1322 Backpackers International

Welcome to Experience Pretoria

Welcome to Experience Pretoria, where affordable accommodation, genuine South African hospitality, adventure and unforgettable travel experiences come together.

For more than 21 years, we have welcomed travellers from South Africa and around the world, creating a relaxed, friendly and social home away from home in the heart of Pretoria’s vibrant Hatfield area.

Our goal is simple: to give every guest more than just a bed for the night. We want you to experience South Africa, meet fellow travellers, discover Pretoria and its surroundings, enjoy our unique social atmosphere and leave with memories that last long after your stay.

Whether you are a solo backpacker, a couple, a family, a group of friends, a local traveller, a student, a tour group or an international visitor, Experience Pretoria offers comfortable, affordable and safe accommodation designed to suit a wide variety of travellers.

Our Current Specials:

More Than Accommodation – It’s an Experience

Experience Pretoria is built around the idea that travelling should be about more than checking into a room.

It is about sitting around a South African braai with new friends, relaxing beside the pool, sharing stories with fellow travellers, exploring the city, discovering South African history and culture, and heading out on an exciting safari or day tour.

Our friendly team is here to help you make the most of your time in Pretoria. Whether you need advice on what to see, want to join one of our tours or simply want a comfortable place to relax after a day of exploring, you will find a welcoming atmosphere waiting for you.

Affordable, Comfortable Accommodation

We believe that travelling should not mean sacrificing comfort.

Our accommodation options provide affordable choices for solo travellers, couples, families and groups, with a selection of private rooms and dormitory accommodation.

Guests can enjoy clean and comfortable spaces, free WiFi, breakfast options, self-catering facilities and access to our communal areas.

Our accommodation includes:

Family Rooms

Our family accommodation is ideal for families travelling together, tour leaders and groups looking for a comfortable private space.

The Hakuna Matata Family Room offers a king-size bed with additional sleeping options for children, along with:

• Private en-suite bathroom and shower
• Free WiFi
• Basic breakfast included
• Access to the self-catering kitchen

Private Tribal Village Rooms

Become part of the tribe with our unique African-themed private rooms.

We have six individually themed rooms offering either twin beds or a double bed. These rooms are perfect for travellers wanting privacy, couples looking for a comfortable stay, or larger groups who want to book multiple rooms together.

Guests enjoy:

• Private en-suite bathroom and shower
• Free WiFi
• Basic breakfast included
• Access to the self-catering kitchen

Private “Bok” Rooms

For travellers looking for an affordable private room with a taste of South African wildlife, our six “Bok” themed rooms offer a memorable option.

Rooms feature either twin beds or a double bed and are suitable for solo travellers, couples and medium-sized groups.

Facilities include:

• Free WiFi
• Basic breakfast included
• Self-catering kitchen
• Shared bathroom facilities

Dormitory Accommodation

For the true backpacker experience, our dormitories offer affordable accommodation where travellers can meet, socialise and share their travel stories.

We have four dormitories of different sizes, with bunk beds or single beds. A ladies-only dormitory is also available.

Dormitory guests enjoy:

• Free WiFi
• Basic breakfast included
• Self-catering kitchen
• Shared bathroom facilities
• Private showers for the ladies' dormitory

A True South African Social Experience

One of the things that makes Experience Pretoria special is our social atmosphere.

Travelling is better when you have people to share it with.

Relax in our communal spaces, meet fellow travellers from different countries, enjoy a traditional South African braai, have a drink at the cash bar or simply spend the afternoon in the garden beside the pool.

Our property encourages guests to connect, relax and enjoy the laid-back spirit of South Africa.

From conversations around the braai to friendships made during tours, we believe some of the best travel memories happen when people come together.

Safe, Secure and Convenient

Your comfort and security are important to us.

Our gated property features access control and secure parking, providing guests with peace of mind throughout their stay.

We also offer free WiFi, allowing you to stay connected with family, friends and work while travelling.

With solar power helping us maintain electricity during load shedding, you can enjoy greater peace of mind while staying connected.

Our Facilities

Experience Pretoria offers a range of facilities designed to make your stay comfortable, convenient and enjoyable.

Guests can enjoy:

• Sparkling swimming pool
• South African braai facilities
• Cash bar
• Relaxing garden
• Self-catering kitchen
• Communal lapas
• Communal chill spaces
• Secure parking
• Wheelchair-friendly facilities
• On-site catering
• Free WiFi
• Breakfast
• Solar power and reduced impact from load shedding

Whether you want to socialise or simply relax after a long day of travelling, there is space to make yourself at home.

Your Gateway to Pretoria

Our location makes Experience Pretoria an excellent base from which to discover the capital city and the many attractions surrounding it.

Pretoria is a city filled with history, culture, architecture, nature and adventure. From iconic landmarks and museums to wildlife experiences and cultural attractions, there is something for every traveller.

