10 Best Things To Do Alone In Pretoria, South Africa

Stephen
Posted Mar 04, 2023
| 5 min read

Situated in the Gauteng province in South Africa, Pretoria, also known as Tshwane, is an attractive city which sits on one side of the Apies River and it extends into the foothills of the Magaliesberg mountains. It might not be as popular as other cities in South Africa like Johannesburg and Cape Town, but Pretoria has a myriad of wonders to offer than just what you see in the eyes. During the spring, the streets are purple-themed with the blossoming Jacaranda trees even earning it the nickname Jacaranda City. If you are traveling alone to this city then scroll below for a guide to some of the best things to do alone in Pretoria.

1. Have fun on a Sunday at Klitsgras Drumming


Klitsgras is a venue that brings people together from all over the world to come and enjoy a unique African experience. Klitsgras Drumming features drumming seasons and dancing around a fire. With its music, it brings out a good feeling and mellow mood. Grab a beer or whatever drink you like with a pizza and watch people dance around the fire or even try out your drumming skills. Chillin’ Sunday sessions and kick back is an event which occurs at this venue the first Sunday of every month, except for January. Get to enjoy a woodfired pizza or a pre-ordered picnic basket as you listen to acoustic music.

Klitsgras Drumming

Address: Garsfontein Rd, Tierpoort, 0056, South Africa

Website: Klitsgras Drumming

Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 8am - 4pm; Sat: 9am - 5pm (closed on Sunday)

2. Enjoy the view of Pretoria from the Camera Obscura

Found at Pretoria University, the Camera Obscura is a unique architecture invention that gives you the chance to view the whole of Pretoria. The camera is fixed in a dark room and has different lenses which provide different views of Pretoria as you change the direction of the lenses. You will be able to observe the beehive activities by people and birds scampering around. During the morning hours is when you can get to see the best views of Pretoria when it’s being illuminated by the golden sun rays from the east. If you’re lucky enough, you might be able to spot vehicles on the pass in the Magaliesberg.

The Camera Obscura

Address: Lynnwood Rd, Hatfield, Pretoria, 0002, South Africa

Website: The Camera Obscura

3. Visit the vibrant Market @ the Sheds


Market @ The Sheds is a trendy, multi-space precinct development in the heart of Pretoria city hosted at 012 central. Do you love good vibes and sweet music? This social market is the place you should be making your next stop. With the aim of creating a hospitable environment for everyone no matter the culture or background, Pretoria’s hippest inner-city market comes out as the best of city markets with an African urban feeling. It brings together artists, musicians, designers, and local entrepreneurs all with the same purpose, to entertain and get entertained. The market happens every last Saturday of the month.

Market @ The Sheds

Address: 387 Helen Joseph St, Arcadia, Pretoria, 0001, South Africa

Website: Market @ The Sheds

Opening hours: Sat: 11am - 8pm (closed from Sun - Fri)

4. Take Zulu lessons at Grounded at Echo Café


Many people like to have social meetings or business meetings over a coffee which has made coffee more than a drink. Grounded at Echo is a place which brings communities together and gives birth to new ideas. Grounded at Echo has become famous over the years with its tasty coffee and insightful ideas. People from all over Pretoria and South Africa at large, even other parts of the world come to this place to learn about Zulu culture and historical practices. You should spare a few hours of your busy to schedule and pay the Grounded at Echo to learn more about Zulu culture.

Grounded at Echo Café

Address: Shop 1, 353 24th Ave, Villieria, Pretoria, 0186, South Africa

Website: Grounded at Echo Café

Opening hours: Mon - Tue & Thu - Fri: 6am - 5pm; Wed & Sat: 8am - 1pm

5. Enjoy a glass of wine at Afro Boer


Afro Boer is an incredible restaurant which serves a plethora of delicious dishes and good wine. If you were looking for a way to treat your sweetheart, maybe you are looking in the wrong places. Treat your love to a romantic dinner as you share blissful moments together. This place features a garden setting where people gather to treat their taste buds with delicious snacks, breakfast and lunch gourmets. It boasts a variety of delicacies like the incredible cakes that will water your mouth and leave you yearning for more. Get to enjoy a romantic date full of memories the South African way.

