Pietermaritzburg

Pietermaritzburg is a large city located off the N3 between Johannesburg and Durban and is steeped in history that feeds the Midlands of KwaZulu-natal.

With a proud past, the city of Pietermaritzburg is a thriving, modern capital that has carried its history fully into the present, yet still encompasses a picturesque country feel. It plays host to spectacular sports events, annual outdoor festival and an agricultural show without parallel on Africa's east coast.

It's a regional hub for higher things: education, arts and government.

Hotels, nightclubs, restaurants and bed & breakfast establishments cater for every tourist need.

And it's a dynamic commercial, educational and industrial centre, with companies that are relocating into its orbit, drawn by a quality of life not easily obtained in South Africa's larger cities.

Yet the country is never far away. Timbered hills cradle the city and the Msunduzi River races through its centre. Climb the old Voortrekker wagon road up to the plateau overlooking Pietermaritzburg from the northwest, and the lush panorama of the province stretches before you from World's View, while abundant parks and gardens keep the city permanently green.

Accommodation directory for Pietermaritzburg

• The Colonial Guest House - comformatble B&B in Pietermaritzburg, near the University
• The Redlands Hotel and lodge offers luxurious hotel and self-catering accommodation in a quiet suberb of Pietermaritzburg
• Accommodation in Hilton is only a 10 minute drive away from Pietermaritzburg.

One of the best ways to bring local history alive is with one of the self-guided Town Trails. These are easy, comfortable walks through the city's historical centre - which includes 50 national monuments

Places of interest in Pietermaritzburg

• The University of Natal (1909)
• The Natal Museum and other museums in Pietermaritzburg
• The Tatham Art Gallery
• The Church of the Vow (1839), built to commemorate the 1838 Boer victory over Zulu forces
• Fort Napier, erected by the British in 1843
• Butterflies for Africa - walk-through Butterfly House, Craft Shop, Art Gallery, Coffee Bar, African Art & Craft Centre, Nursery and Butterfly Garden