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Things to Do in Pretoria

Things to Do in Pretoria

Gauteng South Africa Travel Guide

Outdoor Adventures

Pretoria's natural surroundings invite outdoor pursuits, from hiking to wildlife viewing.

Hiking & Trekking

Groenkloof Nature Reserve

Offers several well-marked hiking trails, ranging from 3km to 10km. Most are easy to moderate, with opportunities to spot plains game.

Rietvlei Nature Reserve

Provides some walking trails, typically simple and suitable for casual strolls, offering bird watching and antelope spotting.

Magaliesberg Mountains Day Trip

This region, west of Pretoria, offers more challenging rambles and bouldering opportunities for experienced adventurers.

Wildlife & Watersports

  • Groenkloof & Rietvlei Reserves: Self-drive game viewing for zebra, giraffe, and antelope species.
  • Pilanesberg National Park (2 hrs): Malaria-free Big Five safari experiences.
  • Rietvlei Dam: Permits fishing and some non-motorized boating like canoeing or paddleboarding.
  • Cycling: Limited city routes, trails available in nature reserves like Groenkloof.

Adventure Sports

  • Bungee jumping, zip-lining, hot air balloon rides in broader Gauteng/Magaliesberg.
  • Typically outings from Pretoria for thrilling experiences.
  • Check specialized tour operators for availability.
  • Book activities on GetYourGuide.

Nature Encounters

  • Explore the native wildlife and vegetation at the botanical garden.
  • Bird watching at Rietvlei and Groenkloof Nature Reserves.
  • Enjoy the tranquility of natural spaces.
  • Discover unique geological features in the Magaliesberg region.

Active Pursuits

  • Engage in self-drive game viewing for accessible wildlife sightings.
  • Consider horse riding in Groenkloof Nature Reserve.
  • Find dedicated mountain biking parks outside the city for cycling.
  • Enjoy walking trails right for a range of fitness levels.

Safety Note

Always follow rules of the preserve plus area experts' instructions during wildlife encounters or adventure sports.

Cultural Immersion

Engage deeply with From South africa culture through workshops, performances, and community interactions.

Workshops & Performances

  • Look for local art studios or community centers for handicraft classes like beadwork or pottery.
  • Engage in drumming classes for a hands-on cultural experience.
  • The South African State Theatre hosts diverse performances, including traditional music and dance.
  • Cultural villages or lodges on the outskirts (e.g., Lesedi Traditional Village) offer tribal insights.

Community & Language

Community Tourism

Book a guided township tour (Mamelodi, Soshanguve) for local life insights, history, and community projects. Ensure a reputable operator.

Language Learning

Casual interactions with locals offer an excellent way to pick up basic phrases. South Africa has 11 the main languages.

Cultural Festivals

Pretoria hosts various cultural festivals throughout the year. Check local event calendars, especially around public holidays.

Spa & Wellness

Many luxury hotels (e.g., The Maslow Time Square, Irene Country Lodge) provide spa facilities. Standalone spas additionally run.

Natural Therapy

No natural hot springs directly in Pretoria. Warmbaths, A Forever Resort (Bela-Bela) is about an hour's drive north.

Yoga & Retreats

Urban yoga studios available in Pretoria's suburbs. Retreats focused on yoga and meditation might be found in quieter areas outside the city.

Entertainment & Nightlife

Pretoria's evenings offer live music, theater, and social spots.

Live Music & Theater

  • Hatfield: Known for student taverns and bars, some featuring live local bands for a lively atmosphere.
  • Menlyn Maine Central Square: Features restaurants and bars with occasional live music performances.
  • From South africa State Theatre: The main venue for large-scale productions, including plays, musicals, and dance.
  • University of Pretoria's performance spaces: Often host student productions and smaller, experimental shows.

Nightlife & Social

Nightclubs & Dancing

Nightlife, including clubs for dancing, mainly concentrates in Hatfield, catering to a younger crowd.

Bar Districts & Late Night

Hatfield serves as the main region for a pub crawl experience. Casinos, like Time Square at Menlyn Maine, offer gambling, restaurants, and live shows late into the night.

Safe Transport

Use ride-sharing services for evening transport after enjoying the nightlife.

After-Dark Tips

Transport Safety

Always use ride-sharing services or pre-booked taxis for getting around after dark.

Venue Selection

Choose reputable venues that are well-lit and have positive reviews for a pleasant experience.

Local Advice

Ask locals for their recommendations about current hot spots and safe areas for things to do in theevening.

Shopping & Markets

Pretoria provides diverse shopping experiences, from traditional markets to modern malls.

Traditional Markets & Crafts

  • Hazel Food Market (Menlo Park): Popular Saturday market for gourmet food, fresh produce, and artisanal goods.
  • Pretoria Boeremark (Silverton): Traditional farmers' market held early on Saturdays for a local cultural experience.
  • Artisan Workshops: Smaller local craft fairs or independent shops for locally made crafts, including beadwork and pottery.
  • Ethical Shopping: Support local artisans and businesses. Inquire about the origin of products to make sure of fair trade.

Souvenirs & Luxury

Souvenir Ideas

Consider local handmade goods like beadwork and carvings made of wood. Rooibos tea, biltong, Amarula liqueur, and South African wine also make excellent souvenirs.

Luxury Shopping

Menlyn Park Shopping Centre: One of Africa's largest malls, featuring international and local luxury brands and large retail stores.

Boutique Options

Brooklyn Mall: Another large, upscale mall having a good selection of retailers and restaurants for a premium shopping experience.

Shopping Hubs

Menlyn Park Shopping Centre features international and local luxury brands and numerous shops.

Mall Experiences

Brooklyn Mall for a good selection of stores and restaurants in a fancy setting.

Market Delights

  • Hazel Food Market for gourmet food and fresh produce.
  • Pretoria Boeremark for traditional farmers' market finds.
  • Discover unique artisanal goods.
  • Enjoy the local atmosphere.

Shipping & Customs Information

International Shipping
  • Most major couriers (DHL, FedEx) operate in South Africa for international shipping.
  • Be aware of customs regulations and duties in your home country when shipping purchases.
  • VAT (Value Added Tax) can be reclaimed on specific goods at departure.
Local Purchase Tips
  • Bargaining is not customary in formal shops, but possible at informal markets.
  • Always check return and exchange policies before purchasing.
  • Look for sales or deals during off-peak seasons for more for your money.

Smart Shopping

Support local artisans and businesses to create your purchases more impactful. Be sure to check for VAT refunds at departure for eligible goods.

Activity Planning Summary

Outdoor Activities

  • Explore hiking trails in Groenkloof and Rietvlei Nature Reserves.
  • Enjoy self-drive game viewing in local reserves for animal sightings.
  • Consider excursions for adventure sports like hot air ballooning or zip-lining.
  • Engage in watersports like angling or canoeing at Rietvlei Dam.

Cultural Experiences

  • Attend interactive cultural sessions or heritage performances.
  • Take a guided township tour for community insights.
  • Check local event calendars for cultural festivals and markets.
  • Try some basic phrases in one of South Africa's official languages.