Pretoria - Wikitravel

Pretoria

Contents

• 1 Understand
  • 1.1 History
  • 1.2 Climate
• 2 Get in
  • 2.1 By plane
  • 2.2 By train
  • 2.3 By bus
  • 2.4 By car
• 3 Get around
  • 3.1 By bus
  • 3.2 By taxi
  • 3.3 By car
• 4 See
  • 4.1 Museums and Galleries
• 5 Do
• 6 Learn
• 7 Work
• 8 Buy
• 9 Eat
  • 9.1 Budget
  • 9.2 Midrange
  • 9.3 Splurge
• 10 Drink
• 11 Sleep
  • 11.1 Budget
  • 11.2 Midrange
  • 11.3 Splurge
• 12 Contact
  • 12.1 WiFi
• 13 Stay healthy
  • 13.1 Hospitals
• 14 Stay safe
  • 14.1 From a fixed line
  • 14.2 From a mobile phone
• 15 Cope
  • 15.1 Embassies and High Commissions
• 16 Get out

Pretoria, the administrative capital of South Africa, is in Gauteng.

Understand[edit]

History[edit]

Pretoria was allegedly occupied by the Sotho people for many centuries. During the 15th century, the Ndebele people also migrated into the area and settled along the banks of what is today called the Apies River. Around 1820, the Matabele under the leadership of Mzilikaza also entered the region, leading to local conflicts between the Matabele newcomers and the already established Sotho and Ndebele tribes as well as the European Voortrekkers who were steadily moving northward through the country. These conflicts came to an end when the Matabele were defeated by the Voortrekkers in 1837 at Mosega.

By 1855, there were no recorded tribes in the area now known as Pretoria. Only nomadic groups passed through this area, with a leader/person Tshwane (so it is alleged) one of them. Pretoria was founded in 1855. Initially the capital of the Zuid-Afrikaansche Republiek was Ohrigstad, but Pretoria became the capital of the then ZAR. Later on, Pretoria became the capital of the Transvaal province (old ZAR) after the Anglo-Boer War. The city was named after Andries Pretorius, the boer leader at the Battle of Blood River, where the Voortrekkers defeated the Zulus under King Dingaan. In 1856, the area today known as Arcadia was acquired in exchange for a pony and added to the town.

In 1899, during the Anglo-Boer War, Winston Churchill was captured and held as a POW in Pretoria until his eventual escape to Mozambique. British forces captured Pretoria in 1900 and held control over the city until the signing of the Peace of Vereeniging treaty in 1902.

When the Union of South Africa was established in 1910, Pretoria was elected the capital and is still the administrative capital of the Republic of South Africa today.

Climate[edit]

Pretoria experiences summer rainfall, with hot days often accompanied by brief but intense afternoon thunderstorms. Thunderstorms often come with lightning and can sometimes bring hail. Summer temperatures range between 16°C at night to 30°C during the day. Winters are mild and dry with temperatures averaging between a minimum of 5°C and a maximum of 20°C.

Get in[edit]

By plane[edit]

• Lanseria International Airport, Airport Rd, Lanseria, 1748, ☎ +27 113670300, [x]. It is Johannesburg's airport that caters to passengers on commercial airlines. It is privately owned. Situated 37 km northwest of Johannesburg.
• Wonderboom National Airport, Lintvelt Road, Doornpoort, Pretoria, 0110, ☎ +27 123 585 266, [x].
• O.R. Tambo International Airport, 1 Jones Rd, Kempton Park, Johannesburg, 1632, ☎ +27 119216262, [x]. The closest international airport. It is formerly called Johannesburg International is the main airport for Johannesburg. There are many flights to Johannesburg from international hubs, notably London, Paris, and Frankfurt. This airport is a little bit further than the first ones. The Albertina Sisulu Highway, or R21 leads from there to Pretoria. It is also possible to take a taxi or walk to Isando, 1.5 km from the airport, and take a MetroRail suburban train to Pretoria. The train takes 55 minutes from Isando and costs R7.5. Airport shuttles are also available at the airport or can be pre-booked.

