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No sleepy hollow
Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal
Natal Museum
© 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 is the capital and second-largest city in KwaZulu-Natal. It was founded in 1838 amid the forested hills and rolling countryside of the Natal Midlands. Pietermaritzburg has a strong colonial heritage and is one of the best-preserved Victorian cities in the world, yet today this vibrant city boasts an eclectic mix of Indian, isiZulu and English-speaking residents.
Pietermaritzburg entertainment includes sporting events, annual outdoor festivals and an agricultural show that is unparalleled in South Africa. It is a dynamic commercial, educational and industrial centre.
Timbered hills cradle the city and the Msunduzi River flows through its centre. It's from here that the famous Duzi paddlers depart on an annual three-day race to the coast.
Hike up the old Voortrekker wagon road to World's View plateau overlooking Pietermaritzburg from the northwest. Take in the panorama of the surrounds and the abundant parks and gardens that keep the city permanently green.
Pietermaritzburg attractions are linked to its history and one of the best ways to view the sites is on a self-guided Town Trails tour. These comfortable, easy-to-navigate walks through the city's historical centre take in 50 national monuments.
Look out for the hitching rails outside the Imperial Hotel, where Napoleon is said to have tethered his horse, as well as the handsome style of the Standard Bank building. The city's shopping area is in the CBD and provides a real treat for the avid buyer, albeit reminiscent of Victorian London.
Colourful azaleas contrast with the majestic indigenous trees that fill the National Botanic Gardens which become a riot of colour in summer.
Pietermaritzburg is an enchanting city with strong historical overtones and a great cultural heritage worth exploring. Its close proximity to Durban and the Natal Midlands makes it a pleasant detour from either the coast or the countryside.
Travel tips & Planning info
Who to contact
Pietermaritzburg Tourism Office
Tel: +27 33 345 1348
www.pmbtourism.co.za
How to get here
The city is centrally situated between Durban, the Drakensberg and KwaZulu-Natal’s game reserves, on the main N3 highway between Johannesburg and Durban; Pietermaritzburg is approximately 80km north of Durban by road. It has the Oribi Airport which serves national destinations and inter-city flights.
Around the area
Explore the nearby Midlands Meander arts and crafts route.
Get around
Taxis are plentiful and cabbies provide helpful information and useful trips around the city and suburbs. Metered taxi cabs operate in all major cities and towns. You will find taxi ranks at transport terminals, major hotels and shopping centres, or you can hail taxis in the street.
Length of stay
For a full exploration of the city, set aside a weekend to four days.
Where to stay
Pietermaritzburg is home to a range of accommodation from hotels to B&Bs and guest houses.
What's happening
The Comrades Marathon takes place annually, in June, between Pietermaritzburg and Durban. It has been run since 1921 and attracts thousands of entrants. The start of the race alternates between the two cities. In January there is an annual canoe race, Dusi Canoe Marathon, from Pietermaritzburg to Durban. The route follows the Msunduzi River into the Mgeni River, through the Valley of a Thousand Hills into the Inanda Dam and from here to the mouth of the Mgeni River. The Midmar Mile is one of the largest open-water swimming events in the world; taking place at Midmar Dam, north of Pietermaritzburg in February every year, it attracts over 16,000 swimmers from around the world.