Afro Boer

Address: Meerlust Rd, Equestria, Pretoria, 0050, South Africa

Website: Afro Boer

Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 7am - 5pm; Sun: 8am - 3:30pm

6. Head to the 1000-year-old Wonderboom fig tree

The Wonderboom is a mysterious fig tree which has been in existence for over 1,000 years. It is unique in that it has had 13 daughter trees around it creating a vast shaded area that spans quite a large surface. It is believed that it can shelter up to 1,000 people at once. A nature reserve has been put up around the Wonderboom so as to make sure that it’s protected and well taken care of. From the Fort of Pretoria, you will be able to get amazing views of this iconic landmark. There’s a fort built within its vicinity for protection against the British.

Wonderboom Nature Reserve

Address: Wonderboom, Pretoria, 0182, South Africa

Website: Wonderboom Nature Reserve

Opening hours: 7am - 7pm (daily)

Price: 20 - 40 ZAR (2 - 3 USD)

7. Catch a show at Park Acoustics


Are you bored on a Sunday and have no fun activity to do? Don’t worry, take your loved one by hand and head to the Park Acoustics. This is a once-a-month outdoor music festival which is usually held at Fort Schanskop in the Voortrekker Monument Reserve in Tshwane. People from all over South Africa stream here to watch to rock and rap stars performing and catch some of South Africa’s most loved indie and folk. It offers a relaxed mood which is perfectly suitable for a picnic. Enjoy some great moments with your love and catch the golden sunset over the city.

Park Acoustics

Address: Eeufees Rd, Groenkloof 358-Jr, Pretoria, 0027, South Africa

Website: Park Acoustics

Price: 11 USD onwards

8. Explore Duncan Yard


Perfectly situated in the heart of Pretoria, Duncan Yard is a unique boutique lifestyle center where you can buy a unique antique or if you like fashion, find something that suits your taste. Make sure before your vacation in South Africa is over you visit Duncan Yard so that may shop for a thing or two to take back home with you. It features the Florist at Duncan Yard, where you can have a manicure as you enjoy the tranquil atmosphere with a fresh scent of flowers. Don’t stay hungry as you treat your taste buds with delicious meals at Deli on Duncan or at Papa’s Real food.

Duncan Yard

Address: Cnr Prospect and Jan Shoba Street, Duncan St, Hatfield, Pretoria, 0083, South Africa

Website: Duncan Yard

Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 9am - 5pm; Sat: 9am - 3pm; Sun: 10am - 2pm

9. A thrilling experience at The Climbing barn


Are you thrilled by heights? Then it is fantastic for you to challenge yourself by climbing a barn. Take your family for an outdoor activity that could include a picnic and surely climbing the barn would be a wonderful option. This is a well-designed facility that is made to provide thrilling fun as well as challenging yourself in a safe environment. You will definitely have fun but also you will be able to meet new people and learn a skill or two about climbing. The Climbing Barn also has a well-trained, skilled, and committed staff that will guide you through to ensure you have a wonderful safe fun day.

The Climbing Barn

Address: Plot 210 Korhaan Dirt Rd, Mooiplaats, Pretoria, 0036, South Africa

Website: The Climbing Barn

Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 4pm - 10pm; Fri: 4pm - 9pm; Sat - Sun: 10am - 6pm

10. Tour Pretoria National Botanical Garden (from USD 92.0)

This is a five-hour field excursion which kicks off by people being picked up from designated Sandton and Rosebank hotels. Explore this meticulously beautiful city informally referred to as the Jacaranda City because of its charming purple streets during Jacaranda’s flowering season. Take a walk around the Church Square surrounded by buildings featuring historical architecture. That’s not all, for still there is much more to see such as the Voortrekker Monument which is built with granite. Before you conclude this tour, make sure to visit the City Hall, the Union Buildings, and Paul Kruger House which form the official seat of the South African government and the offices of the president.

Pretoria Half-Day Tour

Things you will love about Pretoria

Pretoria is an ideal place to kick start your wonderful vacation in South Africa. This will give you the opportunity to learn about the culture and diversity of the South African people as well as get to know how South Africa came to be what it is today.

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