Tshwane

Tshwane (former Pretoria) is a bustling multicultural city with clean paved streets, skyscrapers, and lots of history on offer. Its many historic landmarks make this city a must-visit for anyone looking to know more about South Africa’s complex past. From colonial times through the fight against apartheid, city tours and museums show it all. But the city has more in store! Laid-back culture lovers and adrenaline junkies won’t be disappointed. Go ziplining just outside the city’s boundaries, mountain biking and hiking in multiple nature reserves, and experience food markets, poetry and live music closer to the city centre. 

Pretoria, Tshwane or Jacaranda City?

Pretoria originally got its name from Andries Pretorius. He led the so-called ‘Voortrekker’ movement and was one of the first Dutch to settle in the city. In May 2005, however, the government changed the name Pretoria to Tshwane to represent its African roots. Tshwane means ‘we are the same’ in Setswana, which is the language of the native Tswana people. Unfortunately, the new name was not widely accepted by people without African roots, who persist in calling the city Pretoria (even though signs and official documents have been adapted).

Luckily, if you prefer to stay out of politics, you can also just call it Jacaranda City. It’s the name many in and out of South Africa give it, in honour of the gorgeous purple blossoms glowing throughout the city! 

The Great Trek

In 1652, Dutch settlers established a colony at the Cape of Good Hope near the coast, forcing slaves from all over Africa to work on their farms. Over time, tensions arose, however. A power struggle with the newly arrived Brits caused many of the Dutch Boers to embark on what became known as the ‘Great Trek’. They moved inland to establish new settlements and ended up in what later became Pretoria. The history of these Voortrekkers can still be seen at the Voortrekker Monument. Thankfully, slavery and Apartheid have long since been abolished. Today, Tshwane is a flourishing and multi-ethnic city full of innovation, diversity and creativity! 

Go high or go low

If you want to get active, you have plenty of stuff to choose from. Go to the Rietvlei Nature Reserve or the Groen Kloof Nature Reserve for hiking, game viewing or mountain biking. Thrillseekers can flock to Centurion Park, a supersportpark just outside the city, for adrenaline-pumping activities. Here, you can try the Tarzan Swings or a 50-meter-high and 500-meter-long zipline. And if you want to take it easy, the Pretoria Art Museum or the Hazel Food Market are there to discover. Be sure to also check the Klitsgrass Drumming Circle. Sit by the bonfire and shake a leg on traditional music with didgeridoos, tribal voices and drums!

Activities in Tshwane 

• Nature lovers can check out the National Zoological Gardens, the Austin Roberts Bird Sanctuary, or the Pretoria National Botanical Gardens.
• Go to the Wonderboom Nature Reserve to see the 1000-year-old fig tree called Wonderboom. 
• More into action? Check out the Hennops Hiking & Mountain biking farm trails, the Climbing Barn with 450 metres of climbing walls, or the Woodhill Golf Estate.
• History buffs cannot miss the Voortrekker monument, the Union Buildings with the statue of Nelson Mandela, Freedom Park, and the 8 Ditsong museums.
• For just cool city vibes, visit the flea market at Irene Village Market, The Barnyard Theatre or the artisan market of Craft@Brooklyn. 

Climate

Tshwane has a humid subtropical climate with long hot, rainy summers, and short, dry and mild winters (between June and September). However, nighttime temperatures in winter can get low due to clear skies, even down to -5 °C! Although the city has a relatively high altitude (1,339 metres above sea level), it still reaches an average annual temperature of 19 °C.

Best time to visit Tshwane

If you don’t mind much heat or heavy rains, Pretoria is great to visit all year round, since there’s always something to do. But springtime (from September to November) and autumn (from March to May) are the most pleasant for outdoor activities – and of course, to see the jacaranda trees in full bloom!

How to get to Tshwane

Thswane can be reached from all major South African cities by either car or plane. To give you an idea; it’s an hour’s drive from Johannesburg and a 2-hour flight from Cape Town (or a 15-hour drive if you feel like road-trippin’).