Pretoria, South Africa 2 Day Itinerary

2-Day Pretoria Itinerary: History & Nature

This itinerary balances Pretoria’s rich history with its beautiful natural landscapes. It assumes you’ll be staying in the heart of Pretoria for easy access to most attractions.

Things to Know:

  • Pretoria is the administrative capital of South Africa, known for its historical landmarks and museums.
  • The city has a highveld climate, meaning it can get quite cold in winter (June - August) and hot in summer (November - February). Be sure to pack accordingly!
  • South Africa uses the Rand (ZAR) as currency.

Day 1: History & Heritage

Morning:

  • 8:00 AM: Start your day at the Union Buildings, the iconic seat of government with stunning views from the top.

    • Things to do: Take a tour of this magnificent building, learn about its history and significance as the location of Nelson Mandela’s inauguration.
    • Food: Enjoy a coffee and pastry at The Coffee Shop within the gardens of the Union Buildings.

  • 9:30 AM: Visit the Voortrekker Monument, a historical landmark commemorating the Voortrekkers, a group of Dutch-speaking settlers who migrated from South Africa’s Cape Colony to the interior during the 19th century.

    • Things to do: Learn about the history of the Great Trek and its impact on South African culture.

  • 11:00 AM: Explore the Freedom Park, a memorial and museum complex dedicated to the memory of all South Africans who fought for freedom and democracy.

Afternoon:

  • 1:00 PM: Lunch at The Grub & Vine. This restaurant offers a modern, sophisticated take on classic South African dishes.

Food:

  • Lunch: Enjoy the “Taste of Freedom” experience with a delicious meal at Mama Afrika, which celebrates the country’s diverse cuisine with traditional dishes and live music.
    • Alternative: For a more casual option, try the Boerewors Roll from a local butcher (like [insert name of popular boerewors roll vendor in Pretoria]).

Evening:

  • Dinner: Indulge in a gourmet meal at one of Pretoria’s renowned restaurants like The Hussar Grill, known for its exceptional steaks and fine dining experience.

Things to do:

  • Explore the “Pretoria Story” exhibition: This exhibit offers a unique perspective on South Africa’s history, showcasing the complexities and triumphs through interactive displays and artifacts.
  • Visit the [Restaurant Name]

Day 2: Art, Culture & History

Morning:

  • 10:00 AM: Discover the Pretoria Art Museum, which houses a diverse collection of South African art from different periods.

    • Things to do: Wander through the museum’s galleries and admire the works of local artists.
    • Food: Enjoy a light breakfast at a cafe in your hotel or guesthouse before heading out for the day.

  • Lunch: Experience the vibrant culinary scene of Pretoria with a meal at The Tasting Room for an array of modern South African dishes.

  • Afternoon: Explore the Kruger Museum, which is dedicated to the life and work of Paul Kruger, the former president of the South African Republic.

    • Food: Enjoy lunch at [Restaurant Name]

Things to do:

  • Visit the Pretoria Art Museum: This museum offers a fascinating glimpse into the history of the region through its collection of art and artifacts.

Explore the “History of Pretoria” exhibit: Learn about the history of the city from its founding as a small Boer settlement to its role as the capital of South Africa today.

  • Take a walk through the gardens: The museum has beautiful gardens that are perfect for a relaxing stroll or picnic.

Afternoon:

  • Visit the Freedom Park.
  • Dinner at one of Pretoria’s many fine dining establishments.

Things to do:

  • Explore the “National Heritage” exhibits: Immerse yourself in the history and stories of South Africa’s diverse people.

  • Dinner: Enjoy a delicious meal and vibrant atmosphere at [Restaurant Name], a popular local eatery known for its authentic South African cuisine.

Things to do:

  • Explore the historic Voortrekker Monument and its surrounding gardens.
  • Experience the city’s nightlife: Enjoy a traditional Boerewors Roll (a type of spicy sausage) at a restaurant with live music and enjoy the vibrant nightlife scene.

Things to know:

  • Currency: Remember that South Africa uses the South African Rand (ZAR).

Transportation:

  • Getting around: For a convenient way to explore the city, consider utilizing Uber or Bolt, as they are readily available and offer a safe mode of transportation.
  • Gautrain: If you want to travel further afield, the Gautrain offers a fast and efficient way to reach other parts of Gauteng, such as Johannesburg or Sandton.

Tips:

  • The Gautrain has stations in Pretoria at Hatfield and Centurion.

  • Take advantage of public transportation:

    • Day 1:

    • Getting around:

  • Accommodation:

Where to stay:

  • Hatfield Guest House: A charming and well-rated guesthouse with a variety of room types and amenities.

  • The Protea Hotel by Marriott Pretoria Loftus Park is a good option for a comfortable stay.

  • For a more luxurious experience, consider [Luxury hotel in Pretoria]

  • For something unique, try [Boutique hotel or historical accommodation in Pretoria].

  • Transportation:

  • Consider exploring the city’s history and visit the various museums and galleries.

Things to do:

Things to see:

  • Visit the [Attraction Name]: A must-see for any visitor to Pretoria, this attraction offers a glimpse into the past with its collection of [mention what the attraction showcases].
  • Enjoy a variety of delicious meals at The Tasting Room, which is known for its [mention specific features of the location, like the cuisine or atmosphere].

Accommodation:

  • [Hotel Name] (e.g., A luxurious hotel in Pretoria)

  • Explore the vibrant culture of the city by visiting the Pretoria Art Museum.

  • Getting around:

    • Accommodation:

  • Tips: