Pretoria , South Africa

Private Pretoria Sightseeing Tour

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About this experience

Enjoy a private, exclusive tour with your own local guide. With tree-lined avenues, striking architecture, and important monuments shining a light on a strong colonial history, Pretoria ranks among South Africa’s must-see cities. On this half-day tour, you will learn a lot about the fascinating history of South Africa during a Pretoria city experience. You will visit the Union Buildings, the headquarters of the government. The buildings are beautifully situated in terraced gardens, where you can enjoy an idyllic walk. Another major attraction on this tour is the Voortrekker Monument. This monument is of great significance to many Afrikaans-speaking South Africans and stands for Afrikaner Nationalism. The monument is in the shape of a big stone cube. The interior walls depict the story of the Great Trek, a mass movement of Afrikaner Boers, who resented British rule. Another interesting site on our tour is the Paul Kruger House Museum. Kruger National Park is named after Paul Kruger.

Available options

Private Pretoria Sightseeing Tour

Pickup included

What's included

Professional Local Guide Services

Detailed itinerary

The South African Police Memorial, located on the grounds of the Union Buildings in Pretoria, honors South African Police Service members who died in the line of duty. State President P.W. Botha unveiled the monument on October 17, 1984. General Michiel Christian Wilhelm Geldenhuys, then-Commissioner of the South African Police, dedicated the memorial's cornerstone on May 20, 1983. The two-meter-high concrete wall signifies the duty of police protection, while the seven pillars represent the many branches of service. The memorial has plates with the names of the fallen engraved on them and is placed across from an amphitheater that organizes an annual memorial ceremony to honor South African police officers who died in the line of duty.

Stop 2

The Union Buildings serve as the formal seat of the South African government and also contain the offices of the South African President. The Buildings are a focal point of South African political life; "The Buildings" and "Arcadia" have become metonyms for the South African government. It has become an iconic landmark of Pretoria and South Africa in general, as well as one of the city's most popular tourist attractions and a symbol of democracy. Presidential inaugurations are held at the Buildings.

The 5-inch BL cannons Mk I - Mk V was early British 5-inch rifled breechloading naval guns that replaced rifled muzzle-loaders in the late 1870s. They were initially intended to employ gunpowder propellants. The 5-inch caliber was quickly phased out in favor of the QF 4.7-inch.

The Nelson Mandela statue rises 9 meters tall on the grounds of the Union Buildings in Pretoria, Gauteng, and honors former South African President and anti-apartheid crusader Nelson Mandela. It is constructed of bronze and weighs around 3.5 tonnes. It is 8 meters long from fingertip to fingertip. It was cast in 147 parts at four separate foundries before being assembled in Cape Town, where the Knight brothers at Sculpture Casting Services Foundry did the engineering. Nottingham Road in KwaZulu-Natal was used to cast the legs and arms. The statue was unveiled on the Day of Reconciliation (16 December 2013), putting the ten-day formal mourning period to an end after Mandela's death on 5 December.

What's not included

Lunch

Available languages

Guide guide

EN FR

Important information

Public transportation options are available nearby

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

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