In Pretoria for your birthday? Whether local or visitor, there are plenty of fun ways to celebrate your special day in this South African city.

Pretoria is a treasure trove of adventures that’ll leave you in awe of its breathtaking parks and exciting locations.

In this article, we listed down 10 different ways to turn a year older in Pretoria!

What should I do for my birthday in Pretoria?

You can do a variety things for your birthday in Pretoria, whether you’re with a group or choose to go solo.

If you’re with your friends or family, you can enjoy fun activities like playing at Gotcha Paintball and having a picnic at Springbok Park.

Even if you’re spending your birthday alone, relish the moment by exploring Duncan Yard and participating in free Zulu lessons at Grounded at Echo.

Read on to learn more about each of these experiences in detail!

1. Visit Pretoria Zoo.

Established in 1899, the Pretoria Zoo is a family-friendly destination that was formerly known as the National Zoological Gardens. If you’re a fan of wildlife, touring this zoo is a perfect way to feel closer to them.

Dubbed the biggest zoo in South Africa, its land area covers 85 hectares and houses more than 1,000 different animal species. Popular animals include elephants, bears, white tigers and zebras.

Since it’s only 5.4 kilometres away from the city centre, you can easily get there with at your own convenience. 

2. Get competitive at Gotcha Paintball.

Gotcha Paintball is a fun activity that everyone will surely enjoy, both children and adults.

It has five different playing fields that you can choose from. Moreover, it has several packages depending on the number of people in your group.

Their birthday party offerings include the Elite and Platinum packages. The former is R280 per person with 4 games of 50 bullets for each individual, amounting to 200 paintballs.

Meanwhile, the latter is R395 per person with 4 games of 100 bullets for each individual, amounting to 400 paintballs.

They also have packages for people who bringtheir own guns, which entails discounts on your entrance fees.

Book ahead of time to ensure a spot and avoid any problems later on.

3. Explore Horseback Africa.

Horseback Africa promises fun activities for outdoorsy celebrants, such as horseback riding, hiking, and wildlife education tours. This is suitable for different kinds of groups, whether you’re with your family or friends.

You can also drop by their Wild Horse Restaurant, which is famous for their great-tasting pizza.

To maximise the experience, consider booking a lodge where there are various rooms available with free breakfast.

4. Have a picnic at Springbok Park.

For something simple and budget-friendly, consider having a birthday picnic at Springbok Park. It’s one of the oldest parks in the country and is considered a national monument to many.

Since it’s always open to the public, you can go there at your most convenient time. Moreover, there are no entrance fees so it can save you a lot of money.

This is a great spot for group-related events since the space is wide enough to accommodate everyone. Additionally, you’re surrounded by beautiful trees and lush vegetation.

Most locals call it a botanical garden, rather than a city park, because of its peaceful and beautiful environment.

5. Get out of your comfort zone at Climbing Barn.

Known as the number one indoor rock climbing gym in Pretoria, Climbing Barn is a great place to celebrate your birthday. It’s the fitting choice for all adrenaline junkies.

It’s a well-designed facility with many exciting obstacles for everyone, kids and kids-at-heart alike. 

They have a special package for celebrants and their guests, which includes all the gear you need and the best guidance from the well-trained staff.

6. Explore Duncan Yard.

Enjoy some me time while strolling around Duncan Yard. Located in the centre of Pretoria, it’s a boutique lifestyle centre where you can shop various vintage items.

If you’re into buying antiques and strange fashion pieces, this place is a great find for you. The entire place is filled with a bunch of exotic restaurants and quaint shops.

Apart from purchasing amazing items, you can also have some extra downtime at the Florist. It’s a salon that offers manicure services where you’ll get a great pampering session.

While you’re in the area, make sure to drop by nearby spots like the Relish Bistro and Hazel Food Market to make the most of your trip.

7. Enjoy good music at Park Acoustics.

Grab the chance to watch a music festival at Park Acoustics if you’re in Pretoria. It’s a monthly outdoor activity that’s often held at Fort Schanskop, Voortrekker Monument Reserve, Tshwane.

Even if you’re going solo, you’ll feel welcome in this festive atmosphere while listening to good music. It’s a well-visited event by most South Africans so you’ll instantly blend into the community through this experience.

You can even pack some treats to enjoy a solo picnic moment near the area. It’s a great chance to reflect on the past year that you had before you turned another year wiser and older.

Don’t miss the golden sunset too by finding the right spot that gives a perfect panoramic view of the city.

8. Get free Zulu lessons at Grounded at Echo.

In partnership with the ECHO Youth Development (NPO), Grounded at Echo community cafe was created in 2014. It’s a co-working space where you can connect with locals and learn more about the cultures and traditions of South Africa.

They offer free lessons about the Zulu culture and historical practices that you can participate in. 

9. Indulge in a self-care session at Sweet Face and Thai Massage Parlor.

Located in the heart of Brooklyn, Pretoria, the Sweet Face and Thai Massage Parlor is an amazing place to get that self-care session that you deserve. It’s a great gift to give yourself on your special day.

You can pick from a wide selection of massages here. Their most popular ones include the classic Thai massage and hot oil application. 

10. Take yourself out to dinner at De Kloof.

Mark your birthday with a glass of wine or a bottle of beer with a stunning view that’s too picturesque to ignore at De Kloof.

They have an extensive menu that features unique dishes and first-class wines. Crowdpleasers include the geelbek and blesbok.

To make a reservation, visit their website and fill in their automated booking form at the bottom part of their homepage. The restaurant will contact you immediately if your preferred date is available or not.

FAQs on Pretoria

Got any more suggestions that should be this list? Let us know in the comments below!