Hotels in Pretoria

Pretoria: Administrative Capital on the Highveld

Pretoria, South Africa's executive capital, sits on the Highveld plateau at 1,340 m above sea level, roughly 55 km north of Johannesburg. The city is renowned for its jacaranda trees — an estimated 70,000 line the streets of suburbs like Arcadia and Sunnyside, turning the city purple each October and November. Founded in 1855 and named after Voortrekker leader Andries Pretorius, Pretoria blends colonial-era architecture with post-apartheid landmarks.

Where to Stay in Pretoria

Most hotels cluster around Church Square in the city centre, Hatfield near the University of Pretoria, and the Menlyn commercial district to the east. The Union Buildings, designed by Herbert Baker and completed in 1913, anchor the eastern ridge and are within walking distance of several guesthouses in Arcadia. The Voortrekker Monument stands 4 km south of the centre in Salvokop. Business travellers arrive for government and diplomatic functions; leisure visitors come for the National Zoological Gardens, one of Africa's largest zoos, and Mamelodi township cultural tours.

Practical Tips

• Getting there: OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg is 50 km south; the Gautrain connects Park Station (Johannesburg) to Pretoria in 37 minutes.
• Climate: October–November brings afternoon thunderstorms alongside jacaranda blooms; June–August is dry and mild.
• Currency: South African rand (ZAR). Most hotels accept major cards.