Founded in 1838, Pietermaritzburg is a lively industrial hub and the capital of South Africa’s KwaZulu-Natal province. It is named after two Vootrekker (“pioneer”) leaders, Piet Retief and Gerrit Maritz. The district municipality, however, is known by Pietermaritzburg’s Zulu name, umGungundlovu.
Things to do in Pietermaritzburg
In the heart of Pietermaritzburg is the KwaZulu-Natal Museum, which houses a fascinating array of cultural and natural history exhibits within a building that dates back to 1905. Get up close to a life-size model of a Tyrannosaurus rex and artefacts from a nearby shipwreck, then discover what it was like to host the FIFA World Cup in 2010. A highlight of the museum is its replica street allowing you to experience Pietermaritzburg in the Victorian era.
Green thumbs shouldn’t miss a visit to the KwaZulu-Natal National Botanical Garden, which was originally established in 1874. It not only showcases plants native to South Africa’s east but also species from the Northern Hemisphere. Stroll along the avenue of century-old plane trees and learn about indigenous medicinal plants in the Muthi Garden with its traditional Zulu hut.
Pietermaritzburg is a convenient base for exploring Maloti-Drakensberg Park, which spans the border between South Africa and Lesotho. Encompassing part of the Drakensberg Mountains, it supports globally significant montane and subalpine ecosystems. In addition to spotting bearded vultures and herds of eland, you can explore some of the 600+ rock art sites painted by the San people.
Getting around Pietermaritzburg
Pietermaritzburg Airport is a 10-minute drive from the city centre and has regular flights to Johannesburg. Durban’s King Shaka International Airport is 1.5 hours away. Trains connecting from Durban, Johannesburg and Cape Town stop at the Pietermaritzburg railway station and minibus taxis travel throughout the city, connecting most of its attractions.