Where to View Jacaranda Trees in Bloom in Pretoria

We are at Loftus Park, next to the famous Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Pretoria. This is also the home of the Blue Bulls Rugby team. We are here because it is the starting point of the annual Jacaranda Tree Guided Walk, which is organised by the Centurion Hiking Club.

I have been looking forward to this one, as I have tried unsuccessfully in previous years to find the perfect streets to view the jacaranda trees.

It took me 20 minutes to get there from Centurion. We started early and got together at 7:00. Why so early, you might wonder. As we move into summer, it’s getting increasingly hotter. The sooner we start, the better. 22 Hikers were ready to view the famous jacaranda trees.

Before we get to that, let’s look at where it all started.

History

Origins

The jacaranda tree, native to South America, was introduced to South Africa in the early 1800s. JD Cilliers planted the first two jacaranda trees in Pretoria in 1888 in his garden at Myrtle Lodge. He was captivated by their beauty and believed they would be a perfect addition to the city’s landscape.

Best Time To View

In South Africa, jacaranda trees usually bloom in spring, from September to November. The exact timing may vary slightly depending on the specific location and weather conditions; however, October is generally considered the peak month for jacaranda blooms in Pretoria and Johannesburg.

Why Pretoria and Johannesburg

Pretoria and Johannesburg’s mild climate and fertile soil have proven to be ideal conditions for the growth and proliferation of jacaranda trees. These cities are renowned today for their stunning displays of purple blooms during spring.

Along The Walk

Along this walk, you can expect to see many jacaranda trees. It takes place in the suburbs. So we walked on the sidewalks between the houses.

It was early in the morning, so there were not many people and cars, which made it pleasant to walk around. Our guide made frequent stops to share historical information with us.

According to my AllTrails map, the walk was 5.15km, and there was a 76-meter elevation gain. It took us just under 2 hours to complete.

Where to View Jacaranda Trees in Pretoria

The following is the route we walked:

Exit Loftus Park and walk up Kirkness Street towards Park Street.
Go over Park Street.
As you go over Park Street, Kirkness Street becomes Eastwood Street.
Continue walking up Eastwood Street until you get to Government Avenue.

It’s an uphill walk towards Government Avenue. #welovehills #maximumeffort

In Government Avenue, turn left.
Walk down Government Avenue until you reach the Union Buildings entrance.

You can walk down to the left until you reach Blackwood Street.
As you walk down to Blackwood Street, you should see many jacaranda trees hanging over from within the Union Buildings property.

Turn around and walk back up to Government Street.
In Government Street, walk back the way you came until you see Beckett Street.

Turn right into Beckett Street and walk down.

As you go down Beckett Street, look for Osborn Street and turn left.
Walk to the T-junction and turn right into East Avenue.

Walk down East Avenue and turn left into Merton Avenue.
Walk down Merton Avenue until you reach Eastwood Street.

Turn right into Eastwood Street and go down back to Loftus Park.
You can detour to the right in Pretorius Street to see Christ Church Arcadia.

About The Church

Christ Church Arcadia is a historic Anglican church dating back to the early 1900s. Initially, services were held in the Arcadia Schoolroom, and the decision to build a permanent church came in 1904.

The church underwent several expansions, with the final phase of construction completed in 1962. Christ Church Arcadia has played a significant role in the community, serving as a place of worship, spiritual guidance, and social interaction.

From there, make your way back to Eastwood Street and walk back down to Loftus Park. Now you know where to view Jacaranda Trees in Pretoria.

Afterwards, at Loftus Park, you can finish your walk with some good coffee and maybe something to eat. I’m thinking of breakfast at the Seattle Coffee. I did not have time to test them out, but you should and let me know all about it.

Last Thoughts

My overall experience of the walk was positive. It was something I had been planning on doing for a while. I took many good photos from the walk and now have a better understanding of how it all fits together with the Union Building entrance and its gardens, etc., which is an outing for another time.

I can’t think of anything I disliked about the walk. Good people, an educational walk among the jacaranda trees, and exercise are all wins in my book.

That’s it from me on Where to View Jacaranda Trees in Bloom in Pretoria. I hope you have a better idea of what to expect and that it inspires you to go and check them out.

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