VISITOR’S GUIDE TO PRETORIA AND SURROUNDINGS

PRETORIA AT A GLANCE

History Pretoria, the administrative capital of South Africa was established in 1855 following the Great Trek by white and black pioneers from the then British controlled Cape Colony.

Pretoria is named after its founder Marthinus Wessel Pretorius who was the son of a Voortrekker leader. After the pioneers settled around the streams flowing from the natural fountains in the South (today known as Fountains Valley), Pretoria became the capital of the Boer Republic in 1860.

The city was primarily designed as a capital city and there is a magical quality and spirit associated with capital cities worldwide. Pretoria is also known as “Tswana City” amongst the Sotho speaking members of the population. At this moment there is a debate going on whether the name Pretoria should be changed to “Tswana City”.

Population: in excess of 2 million
Area: approximately 900 square kilometres (350 sq miles)
Elevation: 1 370 meters (4 494 feet) above sea level
Average annual rainfall: 700 mm or 27,5 inches

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