Our team can help you discover the best of Pretoria through guided tours and organised excursions.

Discover Pretoria With Us

Union Buildings

Visit one of Pretoria’s most recognisable landmarks and discover South Africa’s iconic seat of government. The Union Buildings also offer spectacular views across the city.

Voortrekker Monument

Explore this impressive granite monument and learn more about an important chapter in South African history while enjoying panoramic views over the surrounding landscape.

Kruger House Museum

Step into the preserved former home of President Paul Kruger and discover a fascinating part of Pretoria’s history.

Church Square

Explore the historic heart of Pretoria, surrounded by impressive architecture and landmarks that tell the story of the city.

Our Pretoria Day Tour

Our guided Pretoria day tour brings the city’s major attractions together in one convenient experience.

The tour includes visits to:

• Church Square
• Voortrekker Monument
• Kruger House Museum
• Union Buildings

Transfers are included and entrance fees are covered.

Experience More Than Pretoria

Your adventure does not have to stop at the city limits.

Experience Pretoria also offers a variety of full-day and half-day excursions, allowing guests to discover the incredible diversity of Gauteng and surrounding areas.

From mountains and wildlife to cultural experiences, diamond mines and South Africa’s fascinating history, our tours make it easy to explore more.

Hartbeespoort Day Tour

Enjoy a relaxed full-day excursion to the beautiful Hartbeespoort area.

The tour can include the Hartbeespoort Aerial Cableway, offering spectacular views across Hartbeespoort Dam and the Magaliesberg Mountains.

Guests can enjoy viewing decks, walking paths, photographs, art installations and local shops.

The tour may also include:

• Hartbeespoort Dam and surrounding areas
• Optional boat cruises
• Lunch at Upper Deck Restaurant
• Hartbeespoort Snake & Animal Park
• Chameleon Village and local markets

This approximately 6–8 hour tour is ideal for travellers wanting a combination of scenery, relaxation, shopping, culture and sightseeing.

Cradle of Humankind & Sterkfontein Caves

Travel millions of years into the past with a fascinating journey to the Cradle of Humankind, one of South Africa’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

The experience includes a visit to the world-famous Sterkfontein Caves, known for significant fossil discoveries, followed by a visit to the Maropeng Visitor Centre.

The Maropeng experience takes visitors on a journey through the history of our planet and the development of humankind.

Discover fossils, ancient tools, evolutionary history and fascinating stories about where we came from.

Johannesburg & Soweto Ultimate Tour

Discover Johannesburg and Soweto on an educational and unforgettable journey through South Africa’s modern history.

The experience can include:

• Carlton Centre
• Constitution Hill
• Apartheid Museum
• Soccer City / FNB Stadium
• Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital
• Orlando Towers
• Hector Pieterson Museum
• Vilakazi Street
• Soweto

Explore Vilakazi Street, famous for once being home to two Nobel Peace Prize laureates, Nelson Mandela and Archbishop Desmond Tutu.

Visit the Hector Pieterson Museum and learn about the events surrounding the 1976 Soweto uprising.

This is a powerful journey through South Africa’s history, culture and transformation.

Lesedi Cultural Village

Experience an authentic and immersive celebration of South Africa’s diverse cultures at Lesedi Cultural Village.

Guests can discover traditional customs, stories, music and dance while visiting traditional homesteads representing:

• Zulu
• Xhosa
• Pedi
• Basotho
• Ndebele

The experience includes traditional dancing and the opportunity to learn about the cultures, traditions and everyday lives of the communities represented.

Guests can also enjoy an African feast and browse local arts, crafts and curios.

Cullinan Diamond Mine

Travel to the historic town of Cullinan and discover the fascinating world of diamond mining.

Cullinan is famous for the discovery of the Cullinan Diamond in 1905, the largest rough gem-quality diamond ever discovered.

Depending on the experience selected, visitors can explore the mine through surface or underground tours.

The surface experience includes information about the mine, famous diamond replicas, mining operations and viewing areas.

The underground experience provides an opportunity to travel deep beneath the surface and see aspects of the mining operation firsthand.

The experience concludes with an opportunity to visit the Cullinan Diamond Mine jeweller.

Safari Adventures

For many visitors to South Africa, no trip is complete without experiencing the African bush.

Experience Pretoria offers access to a variety of safari experiences, from short excursions to longer adventures.

Dinokeng Game Reserve

Located in malaria-free Gauteng, Dinokeng Game Reserve is home to free-roaming Big Five wildlife.

The reserve covers approximately 18,500 hectares and is conveniently located close to Pretoria, making it an excellent option for travellers with limited time.

