Pietermaritzburg

Introduction

You will find yourself in Pietermaritzburg, the capital city of the KwaZulu-Natal province. Located in South Africa, this urban center serves as a significant hub within the region.

Before you go

Prepare for your visit by understanding the rich history of this industrial hub, where you can explore a landscape shaped by its role as a former capital and a center for government administration. You may notice the local influence in the name "umGungundlovu," which translates to "Place of the Elephant" or "The elephant wins," reflecting historical Zulu victories. Whether you refer to the city as Pietermaritzburg or its common abbreviations, Maritzburg or PMB, you will find a location rooted in both Voortrekker history and British colonial rule.

Pack for varying conditions depending on the season. You can expect summers to be warm and occasionally hot with frequent rainfall, while winters bring dry conditions with significant temperature variations and the possibility of light air frosts.

You can reach Pietermaritzburg easily by road, as the city sits along the major N3 freeway connecting Durban and Johannesburg. The R56 also provides a route linking the city to Cape Town, Port Elizabeth, and East London to the southwest.

If you prefer to fly, daily flights are available from Johannesburg, though you should account for potentially erratic service or high demand when booking. For those traveling by bus, regular daily services connect the city to major South African hubs; specifically, reliable round-trips run between Durban and Johannesburg with Pietermaritzburg serving as a key stop.

Train travel is an option on the route between Johannesburg and Durban, with overnight trains running every second day. While the journey from Durban takes a few hours, traveling from Johannesburg takes over half a day. If you arrive at the railway station located on the southwest edge of the city centre, exercise caution when traveling on foot in that area.

Getting around

Renting a car is your best option for navigating the city and its surroundings. While you can choose to walk to several local sights if you do not mind trekking several kilometres, be cautious when wandering through the Central Business District; while the area near City Hall is pleasant, you should avoid long walks into unfamiliar parts of the district.

Alternatively, you can use minibus-taxis or hire a private cab. Minibus-taxis are an affordable option but may be uncomfortable and occasionally unsafe. If you choose this method, head to the rank in Market Square within the Central Business District. To reach the heart of the city from the suburbs, look for a taxi heading toward "eTuwen" or "Town," but confirm with the conductor to ensure you are not headed toward eThekwini.

Where to stay

You can choose between historic accommodations in the heart of the city or more secluded retreats in the surrounding areas. For a stay with a sense of history, you can find high-end lodging in the downtown area that offers an old-world ambiance within its century-old walls.

If you prefer a different atmosphere, consider these options:

• A Georgian-style house located in the forested evergreen hills above the city provides a scenic view of the gardens.
• A bed and breakfast in Scottsville offers air-conditioned rooms and an on-site dining area for your meals.

Food & drink

Information regarding local dining and beverage options is currently unavailable.

What to see and do

Explore the historic architecture of the CBD, where you can visit the City Hall, a massive red brick Victorian structure that houses a large organ and hosts occasional concerts. Nearby, the Natal Society Library features a spacious wing for children, while the Tatham Art Gallery displays fine artwork and an ornate clock on its second floor. For a deeper look into local heritage, the Voortrekker / Msunduzi Museum depicts the cultural history of various groups in KwaZulu-Natal.

Nature lovers can find diverse landscapes in the KwaZulu-Natal National Botanical Gardens, where you can wander through forests and open grounds filled with indigenous flora. If you prefer to see wildlife, head to Queen Elizabeth Park on the hills above the city to see zebra and buck; keep a close watch on your food to ensure it isn't taken by monkeys. For those seeking local culture or entertainment, you can experience the local nightlife in various clubs and cocktail bars across different neighborhoods, or witness the atmosphere of the Comrades Marathon during its annual run.

You can choose to visit during the summer months when the weather is warm and occasionally hot, though you should prepare for frequent rainfall and wet conditions. Packing rain gear will help you navigate the humid atmosphere of the season.

Alternatively, you can experience the dry winter season, which features significant daily temperature swings. While nights are cool with the possibility of light air frosts, your days can remain pleasant under the clear skies.

Three days in Pietermaritzburg

Day one, you can begin your journey in the heart of Pietermaritzburg. You can explore the Central Business District to experience the local atmosphere and see City Hall.

Day two, you can travel through the surrounding areas or visit Market Square. You can spend your time exploring the town and taking in the sights of the region.

Day three, you can venture further into the landscape of KwaZulu. You can take a train or consider renting a vehicle to see more of the South African countryside.