Pietermaritzburg Travel Guide

Tourist Guide
Photo provided by South African Tourism
The "City of Flowers" is known for its colonial charm, gardens, historic buildings and rich mix of Zulu, Indian, Boer and British cultures.

With its parks, botanical gardens, leafy suburbs and surrounding countryside, Pietermaritzburg is known as the “City of Flowers”. Victorian and Edwardian-era buildings provide a glimpse into the colonial past of this modern, cosmopolitan city that blends Zulu, Indian, Boer and British cultures.

Soak up some of the city's pastoral treasures at the KwaZulu-Natal National Botanical Garden. Stroll among impressive specimens of camphor trees, tulip trees, giant figs and magnolias. Enjoy the roses, azaleas and bougainvillea in Alexandra Park. View hundreds of indigenous and exotic butterflies at Butterflies for Africa. The center’s walk-through Butterfly House also has a fabulous monkey enclosure.

Get in touch with Pietermaritzburg’s past on one of the Town Trails tours, a collection of self-guided walks that take in 50 of the city’s historic sites. Go to Pietermaritzburg train station where the father of Indian Independence and peaceful protest, Mahatma Gandhi, was arrested for traveling in a whites-only compartment. Stand by the hitching rails outside the Imperial Hotel where Napoleon is believed to have tied up his horse.

Marvel at the City Hall, an imposing colonial-era redbrick building which is reputed to be the largest brick building in the Southern Hemisphere. One of the city’s most elegant structures is the Old Supreme Court, built in 1875. Today, it’s home to the Tatham Art Gallery which holds collections of South African, British and French art dating back to the 18th century.

Familiarize yourself with Zulu culture at the Natal Museum which celebrates the natural and cultural history of the KwaZulu-Natal region, otherwise known as the "Zulu Kingdom." Shoppers will love the pedestrianized parts of the Central Business District. After browsing the independent specialty stores, galleries and craft shops, the city’s rich cafe, tavern and restaurant scene awaits.

Pietermaritzburg is approximately 50 miles (80 kilometers) to the northwest of Durban and 300 miles (490 kilometers) south of Johannesburg. It is situated on the main highway between the two cities and is also served by regular bus and rail services from both places.

Where to stay in Pietermaritzburg

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Scottsville

If you're spending some time in Scottsville, Golden Horse Casino and Scottsville Racecourse are top sights worth seeing.

Scottsville
Hidden Inn
Hidden Inn
3 out of 5
42 Thornycroft Place, Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal
The price is NZ$65 per night from 14 May to 15 May
NZ$65
per night
14 May - 15 May
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly B&B in Pietermaritzburg. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Popular attractions National Botanical Gardens ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (7 reviews)
hidden gem
"stay here regularly. value for money. hidden gem"

Reviewed on 31 Jul. 2022

Hidden Inn
Road Lodge Pietermaritzburg
Road Lodge Pietermaritzburg
3 out of 5
Cnr. Hesketh Drive and New England Rd, Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal
The price is NZ$84 per night from 13 May to 14 May
NZ$84
per night
13 May - 14 May
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Pietermaritzburg. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Scottsville Racecourse and Golden ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (351 reviews)
"very happy with my stay. The only drawback is the very noisy air conditioner - even on low fan mode."

Reviewed on 26 Feb. 2024

Road Lodge Pietermaritzburg
Redlands Hotel
Redlands Hotel
3.5 out of 5
1 George MacFarlane Lane, Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal
The price is NZ$251 per night from 13 May to 14 May
NZ$251
per night
13 May - 14 May
Stay at this 3.5-star spa hotel in Pietermaritzburg. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Popular attractions statue of Gandhi and Tatham Art ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (17 reviews)
Poor
"Hotel and room run down , large selection of the menu was not available. Not even local beverage like Castle lite"

Reviewed on 12 Jul. 2022

Redlands Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Bed and Breakfast at The White House
Bed and Breakfast at The White House
Pietermaritzburg
Stay at this vacation home in Pietermaritzburg. Enjoy cable/satellite TV service and a spa tub. Popular attractions The Old Prison and Epic Karting are located ...
Bed and Breakfast at The White House
Peace full and pRica tell located with a lovely Garden fully furnished Apartment
Peace full and pRica tell located with a lovely Garden fully furnished Apartment
Pietermaritzburg
Stay at this apartment in Pietermaritzburg. Enjoy air conditioning and an outdoor pool. Popular attractions Queen Elizabeth Park and Hindu temples are located ...
Peace full and pRica tell located with a lovely Garden fully furnished Apartment
Restwell Accommodation
Restwell Accommodation
12 Begonia Rd, Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal
Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a 24-hour front desk. Popular attractions Epic Karting and Scottsville Racecourse are located nearby.
Restwell Accommodation
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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