By train[edit]

There are two suburban rail options from Johannesburg. First, there is the Gautrain rapid transit railway network[1] serving the cities of Johannesburg, Pretoria. The distance is covered in 35 minutes. The other network is MetroRail, which takes a detour via Germiston and Kempton Park and stops far more often, resulting in a travel time of 1 hour 40 minutes.

• Pretoria Main Train Station, Scheiding St, Salvokop, Pretoria, 2001, ☎ +27 12 320 8608.

By bus[edit]

Major bus companies like Greyhound[2], Translux[3], Intercape Mainliner[4], and the BazBus[5] offer connections from all big cities in South Africa.

By car[edit]

Five highways converge in the Gauteng region, making it easily accessible from cities across the country. This would include the N1, N3, N4, N12 and N14 national highways.

Most National Routes (N) are now Toll Roads.

Get around[edit]

By South African standards, Pretoria is reasonably well served by public transport.

By bus[edit]

• Minibus taxis (aka combis) are the most common form, and are mostly the new, larger variety, costing R12 a trip and going to most parts of the city, even running at nighttime on the main thoroughfares. Best tell the driver where you want to go, and he should be reasonably honest in whether he is going in that direction.

• Gautrain feeder buses run limited routes in the city, costing R20 a trip and needing you to buy a prepaid Gautrain card beforehand. Gautrain buses serve local routes from the different stops in Pretoria.

• Public buses also ply the streets during business hours. Pretoria Bus Fare[6] is based on route, time of day, and passenger discounts. Main office at church square. Get the timetable there. Bus stops have a lousy indication of bus direction. So, ask or wait. Bus frequency is during rush hours. Very old-fashioned but good for nostalgists.

By taxi[edit]

Either use a taxi, rent a car, use the municipal bus service or, if you really must, use the minibus taxis. Walking after dark is definitely not recommended in the CBD, but with a little common sense, a 1km walk from a suburban mall to your guesthouse is doable unless you are a lone female.

• Hendrick Meter Taxi and Shuttles, 509 Thabo Sehume 0002 Pretoria, ☎ +27 82 674 2075, [x].
• Rixi Taxi, 149 Anderson Street, Brooklyn Pretoria 0181, ☎ +27 86 100 7494, [x].

By car[edit]

• Pace Car Rental Pretoria, 1250 Pretorius St, Hatfield, Pretoria, 0028, ☎ +27 11 262 5500 ([email protected]), [x]. Affordable daily, weekly and long term car rental service available at all major locations in South Africa.
• Tempest Car Hire, 1237 Pretorius St, Hatfield, Pretoria, 0083, ☎ +27 12 663-1368 ([email protected], fax: +27 12 663-1387), [x]. Affordable car rental service available at all major locations in South Africa.

See[edit]

• Botanical Gardens, 2 Cussonia Ave, Brummeria, Pretoria, 0184, ☎ +27 12 843-5194 ([email protected]), [x]. Open 8AM to 6PM daily. Botanical garden with succulents, herbs, wetland area & arboretum, plus wildlife. R15 entrance fee (R18 on special event days).
• Freedom Park, Salvokop of Potgieter Street (Located on a hill across from the Voortrekker Monument), ☎ +27 12 470-7400 ([email protected], fax: +27 12 361-0021), [x].
• National Zoological Gardens (The Zoo), 232 Boom Street (Near the city center), ☎ +27 12 328-3265 ([email protected]), [x]. Aquarium, reptile park and all the larger mammals. One can also camp within the zoo on Friday and Saturday nights. R10 for secure parking plus R36 entrance fee. For those not inclined to walk, golf carts are available at R80 per hour.
• Nelson Mandela Statue. The world's tallest statue of Nelson Mandela is this 9-m high bronze sculpture of the iconic leader.
• Union Buildings, Government Ave, Pretoria, 0002, ☎ +27 123005200, [x]. The location of the South African presidency with beautiful gardens. Building designed by Sir Herbert Baker.
• 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, [x]. A historic British fort established in 1897, showcasing a restored statue and a replicated monument. plus R22 per car.
• Wonderboom (Wonder tree), Wonderboom Nature Reserve. A fig tree over 1000 years old.

