Pretoria (Tshwane)★★
Pretoria (officially: City of Tshwane) is just 50 km north of Johannesburg and is South Africa's administrative capital. The city is known as "Jacaranda City"—in October/November, 70,000 Jacaranda trees transform the streets into a sea of purple blossoms. It's one of the most beautiful sights in South Africa.
Highlights
- Union Buildings: Herbert Baker's imposing government seat (1913), where Nelson Mandela was inaugurated as the first democratically elected president in 1994. The gardens are open to the public, and a 9 m high Mandela statue overlooks the city. Inside only open for official occasions.
- Voortrekker Monument: The massive granite monument (1949) honors the Boer pioneers. Architecturally impressive (Art Deco meets Brutalism), historically controversial. The museum tells the story more nuanced than expected. 90 ZAR.
- Freedom Park: Directly opposite the Voortrekker Monument—a deliberate counterpoint. The monument honors all who fought for South Africa's freedom, from the indigenous peoples to the liberation in 1994. The juxtaposition of the two monuments is South Africa's history in a nutshell.
- Church Square: The historic center of Pretoria with the Paul Kruger monument. Surrounded by Victorian and Edwardian buildings—including the old Raadsaal (parliament building of the South African Republic).
💡 Tipp
Come to Pretoria in mid-October—when the Jacarandas bloom and the entire city is bathed in purple. Herbert Baker Street and Mansfield Street are the best photo spots.
