Known as the 'Jacaranda City' Pretoria is one of the capital cities of South Africa, serving as the administrative capital of the country.
Historically the centre of government Pretoria hosts the executive branch of South Africa's government, including the seat of the president and cabinet. Numerous governmental departments and foreign embassies are also based in Pretoria.
The city of Pretoria is located in the Gauteng Province of northeastern South Africa. Pretoria is about 55 km (34 miles) northeast of Johannesburg. The city lies on both banks of the Apies River and extends into the foothills of the Magaliesberg Mountains to the east.
No, the city is still officially called Pretoria. Tshwane was proposed and approved as a new name by the names' council in 2005, but the new name is yet to be endorsed by the Minister of Arts And Culture. Pretoria falls under the greater Tshwane metropolitan municipality.
The Jacaranda City is so nicknamed for the profusion of purple-flowered jacaranda trees in its parks and gardens and along its streets. In spring (about October) the jacarandas are laden with lilac blossoms that fall to carpet the ground beneath them - a beautiful sight!
Pretoria is a pleasant, medium-sized city with interesting cultural and historical sights and of course the annual display of blossoming jacaranda trees. The city is home to a few universities, as well as embassies and government offices. Not surprisingly, it thus features a great selection of restaurants, bars and cafes.
The city centre is walkable and Pretoria is less congested and generally safer than Johannesburg and other larger African cities.
Use the Google map to explore Pretoria.