Museums and Galleries[edit]

• Ditsong National Museum of Natural History, formerly known as the Transvaal Museum, City Hall, 432 Paul Kruger St, Pretoria Central, Pretoria, 0001, ☎ +27 12 322-7632, [x]. Displays of African animal skeletons with fossils, including a fossilized skull & bird collection.
• Fort Klapperkop, Johann Rissik Dr, rylaan, Pretoria, 0105, ☎ +27 123 467 703, [x]. 19th-century fort with exhibits on the Anglo-Boer War, weapons & various artifacts.
• Kruger House Museum, 60 WF Nkomo St, Pretoria Central, Pretoria, 0002, ☎ +27 123215746, [x]. Paul Kruger's former home, built in 1883, has been transformed into a museum that offers a glimpse into 19th-century living.
• Melrose House Museum, 275 Jeff Masemola St, Pretoria Central, Pretoria, 0002, ☎ +27 123580889 ([email protected]), [x]. Where the peace treaty that ended the Anglo-Boer War as signed in 1902.
• National Cultural History Museum, 149 Visagie Street, ☎ +27 11 324-6082, [x]. Learn about the people and the cultures of South Africa, from the Iron age till today. (Wheelchair friendly).
• Pioneer Museum, Keuning Dr, Silverton, Pretoria, 0127, ☎ +27 723 239 758 ([email protected]), [x]. Open 9AM to 4PM daily. An old pioneer house R7 entrance fee.
• Pretoria Art Gallery, 173 Mackie St, Nieuw Muckleneuk, Pretoria, 0181, ☎ +27 12 344 1807. Tuesday to Sunday: 10:00 to 17:00. One of Gauteng's few public art galleries - diverting range of modern and contemporary art, and thankfully open on Saturday afternoons and Sundays. R20.
• Sammy Marks Museum, Zwartkoppies, ☎ +27124925709, [x]. Guided tours are offered of industrialist Sammy Marks' preserved Victorian mansion & formal gardens.
• Willem Prinsloo Agricultural Museum, R104 Old Bronkhorstspruit Road, Rayton, Cullinan, 1000, ☎ +27 12 736-2035 ([email protected]), [x]. A museum with indoor and outdoor exhibits showcasing historic agricultural tools, live farm animals, and horse rides.

Do[edit]

• All Wellness Spa, 308 Heuwel St, Capital Park, Pretoria, 0084, ☎ +27 123299867, [x].
• Austin Roberts Bird Sanctuary, ☎ +27 124408316 ([email protected]), [x]. Open 7AM to 5PM (6PM in summer). A 29-acre sanctuary featuring wetlands teeming with various bird species, guided tours, and an engaging exhibition hall. Free entrance.
• Bicycle rental (MTB Xperience), Amatispark, 706 Kort St, Elardus Park, Pretoria, 0181, ☎ +27 672795338, [x].
• Escape room center (Just Breakout), Office 103, Java Centre, 285 Lynnwood Rd, Menlo Park, Pretoria, 0081, ☎ +27 611139547, [x].
• Grizzlies Water Park, Ds Krige Ave, Daspoort, Pretoria, 0082, ☎ +27 834 831002, [x].
• Groenkloof Nature Reserve, Fountains Valley Resort (Take exit 335 (M7 (M18) Eeufees Rd) off the N14 and follow the Fountains Resort sign), ☎ +27 123581757 ([email protected]), [x]. 5:30AM to 7PM in summer and 7AM to 8PM in winter. Walk, mountain bike, go on a 4x4 drive or stay over in the second oldest nature reserve in the world. See giraffe, antelope and many other animals. R15 entrance fee, R35 (with R300 refundable deposit) for an overnight hut (sleeps 12), R50 per day for mountain bike hire, R100 for guided walks, R40 for access to the 4x4 trail (R250 if you get stuck and call for a recovery vehicle).
• Grove Ice Rink, Lynnwood Rd &, Simon Vermooten Rd, Lynnwood Ridge, Pretoria, 0184, ☎ +27 128073060, [x].
• Horseback riding (Bon Accord Horse Trails), Soutpan Rd, Onderstepoort, Pretoria, 0110, ☎ +27 787312547.
• Klitsgras Drumming Circle, Tierpoort, Garsfontein Road (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, [x]. Drumming circle out in the bush. Held every second Friday night. (-25° 53' 24.09,+28° 23' 10.08)
• Loftus Versfeld Stadium, 416 Kirkness St, Arcadia, Pretoria, 0007, ☎ +27 124200700, [x].
• Magalies MTB & Hiking Trail, 946 30th Ave, Rietfontein, Pretoria, 0084.
• Pretoria Day Tours (Mo Afrika), 7 domein, 443 Sussex Avenue, Lynnwood, Pretoria, 0081, ☎ +27 825069641, [x].
• Pretoria North Swimming Pool, Emily Hobhouse Ave, Pretoria North, Pretoria, 0182, ☎ +27 662 542653, [x].
• Rock climbing (Climbing Barn Adventure Centre), Plot 210 Korhaan Dirt Rd, Mooiplaats, Pretoria, 0036, ☎ +27 120004803, [x].
• Roller skating rink (Rollercade Pretoria), Parking Level 2, Entrance 12, and, Menlyn Mall, Atterbury Road, Lois Ave, Menlyn, Pretoria, 0063, ☎ +27 648809925, [x].
• Skatepark (Thrashers Padel & Skate), 241 Serene St, Garsfontein, Pretoria, 0081, ☎ +27 637581694, [x].
• South African State Theatre, 320 Pretorius St, Pretoria Central, Pretoria, 0001, ☎ +27 123924000, [x].

