Pretoria , South Africa

Johannesburg & Pretoria Photo Tour

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(4 reviews)

6h - 8h

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

My photographic tour of the two major cities in South Africa takes you on a journey of views and history which you can research online. Every view, every photographer and every picture will tell a different story of your experience. I myself am a photographer and everytime I take a picture at the same place its a different magical experience. This is a unique, informative and captivating tour for young and old.

Available options

Johannesburg & Pretoria Photo Tour

Pickup included

What's included

Bottled water

WiFi on board

All Fees and Taxes

Air-conditioned vehicle

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

The Carlton Centre has been chosen as the first stop in our photography tour of Johannesburg & Pretoria as its legendary status of the Tallest Building in South Africa is known the world over. It is now the second tallest building as of 2020. The 50th floor offers a 360 degree view of the city and surrounds. This is a photographers paradise. Point out iconic land marks from the top and make it a point of interest to remember. Down town Johannesburg with all its diversity can be captured from all four sides of this iconic building.

Munro Drive based in Houghton Estate, an elite suburb of Johannesburg, serves as the highest outdoor point of Johannesburg. The view point is a heritage site and national monument. It is a picturesque pit stop on a well-known road, offering elevated views of the lush surroundings. Get clicking and be ready for some awesome pano shots!

Next stop! Nizamiye Mosque,Midrand. Situated halfway between Johannesburg & Pretoria, this is the largest mosque in the southern hemisphere. Stunning turkish craftsmanship and tall minarets are the order of the day.

Construction on Nizamiye Masjid began in October 2009 and was completed in 2012. The basic plan of the masjid was adopted from the 16th-century Ottoman Selimiye Mosque, located in Edirne, Turkey, was designed by Mimar Sinan.
Nizamiye Masjid was scaled to the Selimiye Mosque by a ratio of 80%. The plans for the mosque were designed in Turkey and adapted by a South African architect to South African building standards.

A turkish lunch can be ordered from one of the turkish restuarants at the mosque, not forgetting the delicious baklava that is made fresh daily!

This is the first stop in Pretoria, the highest point in Pretoria. This point is based in the Groenkloof Nature reserve the first nature reserve in Africa to be established. Panoramic views of the entire city can be seen from here. While driving through the reserve you will meet some friendly faces such as zebra, wildesbeest and giraffe.

Stop 5

Completed in 1913, The Union Buildings stand tall in Pretoria. Designed by Sir Herbet Baker, this iconic building houses the presidential offices of the president of South Africa. The gardens and buildings are perfect for photographers. The building is surrounded by beautifully terraced gardens of indigenous plants. Various monuments adorn the expansive lawns, including the Delville Wood War Memorial and a statue of the country's first Prime Minister Louis Botha.

What's not included

Lunch

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Tripadvisor 4.0

4 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Public transportation options are available nearby

Specialized infant seats are available

Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

About Pretoria

Pretoria, known as the Jacaranda City for its beautiful purple-blossomed trees, is the administrative capital of South Africa. It offers a blend of historical significance, cultural richness, and natural beauty, making it a unique destination for travelers.

Top Attractions

Union Buildings

The Union Buildings are the official seat of the South African government and a significant historical landmark. The buildings are an excellent example of Edwardian Baroque architecture.

Historical 1-2 hours Free

Pretoria National Botanical Garden

This botanical garden is home to a diverse range of indigenous plants and offers beautiful walking trails, picnic spots, and a variety of wildlife.

Nature 2-3 hours R50 for adults, R25 for children

Voortrekker Monument

This monumental structure commemorates the Voortrekkers who left the Cape Colony in the 19th century. The monument offers a museum and a tower with panoramic views of Pretoria.

Historical 1-2 hours R30 for adults, R15 for children

Melrose House

Melrose House is a historic home that served as the headquarters of the British military during the Second Anglo-Boer War. Today, it houses a museum and a tea garden.

Historical 1 hour R50 for adults, R25 for children

Pretoria Zoo

The Pretoria Zoo is home to a wide variety of animals, including rare and endangered species. The zoo offers educational programs and conservation initiatives.

Nature 2-3 hours R120 for adults, R60 for children

Must-Try Local Dishes

Braai

Braai is a traditional South African barbecue, featuring grilled meats such as boerewors (sausage), lamb chops, and steak.

Dinner Contains meat, can be adapted for various dietary preferences

Bobotie

Bobotie is a sweet and spicy minced meat dish topped with an egg-based custard. It is often served with yellow rice and chutney.

Dinner Contains meat and eggs, can be made with alternative ingredients for vegetarians

Bunny Chow

Bunny Chow is a hollowed-out loaf of bread filled with curry, typically made with chicken, beef, or beans.

Lunch Contains meat, can be made with vegetarian or vegan fillings

Melktert

Melktert is a traditional South African milk tart, featuring a sweet pastry crust filled with a creamy, custard-like filling.

Dessert Contains dairy and eggs, can be made with alternative ingredients for dietary restrictions

Popular Activities

Hiking Water sports Game drives Picnicking Tea at Melrose House Visiting botanical gardens Museum visits Historical site tours

Best Time to Visit

Spring (September to November) and Autumn (March to May)

Spring and autumn offer mild weather, perfect for outdoor activities and sightseeing. The city is also less crowded during these seasons.

15°C to 30°C 59°F to 86°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Afrikaans, English, Northern Sotho
Widely spoken: English, Afrikaans
English: Widely spoken

Currency

South African Rand (ZAR)

Time Zone

GMT+2

Electricity

220VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe, but exercise caution

Pretoria is generally safe for travelers, but it is important to exercise caution, especially in certain areas and at night. Be aware of your surroundings, avoid walking alone at night, and keep valuables secure.

Important Precautions:

• Be aware of your surroundings
• Avoid walking alone at night
• Keep valuables secure

Getting there

By air

OR Tambo International Airport • 45 km from city center
Lanzeria Airport • 30 km from city center

By train

Pretoria Station

By bus

Park Station, Pretoria Station

Getting around

Public transport

The PBS offers an affordable and reliable way to get around the city. Buses are frequent and cover most major areas.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, Bolt

Rentals

Car, Bike

Neighborhoods

Pretoria Central Hatfield Menlo Park Sunnyside

Day trips

Cullinan Diamond Mine

40 km from Pretoria • Half day to full day

The Cullinan Diamond Mine is famous for being the source of the world's largest diamond, the Cullinan Diamond. Visitors can take a guided tour of the mine and learn about its history and the diamond mining process.

Hartebeestpoort Dam

60 km from Pretoria • Full day

Hartebeestpoort Dam is a popular destination for water sports, fishing, and hiking. The dam is surrounded by beautiful landscapes and offers a variety of outdoor activities.

Pilanesberg National Park

150 km from Pretoria • Full day to overnight

Pilanesberg National Park is a malaria-free game reserve offering excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing. The park is home to the Big Five (lion, leopard, rhinoceros, elephant, and buffalo) and a variety of other animals.

Festivals

Pretoria Jazz Festival • September Aardklop National Arts Festival • October Pretoria Open-Air Arts Festival • November

Pro tips

Visit the Pretoria National Botanical Garden in the spring for the best blooms
Explore the city's cultural and historical sites, such as the Union Buildings and the Voortrekker Monument
Experience a traditional South African braai (barbecue) at a local restaurant or with a host family
Take a day trip to the Cullinan Diamond Mine or Pilanesberg National Park for a unique and memorable experience
Attend a local festival or event, such as the Pretoria Jazz Festival or the Aardklop National Arts Festival