- The city was briefly the capital of the Boer Republic of Natalia before becoming a British colony in 1843.
- It is frequently referred to as the City of Flowers due to its annual Azalea Festival and abundant gardens.
- The city layout retains much of the original Voortrekker grid pattern established during its 1838 founding.
- Pietermaritzburg hosted the 1893 incident where Mahatma Gandhi was removed from a train, sparking his philosophy of non-violent resistance.
- The city is one of the few places in South Africa where Victorian-era red-brick civic buildings remain largely intact and operational.
About Pietermaritzburg
Pietermaritzburg serves as the capital of KwaZulu-Natal, characterized by its well-preserved Victorian architecture and status as a critical administrative hub. The city is defined by its deep historical roots, ranging from colonial heritage to significant religious diversity evident in landmarks like the Habibia Soofie Mosque. Visitors can engage with local history at the Tatham Art Gallery or enjoy the surrounding landscape at the Bisley Valley Nature Reserve. The city acts as a gateway to the Drakensberg mountains and the Midlands Meander. It maintains a distinct identity as a center of educational and governmental activity in the province.
Highlights of Pietermaritzburg
The places our editors single out — and why they're worth your time.
Museums
Explore one of the finest art collections in South Africa housed within an elegant, historic building.
Parks
Observe giraffes and various antelope species in a natural savanna environment located within city limits.
Parks
Gain a panoramic vantage point over the city basin and surrounding valley from this elevated park.
Temples
Experience the architectural and cultural significance of one of the city's oldest and most respected Islamic sites.
Parks
Walk through mature gardens that serve as a central green lung for the city’s historic district.
Temples
Visit a site notable for its distinct religious architecture and role in the local Catholic community.
Top things to do in Pietermaritzburg
The 109 highest-rated places in Pietermaritzburg, ranked by travellers.
1
Zoos
The Natal Zoological Gardens in Cato Ridge is a long-standing wildlife facility located between Durban and Pietermaritzb...
2
Museums
The KwaZulu-Natal Museum is a prominent human and natural history institution located in the capital city of Pietermarit...
3
Venues
Harry Gwala Stadium is a multi-purpose sports facility located in Pietermaritzburg, South Africa, primarily used for foo...
4
Parks
Ezemvelo KZN-Nature Reserve serves as the primary headquarters and administrative hub for Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife, the pro...
5
Parks
Cumberland Nature Reserve is a 320-hectare private conservation area situated in the Bisley Valley/Bishopstowe area of P...
6
Temples
One Life Church South Site is a contemporary, multi-campus religious institution situated in the Westgate area of Pieter...
7
Temples
Mountain Rise Mosque & Madressa is a central religious and educational hub serving the Muslim community in the Mountain...
8
Parks
Alexandra Park is a 55-hectare municipal park in Pietermaritzburg, serving as the city's primary green space for recreat...
9
Venues
The Hexagon Theatre is a prominent performing arts venue located on the University of KwaZulu-Natal Scottsville campus i...
10
Parks
Bisley Valley Nature Reserve is a 300-hectare thornveld sanctuary located on the outskirts of Pietermaritzburg. The rese...
11
Museums
The Tatham Art Gallery is one of South Africa's premier art museums, situated in the historic city of Pietermaritzburg....
12
Temples
The Habibia Soofie Mosque is located at 189 Masukwana Street in Pietermaritzburg, South Africa, and forms part of the hi...
13
Parks
Nansindlela Socio Eco Park is a community-driven green space located in Pietermaritzburg, South Africa, designed to blen...
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Parks
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Pietermaritzburg on the map
Top attractions plotted across the city.
Plan your visit to Pietermaritzburg
April to June, as the weather is mild, dry, and avoids the extreme summer humidity and heavy rainfall.
2-3 days, sufficient to explore the historical city center, local museums, and one nearby nature reserve.
The city is best navigated by private vehicle or metered taxi, as public transit infrastructure is limited for tourists.
Stay in the suburbs of Scottsville or Pelham for convenient access to the city center and proximity to major arterial roads.
Mid-range; accommodation and dining options are generally more affordable than in nearby major urban centers like Durban.
Frequently asked
Aventuro lists 109 curated attractions in and around Pietermaritzburg, ranked by traveller ratings.
Natal Zoological Gardens is the highest-rated place to visit in Pietermaritzburg right now.
The largest category is temples, with 87 places to explore.
Travellers also explore Cape Town, Johannesburg, Pretoria.
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Other cities ranked by number of curated places.