Learn[edit]

• Tshwane University of Technology, Staatsartillerie Rd, Pretoria West, Pretoria, 0183, ☎ +27 861102421 ([email protected]), [x].
• University of Pretoria, Lynnwood Rd, Hatfield, Pretoria, 0002, ☎ +27 124204111 ([email protected]), [x]. Also known as Tukkies, or Tuks locally.
• University of South Africa (UNISA), Preller St, Muckleneuk, Pretoria, 0002, ☎ +27124293111 ([email protected]., fax: +27 11 471-2987), [x]. This university offers distance learning courses.

Work[edit]

Buy[edit]

• Centurion Mall, 1269 Gordon Hood Rd, Centurion Central, Pretoria, 0046, ☎ +27 126631702, [x]. South of Pretoria, in Centurion.
• Kolonnade, Sefako Makgatho Dr, Montana Park, Pretoria, 0159, ☎ +27 125481902, [x]. In the North with its ice rink and other entertainment.
• Menlyn Park, Atterbury Road And, Lois Ave, Menlyn, Pretoria, 0063, ☎ +27 127649600, [x]. Located in the East. A large mall that includes a rooftop drive-in theater.
• Wonderpark, Cnr Brits Road &, Heinrich Ave, Karenpark, Pretoria, 0118, ☎ +27 125491690, [x]. In the North just as you get onto Brits Road off the Mabopani highway, Skatepark and 100's of stores.

Eat[edit]

This guide uses the following price ranges for a typical meal for one, including soft drink:
Budget	Under R60
Mid-range	R60 to R120
Splurge	Over R120

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

Budget[edit]

• Alma Butchery, Corner of and, Rossouw St &, Natalie Ave, Pretoria, 0184, ☎ +27 128033335.
• Sandwich Baron, The Aviary, 60 Glenwood Rd, Lynnwood Glen, Pretoria, 0081, ☎ +27 120 070 673, [x]. Shop produces freshly made platters and sandwiches and holds no ready-made products in stock. Also has a catering service.

Midrange[edit]

• Seoul Garden Korean Restaurant, 254 Thatchers Fields Road, Lynnwood, Menlo Park, ☎ +27 815934441. Lunch & dinner. Authentic and reasonably priced Korean cuisine set in a suburban house and run by a Korean family. The restaurant is a real delight, and serves true, proper Korean dishes, with plenty of side dishes, unlike the faux shopping mall restaurants elsewhere in Gauteng. There is also a spa on the premises. Recommended.

