Pretoria Life and Visitor Travel Tips

(Pretoria, Gauteng, South Africa)



University photoWith 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.


Close-up of the university building

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

Further view of the city university

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