South Africa: Things to Do in Johannesburg and Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa

Johannesburg is the starting point for many travellers arriving in South Africa and I expect not many stay more than a few hours due to the city’s unsavoury reputation. But if you do happen to stay for a few days here are a few ideas for things to do in Johannesburg and Pretoria.

Just to explain, South Africa’s administrative capital Pretoria is around 50 kilometres north of Johannesburg but urban sprawl has led to them merging geographically. I’d always advice staying in Pretoria rather than Johannesburg – it’s pretty and feels a lot safer. The air here is dry, thin, cool. Johannesburg and Pretoria are on the Highveld, a plateau that rises 1,753 metres or 5,751 feet in the east of South Africa.

The first thing to note is to visit in springtime (September/October in the southern hemisphere) to see the ‘Jacaranda City’ turn purple. There are thousands of these gorgeous trees planted in its streets, parks and gardens. The sight and the scent is heavenly. Feet crunch blossoms walking through the gracious streets of affluent suburbs, filling the air with a purple haze as the sun glints off green bullet-proof glass and razor wire. Up in the palatial area of Waterkloof you can see rare white Jacaranda trees on Herbert Baker Street. ...... (follow the instructions below for accessing the rest of this article).