suburb in the gorgeous town of Pretoria. This is one of the capital cities of South Africa, and is situated just outside Johannesburg in Gauteng Province. It is known for its scenic suburbs and wide ...
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Willow Acres
Situated in the eastern reaches of Pretoria's suburbs, Willow Acres is a collection of upmarket homes on a golf estate next door to Silver Lakes Golf Estate, a similar modern venture, on the south side of the N4 close to Six ...
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Willow Glen
Set on the eastern parameters of the jacaranda city of Pretoria, nestled between Lynnwood Road and the N4 to Witbank, Willow Glen is essentially a collection of small holdings and agricultural development closest to the suburb of ...
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Willow Park Manor
Not surprisingly, Willow Park is home to a number of gorgeous willow trees and is situated in the east of the city. Significantly, it is home to the National Botanical Gardens, which only add to its already green vistas ...
Wonderboom
Perched on the main route to the Kruger National Park, Wonderboom is simultaneously beautiful and convenient. It is also home to the magnificent Wonderboom Nature Reserve, and is close to a host of other attractions ...
Woodhill Estate
The rolling greens of Woodhill Estate make up this sizeable residential estate and country club. It is out of the city centre and has a fabulously laid-back country feeling and appeal ...
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