5 Things to Do in Pretoria, South Africa

The official seat of the South African government, a grand sandstone complex designed by Herbert Baker on a hill overlooking the city, fronted by terraced gardens and a large statue of Nelson Mandela with arms outstretched. It's also where Mandela was inaugurated as president in 1994.

Good to know: The gardens are open to the public and free — a good spot for a walk even without going inside the buildings themselves.

A massive granite monument commemorating the 19th-century Great Trek of Afrikaner settlers, with an interior frieze depicting the journey in marble relief and a small museum covering this — genuinely central and contested — chapter of South African history.

Good to know: Climb to the dome for wide views over Pretoria — it's a good complement to visiting the Union Buildings on the same day.

The historic heart of old Pretoria, ringed by grand late-19th-century government and bank buildings and centered on a statue of former president Paul Kruger — a useful anchor for understanding the city before it became South Africa's administrative capital.

Good to know: Weekday lunchtimes bring out food vendors and a livelier atmosphere than weekends.

One of the largest zoos in the world by number of species, spread across a large landscaped site that also includes an aerial cableway offering views over the grounds — a good option if traveling with kids.

Good to know: The cableway (Wag-'n-Bietjie) gives a good overview of the layout early in your visit before deciding which sections to prioritize.

Pretoria earned its nickname 'Jacaranda City' from the tens of thousands of purple-blossoming jacaranda trees planted along its streets — most dramatic in late September through October when entire avenues turn violet overhead.

Good to know: Time a visit for late September/October if the jacaranda bloom is a priority — outside that window the trees are unremarkable.