Pretoria, South Africa-6-day-itinerary

Day 1: Arrival and City Exploration

  • Morning: Arrive at OR Tambo International Airport (JNB) or Lanseria International Airport (HLA), depending on your flight schedule. Take a taxi or shuttle to your hotel.
  • 9:00 AM: Check-in at the Protea Hotel O.R. Tambo Airport or similar, which offers comfortable rooms and a convenient location for early risers.
  • 10:00 AM: Visit the Pretoria City Hall, a stunning example of Victorian architecture with intricate details and beautiful gardens. (Address: 1 Pretorius St, Pretoria Central)
  • 12:30 PM: Grab lunch at The Old Strathmore Pub, a popular spot for burgers, sandwiches, and salads. (Address: 44th Ave, Brooklyn, Pretoria)
  • 2:00 PM: Explore the Pretoria National Botanical Garden (Address: 2 Cussonia Ave, Brummeria), a peaceful oasis with diverse flora and fauna.
  • 7:00 PM: Enjoy dinner at The Greenhouse, a modern restaurant serving seasonal dishes with a focus on local ingredients. (Address: The Maslow Hotel, 60 Sloane St, Menlo Park)

Day 2: Cultural Heritage

  • 9:00 AM: Visit the Unisa Senate House and surrounding buildings, which showcase beautiful examples of modern architecture.
  • 11:00 AM: Explore the Pretoria Museum, which houses a vast collection of art, history, and natural science exhibits. (Address: 54 Church St, Arcadia)
  • 1:30 PM: Grab lunch at The Melrose House, a historic mansion turned restaurant serving light meals and snacks. (Address: 51-53 Prinsloo St, Pretoria Central)
  • 3:00 PM: Visit the Church Square, a vibrant public space with shops, cafes, and street performers.
  • 7:00 PM: Enjoy dinner at Saffron Restaurant & Bar, which serves Mediterranean-inspired cuisine in an elegant setting. (Address: 14 Church St, Arcadia)

Day 3: Science and Technology

  • 9:00 AM: Visit the Pretoria National Zoological Gardens, home to over 700 species of animals from around the world.
  • 12:30 PM: Grab lunch at The Curious Cafe, a cozy spot serving light meals and snacks. (Address: cnr Jan Smuts Ave and Dries St, Arcadia)
  • 2:00 PM: Explore the South African Astronomical Observatory (SAAO), which offers guided tours of their telescopes and observatories.
  • 7:00 PM: Enjoy dinner at The Pretoria Club, a historic club serving classic cuisine in an elegant atmosphere. (Address: 24-26 Scott St, Pretoria Central)

Day 4: Adventure

  • 9:00 AM: Visit the Pretoria Nature Reserve, which offers guided hikes and birdwatching excursions.
  • 12:30 PM: Grab lunch at The Wild Fig Restaurant, a popular spot serving farm-to-table cuisine. (Address: 18-20 Scott St, Pretoria Central)
  • 2:00 PM: Go Hot Air Balloon ride over the city for breathtaking views and a unique perspective.
  • 7:00 PM: Enjoy dinner at The Grand Hotel, which serves classic cuisine in an elegant setting. (Address: 1-3 Scott St, Pretoria Central)

Day 5: Market Day

  • 9:00 AM: Visit the Pretoria Market, a bustling market selling local produce, crafts, and souvenirs.
  • 12:30 PM: Grab lunch at The Pretoria Food Court, which offers a variety of light meals and snacks. (Address: 14-16 Scott St, Pretoria Central)
  • 2:00 PM: Explore the Pretoria Art Gallery, which features local artwork and artists.
  • 7:00 PM: Enjoy dinner at The Mimosas Restaurant, which serves Mediterranean-inspired cuisine in an elegant setting. (Address: 24-26 Scott St, Pretoria Central)

Day 6: Relaxation

  • 9:00 AM: Visit the Pretoria Thermal Baths and Spa, a relaxing spot for rejuvenating baths and treatments.
  • 12:30 PM: Grab lunch at The Garden Restaurant, which serves light meals and snacks in a peaceful setting. (Address: The Maslow Hotel, 60 Sloane St, Menlo Park)
  • 2:00 PM: Enjoy some leisure time at your hotel or explore the surrounding area.

Tips and Essentials

  • Transportation: Use taxis, ride-sharing services, or walk/bike whenever possible.
  • Safety: Be aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas.
  • Weather: Pretoria has a subtropical climate; pack accordingly.
  • Currency: South African Rand (ZAR) is the local currency.
  • Language: English and Afrikaans are widely spoken; learn some basic phrases for a more authentic experience.

Accommodation

  • Budget: Protea Hotel O.R. Tambo Airport or similar ( approx. R800 - R1,200 per night)
  • Mid-range: The Maslow Hotel or similar (approx. R2,000 - R3,500 per night)
  • Luxury: The Grand Hotel or similar (approx. R5,000 - R8,000 per night)

Food and Drink

  • Budget-friendly options: Street food, cafes, and markets
  • Mid-range options: Restaurants and bars serving light meals and snacks
  • Fine dining options: Upscale restaurants with a focus on local ingredients

Note: Prices are approximate and may vary depending on the time of year, availability, and other factors.