Splurge[edit]

• Brasserie de Paris Pretoria, 381 Aries St, Waterkloof Ridge, Pretoria, 0181, ☎ +27 124603583, [x].
• Kream Restaurant, 283 Dey Street, Nieuwmuckleneuk, Brooklyn,, ☎ +27 123 464642, [x]. 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), [x]. 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.

Drink[edit]

Pretoria's nightlife is concentrated in Hatfield (near the university), which boasts many bars and nightclubs. Menlyn Square (just off the Menlyn shopping centre) is also a popular location, which contains several venues but caters to the more upmarket crowd.

• Eastwoods Bar & grill, 391 Eastwood St, Arcadia, Pretoria, 0083, ☎ +27 123440243.
• Europa Lounge, 113 Robert Sobukwe St, Sunnyside, Pretoria, 0002, ☎ +27 124406230, [x].
• Vee and Forti Wine Bar and Liquor Emporium, c/o Lynnwood and, Daventry St, Lynnwood Glen, Pretoria, 0081, ☎ +27 834 672588, [x].
• West Cafe, Forest Walk, 27 Maroelana St, Hazelwood, Pretoria, 0161, ☎ +27 725573962.

Sleep[edit]

This guide uses the following price ranges for a standard double room:
Budget	Under R600
Mid-range	R600 to R1200
Splurge	Over R1200

Being the capital, there are several posh hotels, including the Sheraton, most of which are in the Central Business District. However, the CBD is not a particularly good place to base yourself, given that the city center is pretty quiet and menacing at night. In response, there are literally 100s of small guesthouses and bed & breakfasts spread all over the suburbs, which, whilst not being particularly African, are comfortable and safe places to stay. The hotel chains often have one or more hotels in town, with so many hotels owned by the same chains, in particular Southern Sun, and occasional change of ownership (e.g., a Holiday Inn is now a Southern Sun) things can get a bit confusing. Make sure you note the address when booking so you go to the right hotel. When Parliament is in session and when there are other state events it can be almost impossible to find a mid-range or splurge room. Consider nearby Centurion as an alternative if you have to be in Pretoria at those times.

Budget[edit]

• 1322 Backpackers, 1322 Arcadia Street, Hatfield, ☎ +27 12 362-3905 ([email protected]), [x]. From 670 ZAR.
• Formula 1, ☎ +27 11 807-0750 ([email protected]), [x].
• Kia-Ora Lodge, 257 Jacob Mare Street, Berea, ☎ +27 12 322-4803 ([email protected]).
• Pretoria Backpackers Hostel, 433 Farenden St, Clydesdale, Pretoria, 0002, ☎ +27 12 343-9754 ([email protected]), [x].

Midrange[edit]

• City Lodge, ☎ +27 11 557-2600 ([email protected]), [x]. From around R400 sharing.
• Ellensgate Guest House, 209 Eastwood St, Arcadia, Pretoria, 0083 (Entrance at Eastwood Street), ☎ +27 12 342-4089 ([email protected], fax: +27 86 572-6549), [x]. From R860pps (b&b).
• Farm Inn, Lynnwood Road, ☎ +27 12 809-0266 ([email protected]), [x]. Provides a unique South African experience. From R510pps.
• Ithiliens Grace Guest House, 47 Kamperfoelie Street, Amandasig (easily accessible from all major highways), ☎ +27 79 892 2376 ([email protected]), [x]. From R850.
• Morning Star Express Hotel, 327 Visagie Street, ☎ +27 12 442 0600, [x]. A/C spacious rooms equipped with TV with cable channels, double bed, and bathroom. Some of its facilities and services are a restaurant, Wi-Fi internet, a massage service, and a 24-hour front desk. From ZAR 620.
• Village in Hatfield _, 1252 Arcadia Street, Cnr. Glyn & Arcadia Streets, Hatfield (N4 into PTA-Hatfield, near Duncan Street), ☎ +27 12 362-3737 ([email protected]), [x]. From 955 ZAR.
• Waterhouse Hotel, 230 Bourke St, Muckleneuk, Pretoria, 0002, ☎ +27 726082594, [x].

