Hotels in Pretoria Pretoria, the administrative capital of South Africa, is known as the Jacaranda City for all the purple blossom-bedecked trees, which line its thoroughfares, Pretoria is a lovely, quiet city. It has a long, involved and fascinating history. Here you will find significant old buildings and fascinating museums. Pretoria is the perfect place for an overnight stay before or after our luxury Blue Train or Rovos Rail train journeys.