Jacarandas in Pretoria, South Africa 2025

It's not a mere coincidence that Pretoria is called Jacaranda City—during the blooming season, the city turns purple with 70,000 blooming trees

Best time: late September–mid-November

Jacaranda is not native to South Africa. It was brought here from Brazil in the early 19th century and successfully integrated with the local flora. Pretoria in the Gauteng Province is especially prominent—in spring the magnetic purple bloom of 70,000 trees is seen all around the city.

Panoramic views of the city drowned in this purple sea are best taken in from Klapperkop Nature Reserve. At the foot of the northern slope, you'll also notice the row of white jacarandas—a sterile cultivar of the main species. Along Bosman and Cilliers Streets, you'll find the oldest jacarandas. The very first tree planted in Pretoria can be found on the corner of Eastwood and Stanza Bopape.

Locals love these purple trees. The students of Pretoria believe the tree can bring luck: if you study for an exam and blossoms fall onto your head, it means you'll successfully pass your exams. Another belief is that if you haven't started revising for the exam before the city turns purple, it's too late to begin.

The blooming season is from late September to mid-November, but mid-October is known as the prime time for blooms. During the season, the city also hosts the Pretoria Jacaranda Festival.