Pretoria Travel: 100 Questions Answered based on NeemTime research
General Travel & Planning
Is Pretoria worth visiting? Yes, it’s a lovely city with a lot of history, culture, and nature, often recommended for a day trip from Johannesburg.
How long should I spend in Pretoria? Many visitors find a day trip sufficient, but you could easily spend 2-3 days exploring the city and its surroundings.
Pretoria vs. Johannesburg for tourists? Pretoria is generally considered more relaxed and arguably safer than Johannesburg’s city center. It has a different vibe, with a focus on historical sites and nature.
What is the best time of year to visit? Spring (September-November) is a popular choice, especially when the jacaranda trees are in full bloom, covering the city in a purple carpet.
Is it a walkable city? Not really. Pretoria is very spread out and car-centric. Planning your days is essential as travel between points of interest can take a significant amount of time.
What’s the best way to get around? Uber or Bolt are highly recommended. Public transport like buses and minibus taxis are often considered unreliable and potentially unsafe for tourists.
What’s the deal with the Gautrain? The Gautrain is a fast and safe commuter rail service connecting Pretoria with Johannesburg and O.R. Tambo International Airport. It’s an excellent option for travel between the cities.
Can I rent a car? Yes, but be aware of the high crime rates, especially car break-ins. Do not leave any valuables visible in your car, not even a scarf or hat.
What’s the cost of travel like? Accommodation and food are often considered very cheap for international visitors, especially compared to Europe or North America.
Do I need a visa? This depends on your nationality. It’s essential to check the South African visa requirements well in advance.
Safety & Security
How safe is Pretoria? Like many large cities, Pretoria has areas to avoid. General advice is to be street smart and aware of your surroundings at all times.
Are there specific areas to avoid? Yes, travelers consistently advise against visiting the Pretoria CBD (city center), Sunnyside, and certain parts of Pretoria West, especially at night.
Is it safe to walk around? Walking is generally not recommended, especially after dark. If you do walk during the day, be highly vigilant and stick to well-known, busy areas.
What about at night? Do not drive or walk after dark.
What are the top safety tips?
Don’t flash valuables (phones, jewelry, cameras, cash).
Keep your phone in a secure place, not your back pocket.
Avoid using public transport other than the Gautrain or a trusted ride-hailing service.
Be aware of your surroundings, especially at traffic lights.
In the event of a robbery, do not resist.
Is it okay to use ATMs? Use ATMs in visible, secure areas like shopping malls, not standalone ATMs on the street.
What about hitchhiking? Never pick up hitchhikers and avoid stopping for people who flag you down on the road.
Are there corrupt police? Some travelers mention police corruption, so it’s wise to be cautious.
What about spiders and other wildlife? While you won’t see wild animals roaming the streets, be aware of medically significant spiders like Button Spiders and Sac Spiders, though bites are uncommon.
Is it true that parts of South Africa are more dangerous than Ukraine? Some users have made this claim, but others counter that it’s an exaggeration and that with the right precautions, you’ll be safe.
Things to Do & See
What are the top attractions? The Voortrekker Monument and the Union Buildings are frequently mentioned as must-sees.
What’s there to do for history buffs? Visit the Voortrekker Monument, the Kruger House Museum, and the Union Buildings, which are significant to South Africa’s history.
Is the Voortrekker Monument worth visiting? Yes, it’s a major historical and architectural landmark that offers great views of the city.
What’s a good place to see wildlife? Rietvlei Nature Reserve is a popular option near the city. Dinokeng Game Reserve is also close by and offers the chance to see the Big 5.
What about day trips from Pretoria? Pilanesberg Game Reserve is about a two-hour drive and is highly recommended for a safari experience. The Hartbeespoort Dam area is also popular for its cable car and other activities.
Any recommendations for markets? The Boeremark in Silverton (Saturday mornings) and Busstop 7 Market are popular for fresh produce, food, and a lively atmosphere.
Are there any good museums? The Ditsong Museums of South Africa (including the Museum of Natural History) are an option, though some users note that their quality and maintenance can be questionable.
What about outdoor activities? Wolwespruit Bike & Trail Park and Hazeldean are great for hiking, running, and mountain biking. The Pretoria Botanical Gardens are also a nice spot for a walk.
