Dating in Pretoria: Best Free Sites & Apps

Dating in Pretoria

Pretoria, part of the City of Tshwane, is the seat of South Africa’s government and home to most of the country’s embassies. That gives it a large population of civil servants, diplomats and international staff, alongside a big student population at the University of Pretoria, UNISA’s headquarters and the Tshwane University of Technology. Afrikaans and English are both widely spoken, along with Setswana, Sepedi and other languages.

The city is quieter and more family-oriented than Johannesburg, about an hour away by car or a short ride on the Gautrain. Hatfield, near the university, is the student hub; Brooklyn, Menlo Park and Lynnwood are popular with young professionals; and the eastern suburbs around Menlyn and Faerie Glen have grown quickly. Many people date across both cities, so a radius that includes Midrand or northern Joburg can make sense.

Sites and apps for Pretoria

All the services in our South Africa ranking work in English:

• eDarling and be2, for a long-term relationship after a personality test.
• 40sDating, for singles in their 40s.
• Singles 50, our top-rated South African site, and 50sDating, for over-50s.
• 60sDating, for over-60s.

These sites are free to join, with messaging on a paid plan. Tinder, Bumble and Badoo let you chat with matches for free and are busy around Hatfield and the eastern suburbs.

Hatfield, Menlyn and the jacarandas

Hatfield has student bars, cafés and restaurants and is lively during term. Brooklyn and the Menlyn area have malls, restaurants and bars that suit a relaxed first date. Lynnwood and Menlo Park have smaller cafés and neighbourhood spots.

The Union Buildings and their gardens give views over the city and are a classic Pretoria outing. The Pretoria National Botanical Garden and the Groenkloof Nature Reserve are good for a walk. In October and November, the city’s jacaranda trees bloom purple, and a walk under them is a favourite seasonal date. The Magaliesberg and Hartbeespoort Dam are popular day trips.

Church groups, running clubs, parkrun, cycling, rugby and cricket are big parts of social life. The diplomatic community has its own events, and international staff often meet through embassy networks.

Safety tips

Meet in a public place such as a restaurant at a mall, arrange your own transport and share your location with a friend. Keep personal details private until you trust the person. Never send money, airtime or bank details to someone you met online.

Which site fits you in Pretoria?

All services work in English. In Pretoria, your age and whether you want something serious should guide your choice.

Embassy staffer, 33, from Kenya, living in Brooklyn

eDarling suits people who want a long-term relationship. Free tip: a walk around the Union Buildings gardens is a memorable first date.

University of Pretoria student, 21, in Hatfield

Tinder and Badoo have free chat. Free tip: campus societies and the Hatfield cafés are easy places to meet people.

Civil servant, 47, in Centurion after a divorce

40sDating keeps you among people at a similar stage of life. Free tip: suggest a walk at the Botanical Garden on a weekend morning.

Retired teacher, 64, in Waterkloof

60sDating and Singles 50 are made for mature singles. Free tip: jacaranda season is a lovely time for a first outing.

Dating in Pretoria: FAQ

Is Pretoria good for dating?

Yes. It has a large student population, many professionals and an international community, with Johannesburg close by.

What is the best dating site in Pretoria?

eDarling and be2 suit a serious relationship, and Singles 50 is our top pick for over-50s.

Which dating apps are free in Pretoria?

Tinder, Bumble and Badoo all let you chat with matches for free.

Where do singles go out in Pretoria?

Hatfield, Brooklyn, Menlyn, Lynnwood and Menlo Park are the main areas.