Pretoria, South Africa-7-day-itinerary

7-Day Itinerary for Travelling in Pretoria, South Africa

Day 1: Arrival and Exploration of the City Centre

Morning:

  • Arrive at OR Tambo International Airport (approximately 1 hour drive from Pretoria)
  • Transfer to your hotel in the city centre (e.g. City Lodge Hotel)
  • Check-in and freshen up
  • Head to the nearby Pretoria City Hall (free admission) for a brief introduction to the city’s history and architecture

Afternoon:

  • Visit the Pretoria Art Museum (R50, approximately $3.50 USD) to explore South African art from the 19th century onwards
  • Take a short walk to the nearby Church Square, where you can admire historic buildings like the Old Capitol Building (now the Melrose House, a museum)

Evening:

  • Enjoy dinner at Bistro Sixteen82 (The Reserve Hotel), offering modern South African cuisine

Day 2: Cultural and Historical Landmarks

Morning:

  • Visit the Voortrekker Monument, a National Heritage Site (R20, approximately $1.40 USD) that commemorates the history of the Great Trek
  • Explore the surrounding monument grounds for a panoramic view of Pretoria

Afternoon:

  • Head to the Kruger Museum (free admission), showcasing artifacts from the Kruger family’s life and contributions to South Africa’s history
  • Visit the nearby Melrose House, once home to President Paul Kruger, now a museum offering insights into his life and times

Evening:

  • Dine at The Perch, overlooking the city, offering modern French cuisine

Day 3: Science and Technology

Morning:

  • Spend time at the Pretoria National Botanical Garden (free admission), which houses a variety of plant species and offers a peaceful escape from the city

Afternoon:

  • Visit the Pretoria Planetarium, offering educational programs about space exploration (prices vary)
  • Stop by the nearby UNISA Art Gallery (free admission) to view South African art and sculpture exhibitions

Evening:

  • Enjoy dinner at The Foundry, a gastropub serving international cuisine in an industrial setting

Day 4: Adventure and Relaxation

Morning:

  • Take part in outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, or horse riding through the nearby Magaliesberg Mountains (prices vary)

Afternoon:

  • Visit the Hillbrow Sunbird Gardens, offering a peaceful setting for relaxation and leisure

Evening:

  • Enjoy dinner at Zorbas Greek Taverna, serving traditional Greek cuisine in an authentic setting

Day 5: Business District

Morning:

  • Explore the Pretoria Central Business District (CBD) area, featuring modern skyscrapers like the Absa Tower
  • Visit the nearby SAP Building, showcasing cutting-edge architecture and design

Afternoon:

  • Head to the Pretoria Convention Centre, hosting various business events and conferences throughout the year (prices vary)

Evening:

  • Dine at The Craft & Co. Kitchen, offering a contemporary take on South African cuisine

Day 6: Cultural and Historical Sites

Morning:

  • Visit the Klein Karoo National Arts Festival (free admission) for performances, exhibitions, and markets showcasing local artists and craftspeople

Afternoon:

  • Explore the African Craft Market, offering a wide variety of handmade items like jewelry, textiles, and woodcarvings

Evening:

  • Enjoy dinner at Kudu Valley Lodge, serving traditional South African cuisine in an authentic setting

Day 7: Departure

Morning:

  • Spend some time shopping for last-minute souvenirs or exploring any areas you might have missed on your trip
  • Transfer back to OR Tambo International Airport for your departure flight

Transportation:

  • Taxi services are readily available in Pretoria. You can also use ride-hailing apps like Uber.
  • For longer journeys, consider renting a car or taking a shuttle service.

Tips and Essentials:

  • Weather: Pretoria has a subtropical climate with mild winters and hot summers. Pack accordingly.
  • Safety: As with any city, take necessary precautions to ensure your safety, especially at night.
  • Currency: The South African Rand (ZAR) is the local currency.
  • Language: Afrikaans, English, isiNdebele, isiXhosa, Sepedi, Setswana, siSwati, Tshivenda, and Xitsonga are all official languages. English is widely spoken.

Additional Information:

This itinerary provides a mix of cultural experiences, historical landmarks, and outdoor activities, giving you a well-rounded introduction to the city of Pretoria.