What can I do for a creative experience? Clay Cafe and The Tasting Room are suggested for pottery and wine/non-alcoholic tastings, respectively.
Where can I go for a good meal? The Hazelwood area is known for its many small eating places and a great vibe. Specific recommendations include Sorcery Coffee, The Tasting Room, Raya, and 23.
Where can I go for a night out? The Hatfield Strip is a popular spot for students and has a lot of clubs, but it’s not the easiest place to socialize.
What are some budget-friendly things to do? Hiking trails at places like Wolwespruit are often cited as being very affordable. The Big Red Barn is another option with reasonable trail prices.
What is Irene Dairy Farm? It’s a popular spot for a walk, picnic, or cafe lunch, offering a more rural feel close to the city.
Where can I see the purple jacarandas? The entire city is known for them, so just driving or walking through the suburbs in spring will give you a good view.
Are there any good coffee spots? Sorcery Coffee is highly recommended for its views.
Any fun, quirky things to do? Viking Pit in the East for axe throwing and mead, or escape rooms around the city.
What about local food to try? Biltong and braaied meat are a must.
Where can I get good pizza? Railways Cafe and Delicioso are mentioned as having good pizza.
What are some family-friendly activities? The Pretoria Zoo and the Big Red Barn are good options.
Any specific places for a good burger? Bev’s Burgers in Roosevelt Park is a specific recommendation.
Accommodation & Neighborhoods
Where are the best neighborhoods to stay? The “old East” of Pretoria is highly recommended for its safety and liveliness.
What suburbs are in the “old East”? Brooklyn, Lynnwood, Menlo Park, and Waterkloof are all considered good options, though they can be expensive.
Is the Moot area a good option? Yes, the Eastern Moot (Waverley, Villieria, Rietfontein) is considered a safe and more affordable alternative to the East, with a more conservative, middle-class vibe.
What about Centurion? Centurion, especially areas like Die Hoewes and Equestria, is a popular choice for its location and perceived safety. It’s a good middle ground.
Are there good hostels? Hostels are not as common in less urban parts of South Africa. Many users recommend guest houses and B&Bs, which are often cheap and offer a more local experience.
What is a good resource for finding accommodation? Besides international sites like Booking.com, local sites like Lekkeslaap are recommended for a wider selection of B&Bs and guest houses.
What’s the rent like in Pretoria? Rent prices vary widely depending on the neighborhood. The East is more expensive, with places in the R7,500-R18,000 range, while the Moot is more affordable.
Should I stay near my planned activities? Yes, due to traffic, it’s a good idea to stay as close to your main points of interest as possible.
What’s the “safest” neighborhood? The East is generally perceived as the safest, with some users humorously suggesting Sunnyside as a dangerous area.
What’s the vibe of Brooklyn/Menlo Park? These areas are lively and on the higher end of the price scale.
What about Hatfield? It’s a student area, which means it’s lively but can be rougher. Some tourists are advised to avoid it or just pass through.
Is it possible to find accommodation without load-shedding? Some areas, like Die Hoewes in Centurion, are known to have less frequent power outages due to their proximity to key infrastructure.
Are there “lifestyle estates” to stay in? Mooikloof Ridge is mentioned as a good option for short-term stays in an estate.
What’s the best area to stay for a student? Hatfield is the main student area, but Queenswood, Rietondale, and Villieria are also recommended as safe neighborhoods for students with a car.
Is it a good idea to stay in a commune? Some student-oriented discussions mention communes as an option, which can be budget-friendly.
What about staying near the university (UP)? The area around the University of Pretoria’s main campus is generally considered safe, but the area closer to the Prinshof campus can be rougher.
Are there any other good resources for accommodation? Facebook groups like “Huis- Flat – Kommune Soekers (Pretoria)” are mentioned for rentals.
What’s the vibe of Waterkloof? It’s considered a nice area with a mix of apartments and houses.
Is it a good idea to stay in Pretoria if my activities are in Johannesburg? It’s possible to commute using the Gautrain, but some users recommend staying closer to where you’ll be spending most of your time due to travel times.
Is staying in a guesthouse a good way to meet locals? Yes, many users suggest that guesthouses offer a more personal and charming experience.
Practical Tips & Advice
What about currency? The local currency is the South African Rand (ZAR). Many places accept credit cards, but it’s good to have some cash for smaller purchases.