Splurge[edit]

• Protea Hotels, 416 Kirkness St, Arcadia, Pretoria, 0007, ☎ +27 120300420 ([email protected]), [x]. From R1720.
• Richtershuyz Guest House, 375 Mackenzie Street, Brooklyn, Pretoria, ☎ +27 826794150 ([email protected]), [x]. Offers a traditional South African guest house experience. All rooms are fully equipped with en-suites and have private garden views. Facilities and services include free high-speed Wifi, swimming pool, boutique conference and business facilities, daily breakfast, free on-site secure parking, and airport transfer service. From ZAR 1675.00.
• Southern Sun, Cnr. Steve Biko and, Pretorius St, Arcadia, Pretoria, 0083, ☎ +27 124445500 ([email protected]), [x]. Wide range of accommodation from budget to splurge From 1300 ZAR.
• Villa Sterne, 212 Johann Rissik Drive Waterkloof Ridge, ☎ +27 12 346-2255 ([email protected]), [x].

Contact[edit]

Complete GSM coverage with GPRS, 3G, and HSDPA, and Edge available almost everywhere.

Buy a local SIM card for your overseas mobile phone at most supermarkets for 1-5 Rand. Then let yourself get phoned from home (call by call). Have your own handy with a SIM card with you in case of emergencies

WiFi[edit]

Always-On [7], +27 11 575-2505, provides prepaid WiFi access in many locations in and around Johannesburg. Simply connect to the access point, and you will be allowed to pay for access by credit card. Pricing starts at around R15 for 10 minutes or R60 for 100 MB.

Stay healthy[edit]

Hospitals[edit]

• Netcare Unitas Hospital, 866 Clifton Ave, Die Hoewes, Centurion, 0163, ☎ +27 126778000, [x]. Caters for 24-hour accident and emergency treatment.

Stay safe[edit]

Pretoria is considered to be a relatively safe city by South African standards, and violent crime against tourists is somewhat rare. That said, basic common sense should still be used. Avoid walking around after dark, even in a group. The city center becomes deserted after nightfall, so it would not be wise to hang around at these times. If you are cycling around the Hatfield shopping area (Hatfield Plaza), there have been cases of beggars asking for a ride from approaching cyclists (especially if you are walking with the bike). Keep your windows closed and make sure the door is locked. As this area is busy with shoppers, students, tourists, and police, it can be annoying and daunting for tourists, as the beggars are quite insistent. That said, the Hatfield area is usually perfectly safe. In case of trouble, here are important telephone numbers.

From a fixed line[edit]

• 107 - Emergency
• 10111 - Police [8]
• 10177 - Ambulance
• 082911 - Netcare911

From a mobile phone[edit]

• 112 - Emergency
• 911 - Netcare911

Cope[edit]

Embassies and High Commissions[edit]

• Commission of Canada, 1103 Arcadia St, Hatfield, Pretoria, 0083, ☎ +27124223000, [x].

• Egypt, 270 Bourke Street, Muckleneuk, Sunnyside, ☎ +27 12 343-1590 ([email protected], fax: +27 12 343-1082). Monday - Friday 9:00 AM - 16:00 PM.

• Greece, Brooklyn Garden, 235 Veale St, Nieuw Muckleneuk, Pretoria, 0181, ☎ +27 123482427 ([email protected],[email protected], fax: +27 12 430 4313), [x].

• Turkey, 573 Fehrsen St, Nieuw Muckleneuk, Pretoria, 0181, ☎ +27 123426053.

• Israel, 428 King's Hwy, Lynnwood, Pretoria, 0081, ☎ +27 124703500, [x].

• Lithuania, 235 Grosvenor St, Hatfield, Pretoria, 0028, ☎ +27 127609000, [x].

• United States of America, 877 Pretorius St, Arcadia, Pretoria, 0083, ☎ +27 124 314000, [x].

Get out[edit]

• Hartebeespoort Dam. There are hot air balloon rides over the Savanna, a cable car, a golf course, and water sports.
• Irene is a small town to the south of Pretoria with a day spa and a dairy farm.
• Rietvlei Nature Reserve, a small and quiet nature reserve with many wildlife species and lots of bird watching opportunities.

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