Pretoria

Located in the Gauteng province, Pretoria serves as the administrative capital of South Africa and captivates guests with its wide boulevards immersed in the purple hues of jacarandas. This city, combining rich historical heritage with a modern rhythm, is easily accessible to travellers thanks to its proximity to the country's main transport arteries. You can effortlessly reach here by plane via neighbouring aviation hubs, by high-speed train, or by car, enjoying picturesque views along the way.

Since there is no major international airport in Pretoria itself, most travellers fly into Johannesburg (JNB), located just 52 km away. This hub receives flights from all over the world and is excellently connected to the administrative capital by high-speed highways.

Alternatively, for domestic flights, you can consider the airports in the cities of Sun City (119 km) or Polokwane (242 km). Arrival at any of these points allows you to quickly reach your final destination thanks to the region's developed transport network.

The city boasts excellent railway connections, serving as an important transport hub for the region. The famous high-speed Gautrain trains arrive here, providing a fast and safe link to O.R. Tambo International Airport and the neighbouring metropolis of Johannesburg (52 km).

Additionally, the central station services long-distance Shosholoza Meyl trains, connecting the capital with other parts of the country. Rail travel here is considered a comfortable and modern way to reach the city centre without traffic congestion.

Bus services remain one of the most accessible and popular ways to get to the city. The most in-demand route runs from Johannesburg: comfortable coaches cover the distance of 56 km in approximately 1.3 hours.

Travellers heading from the north, for example from the city of Polokwane, will spend about 4.5 hours on the road, covering a journey of 261 km. Regular scheduled trips allow for flexible travel planning and the opportunity to enjoy African landscapes from the window.

Travelling by car offers freedom of movement and allows you to reach Pretoria the fastest. A drive from Johannesburg along a high-quality highway will take less than an hour — about 45–50 minutes (58 km).

If you are heading from the direction of the resort town Sun City, the road will take approximately 2 hours (144 km), while the journey from Polokwane (266 km) will require about 2.8 hours of driving time. Taxis and private transfers are widely available, offering a convenient alternative to self-driving.

When planning a visit to the administrative capital of South Africa, it is useful to know a few nuances that will make your stay comfortable and safe. This city, known as the "Jacaranda City", is distinguished by a measured pace of life and hospitality, but requires attention to detail.

1. Clothing and Seasonality. The climate here is mild but changeable. In summer (December–February), light clothing and a raincoat are necessary, while for winter evenings (June–August), be sure to bring a warm jacket, as the temperature can drop sharply.
2. Transport. Public transport has its peculiarities. For reliability and safety, it is recommended to use the Gautrain for intercity trips and trusted taxi services (such as Uber) for moving within the city.
3. Finance. Payments are made in South African Rands (ZAR). Cards are accepted almost everywhere, but a small amount of cash is useful for tips to parking attendants and waiters.
4. Health and Safety. Medical services here are of a high standard, but they are paid services. Observe basic precautions: do not walk alone at night and keep valuables with you, especially in crowded places.
5. Communication. Although there are 11 official languages in the country, English is universally used in tourism and the service sector, so there will be no language barrier.
6. Local Etiquette. South Africans are very polite. It is customary to greet people before asking a question and to maintain a friendly tone of conversation.
7. What to Avoid. Do not photograph government buildings and military facilities without explicit permission — this is the administrative capital with strict rules.
8. Best Time to Visit. To catch the city in its purple colour, arrive in October or November, when thousands of jacaranda trees are in full bloom.

By following these simple recommendations, you can immerse yourself in the atmosphere of the city without unnecessary worries, explore its museums, and enjoy its unique architecture.