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Countryside rambles
Pietermaritzburg-Midlands
The majestic Howick Falls.
© South African Tourism
Did you know?
The Comrades Marathon, an annual Pietermaritzburg to Durban or Durban to Pietermaritzburg event, is the world's oldest and largest ultra-marathon road race.
Pietermaritzburg-Midlands is the region between the magnificent Drakensberg mountains and the eThekwini-Durban metro. Pietermaritzburg is a deeply historical city, and as such exploring its museums, historical routes and perfectly preserved Victorian architecture rate as top Pietermaritzburg activities.
Art galleries, antique stores, an African-inspired shopping mall and the surrounding Midlands Meander tourism route are all popular Pietermaritzburg attractions to include on your Pietermaritzburg-Midlands itinerary.
Pietermaritzburg was founded by the Voortrekkers (Dutch-speaking colonists who moved from the Cape to the interior) in 1838 and was once the capital of the Boer (Dutch-speaking farmers) republic, Natalia.
It is regarded as the birthplace of Mahatma Gandhi's non-violent resistance, satyagraha, as it was here that he decided to fight racial discrimination against Indians after being forcefully removed from a train for sitting in a first-class carriage.
Investigate this heritage on an historical walking tour, or visit the Natal Museum, Voortrekker Museum or Macrorie House. The Pietermaritzburg Botanical Gardens, Garden of Remembrance and Church Street mall with its African Arts and Crafts Centre also make for interesting day trips.
Beyond the city limits, the Victorian-inspired streets give way to beautiful countryside, characterised by rivers, farms, nature reserves and lush green hills that roll away to the Drakensberg mountains.
This is the home of the Midlands Meander, South Africa's first arts and crafts tourism route. The meander is scenic and bursts with attractions, featuring almost 200 destinations offering everything from handmade arts and crafts and homemade treats to world-class accommodation. Explore studios and galleries, country kitchens and homesteads and experience the true warmth of South African hospitality.
The midlands also feature a wealth of natural attractions. Visit the Midmar Dam and enjoy a picnic, lakeside walks and watersports, or pop in at the Albert Falls Dam Nature Reserve and go for a game drive, game walk or a spot of bass fishing.
Travel tips & Planning info
Who to contact
How to get here
Fly from any of South Africa’s major cities to King Shaka International Airport.
If you’re driving from Johannesburg take the N3 freeway direct to Pietermaritzburg. From Cape Town, take the N2 freeway to Durban. From Durban, pick up the N3 to Pietermaritzburg.
Tours to do
Historical tours of Pietermaritzburg; Victorian and Edwardian architectural heritage tours of Pietermaritzburg; the Midlands Meander tourism route; Midmar Dam; Albert Falls Dam Nature Reserve; Church Street mall, Garden of Remembrance, historic Railway Station, Natal Museum, Gandhi statue, the Botanical Gardens and Butterflies for Africa, all at Pietermaritzburg.
What to eat
Farm-fresh produce, homemade treats and preserves in the Midlands.
What's happening
Dusi Canoe Marathon at Pietermaritzburg in February; Grape Crushing Festival at Nottingham Road, Midlands, in April; Comrades Marathon at Pietermaritzburg in May; Fort Nottingham Highland Gathering at Fort Nottingham, Midlands, in May; Midlands Meander Slow Food Festival at the Midlands in June; Garden & Leisure Show at Pietermaritzburg in October.
Best buys
African arts and crafts at the African market of Church Street mall, Pietermaritzburg; local art, crafts, homemade treats and preserves along the Midlands Meander.
