Two things which are particularly spectacular in South Africa in October are:
Pretoria isn’t known as the Jacaranda City for nothing – every October the city transforms into the most beautiful patchwork of mauve and purple.
My early morning walks are fantastic for seeing this natural spectacle without sharing it with too many cars and people.
The colours vary, depending on the time of day and lighting. And South African students believe that if a jacaranda flower falls on your head, it is a sign of good luck for your exams! But also, as soon as the jacarandas come out, it is a reminder to all students that exam time is imminent!
Jacaranda trees often cover the narrower roads, creating a tunnel of purple.
I only had my iPhone to hand, but started to snap away.
The colours were incredible – they hardly looked purple at all in that light.
But to people planning to visit South Africa, if you’re flying into Johannesburg around late October/early November. Do yourself a favour and spend the first night in the Jacaranda City (‘Jakarandastad’ in Afrikaans), Pretoria. Come and experience the natural street decoration.
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