Pretoria Life and Visitor Travel Tips
(Pretoria, Gauteng, South Africa)
With a suburban sprawl that continues to advance and take over the surrounding greenbelt of countryside, the Greater Pretoria area is now home to a population exceeding two million. Officially known as Tshwane, Greater Pretoria contains many striking buildings and is now considered to be a relatively safe part of
South Africa, although sensible precautions and local advice should always be observed.
Life in Pretoria has been influenced by its relative proximity to
Johannesburg and also by its status as South Africa's administrative capital. The city's universities are enormous are literally tens of thousands of students attend these prestigious educational institutions, being greatly responsible for its vibrant nightlife.
Useful Contact Details
Home to a large selection of glossy brochures, the city's very own Tourist Information Bureau should be your first port of call. Particular highlights include the Pretoria Quick Reference Guide, which comes complete with its very own map.
The majority of hotels and youth hostels in the city also provide a good level of tourist information and associated leaflets.
Tourist Information Bureau
Address: Old Nederlandsche Bank Building, Church Square, Pretoria, South Africa, ZA
Tel: +27 012 337 4337
National Parks Board
Address: 643 Ledys Street, New Muckleneuk, Pretoria, South Africa, ZA
Tel: +27 012 343 9770
Department of Home Affairs (Visa Extensions)
Address: Sentrakor Building, Pretorius Street, Pretoria, South Africa, ZA
Tel: +27 012 324 1860
Language and Dialect
A mixture of different languages are currently spoken in Pretoria, reflecting the multi-ethnicity of the various communities. The most common languages include Afrikaans, English, Ndebele and also Tswana
Visa Information and Passports
Tourists who have chosen to holiday in Pretoria and coming from either Western Europe or the Commonwealth countries, along with the countries of both Japan and America, will automatically be given entry permits, at no cost. Visitors to Pretoria and South Africa are entitled to a visa (valid for 90 days), although this will no longer be valid when you leave South Africa.
Dos and Don'ts
- Bookstores - a selection of book shops are available along Burnett Street in Hatfield and at the Sunnypark Mall (Sunnyside), amongst other locations
- Day Trips - hiring a car allows tourists to enjoy a variety of popular excursions, including trips to the Austin Roberts Bird Sanctuary, the Groenkloof Nature Reserve, Hartbeespoort Dam, the Savannah and an array of neighbouring diamond mines
- Hatfield Square - one of the most vibrant parts of Pretoria, Hatfield Square has become something of a hangout spot for the younger generation and features an undeniable youthful vibe
- Internet and Email - many hotels and youth hostels in Pretoria now offer Internet access, although cheaper alternatives can generally be found around Esselen Street, in the Sunnyside area
- Jacaranda Trees - try to visit in October if possible, since the Jacaranda trees will be in full bloom and their plentiful lilac blooms are quite spectacular, particularly around Pretoria University
- Medical Services - the Pretoria Academic Hospital is to be found on the western side of the Union Buildings
- Parking - wherever you park or stop your car, expect to experience beggars and even window washers, who will start washing your car and then ask for payment. Always be very clear when you say 'no', and say it straight away
- Post Office - the main post office in Pretoria stands on the corner of Church Square and Church Street and is open Monday to Saturday, while further postal branches are available in both the Hatfield and Sunnyside districts
- Safety and Dangers - tourists will find that Pretoria is a relatively safe city, provided that commonsense in exercised. Avoid walking alone at night and always hide any valuable items. High policing levels have seen a sharp decrease in crime levels, although car doors should always remain locked when driving
- Travel Agencies - the Pretoria Backpackers Lodge is popular with those on a budget and provides adventure packages, day trips and safaris. STA Travel is also of note and is located on Hilda Street in the Hatfield district, close to Burnett Street
- Voortrekker Monument - the Voortrekker Monument offers some of the very best views of the Pretoria cityscape, although these don't come cheap and there are a lot of steps! Many of the placards have been translated into English, and so offer in-depth historical information about both the monument and the city