Depending on sightings and conditions, guests may encounter:

• Elephant
• Lion
• Rhino
• Buffalo
• Leopard
• Cheetah
• Brown hyena
• Giraffe
• Zebra
• Antelope and other wildlife

Our Dinokeng experience can include:

• Daily departures
• Open-vehicle safari
• Return transport from Experience Pretoria
• Small groups

Pilanesberg National Park

For an unforgettable wildlife adventure, discover Pilanesberg National Park.

Located in a spectacular ancient volcanic landscape, Pilanesberg offers visitors the opportunity to experience a wide variety of wildlife in a malaria-free environment.

The park is home to the famous Big Five:

• Elephant
• Rhino
• Buffalo
• Lion
• Leopard

Other wildlife may include cheetah, wild dog, hippo, crocodile, brown hyena and numerous plains-game species.

Our Pilanesberg safari experience can include:

• Two open-vehicle game drives
• Light lunch
• Return transport from Experience Pretoria
• Small groups

Kruger National Park

Take your adventure even further with a journey into the legendary Kruger National Park.

Our Kruger experiences are ideal for travellers who have limited time but still want to experience one of Africa’s most famous wildlife destinations.

With a variety of tour lengths available, guests can choose an adventure that suits their schedule and travel plans.

Get ready for unforgettable wildlife encounters, spectacular landscapes and the true magic of the African bush.

Perfect for Solo Travellers, Couples, Families and Groups

Experience Pretoria welcomes travellers from all walks of life.

Whether you are travelling alone and looking to meet new people, travelling as a couple, bringing the family on holiday or organising a large group, we have accommodation and experiences to suit you.

Our facilities and accommodation can accommodate groups of up to 80 people, making us an excellent choice for tour groups, school groups, organised travel groups and other larger parties.

Hospitality That Feels Like Home

Our team is at the heart of Experience Pretoria.

We believe that great hospitality is about more than providing clean rooms and useful facilities. It is about making guests feel welcome, helping them discover the destination and being there when they need assistance.

Our friendly South African team is ready to help you plan your stay, recommend experiences and make your time with us as comfortable and memorable as possible.

From the moment you arrive until the day you leave, our aim is for you to feel that you have found a genuine home away from home.

What Our Guests Say

Our guests have described Experience Pretoria as a friendly, affordable and comfortable place where travellers can relax, meet people and enjoy Pretoria.

Guests have highlighted our comfortable rooms, social atmosphere, self-catering facilities, WiFi, swimming pool, convenient location and friendly staff.

We are proud of the experiences shared by travellers from South Africa, the United States and around the world.

21 Years of Welcoming Travellers

With more than 21 years open and over 100,000 customers served, Experience Pretoria has built a long history of welcoming travellers and creating memorable stays.

Our experience has taught us that every traveller is different, but everyone appreciates the same things: a warm welcome, a safe place to stay, comfortable accommodation, good value and the opportunity to experience something new.

Our Vision

Our vision is to be the most loved and trusted home for travellers from around the world — a place where comfort, adventure and connection come together to create unforgettable experiences.

We strive to redefine affordable travel accommodation by combining comfort, value, fun and genuine hospitality.

We want every guest to leave feeling refreshed, inspired and eager to return — not only because of their accommodation, but because of the friendships, adventures and memories created during their stay.

Our Mission

Our mission is to provide more than simply a place to sleep.

We aim to create a welcoming and vibrant environment where travellers can experience South African hospitality, connect with other people and discover the incredible destinations around Pretoria and beyond.

Through comfortable accommodation, friendly service, social spaces, tours, cultural experiences and adventure activities, we work to make every stay special.

• We believe in the power of travel to bring people together.
• We believe in adventure.
• We believe in community.

And most importantly, we believe that some of the greatest travel memories are created when people feel at home while discovering somewhere new.

Why Choose Experience Pretoria?

When you stay with us, you get more than accommodation.

You get:

• Affordable accommodation
• Private rooms and dormitories
• Family-friendly options
• Group accommodation for up to 80 guests
• Free WiFi
• Breakfast
• Self-catering facilities
• Swimming pool
• South African braai facilities
• Cash bar
• Communal social spaces
• Relaxing gardens
• Secure parking
• Gated access control
• Solar power
• Wheelchair-friendly facilities
• Friendly South African hospitality
• Guided Pretoria tours
• Cultural experiences
• Safari adventures
• Day tours around Gauteng and beyond

Come Stay, Explore and Experience South Africa

Whether you are looking for an affordable place to stay in Pretoria, planning a South African adventure, travelling with a group or simply searching for somewhere friendly and relaxed to call home while you explore, Experience Pretoria is ready to welcome you.

• Stay with us.
• Meet new people.
• Explore Pretoria.
• Discover South African history and culture.
• Experience the wildlife.
• Share stories around the braai.
• Create memories that will stay with you long after your journey ends.

Your Home Away From Home Awaits

Experience Pretoria — where travellers come to stay, explore, connect and experience South Africa.

Our team is ready to welcome you to your home away from home.