Is it a good idea to use my credit card? Yes, but be mindful of card skimmers and only use your card at reputable establishments.
Should I get travel insurance? Always. Travel insurance is highly recommended for any trip to South Africa.
What about phone and internet connectivity? SIM cards are widely available. Wi-Fi is common in hotels and restaurants, but data can be expensive.
Are there specific apps I should download? Uber/Bolt for transport, Google Maps for navigation, and possibly a local booking app like Lekkeslaap.
What’s the deal with “load-shedding”? It refers to planned power outages. They can be unpredictable and are a part of daily life. It’s worth asking your accommodation about their plan for load-shedding.
How should I prepare for load-shedding? Have a portable power bank, and make sure your phone and other devices are charged when the power is on.
What should I do if my car breaks down? It is advised not to stop on the side of the road, especially in remote areas. Drive to the nearest busy area or police station.
What’s the etiquette around tipping? Tipping is customary for service, including for car guards who watch your car in parking lots.
Are there any road signs to look out for? Some road signs may be missing. Always use a GPS (like Google Maps) and check your route beforehand.
How accurate is Google Maps? It’s a good tool, but some users suggest adding an extra 30-60 minutes to your journey for longer trips due to road conditions.
What about toll roads? Keep a pocket full of coins for toll bridges.
Is it safe to get my car washed? Yes, some users mention getting their car washed while they wait at a nearby restaurant.
What should I do in an emergency? Have the local emergency numbers saved on your phone.
What about the water? Tap water is generally safe to drink in most urban areas.
What is the local lingo? “Lekker” means good or nice, “braai” is a barbecue, and a “poes” is an insult. Knowing a few basics can be helpful.
What’s the weather like? Winters (June-August) can be chilly, and you might need a light jacket.
What about the food culture? South Africa has an amazing food scene with diverse options, and eating out is often very affordable for tourists.
Are there good places to go wine tasting? While the main wine regions are elsewhere, some places near Pretoria, like Fijnwyn in Cullinan, have wine festivals.
How should I interact with locals? Be polite and respectful. Locals are often willing to give advice on safety and navigation.
What should I do if I get lost? Drive to a well-lit, busy area like a shopping center and ask for directions there.
What’s the best way to get from the airport to Pretoria? The Gautrain is the safest and most efficient option.
How do I avoid looking like a tourist? The advice is varied, but generally, don’t wear expensive jewelry, keep your valuables hidden, and be confident in your movements.
What about the public health situation? It’s recommended to have all necessary vaccinations and to be aware of any health advisories for the region.
What’s the shopping scene like? Malls like Menlyn Mall in Pretoria are popular for shopping.
Are there many different cultures? Yes, South Africa has a rich, diverse culture with 11 official languages.
What about visiting townships? It is highly recommended to only visit townships with a guided tour arranged by a reputable company.
Is it safe to go out for a run? Some users recommend joining running clubs for safety and to meet people.
What about crime stories I see in the media? Many locals feel that the crime situation is often exaggerated in the media and that with common sense, tourists will be fine.
What are some local charities to support? Loaves and Fishes or Haven Night Shelter are mentioned as places to donate.
Is it easy to get around with a baby/child? Many attractions are family-friendly, but the lack of walkability can be a challenge. A car is essential.
What’s the vibe of the city? Pretoria is often described as “low key” but still has plenty to offer if you plan ahead.
Should I bring cash or use cards? A mix is best. Keep a small amount of cash on you for tips and small purchases, but use cards for most transactions.
Is it easy to find a place to stay last minute? Yes, there are many accommodation options, but booking in advance is always a good idea.
Are there any hidden gems? Royal Danish ice cream is mentioned as a “Pretoria gem.”
How reliable are the bus services? They are not a viable option for tourists. Stick to Uber/Bolt or the Gautrain.
Is it worth visiting any of the small towns outside of Pretoria? Yes, places like Cullinan and Hartbeespoort are popular day trips.
What about visiting a specific restaurant or cafe? Don’t be afraid to ask locals for recommendations, as they often have a list of “go-to’s.”
What’s the best way to get a local perspective? Engaging with local travelers is a great way to get personalized advice.
Final takeaway? Pretoria is a beautiful city with a lot to offer, but it requires common sense and awareness, just like any other major city in the world. Plan your trip, stay vigilant, and enjoy the experience.