Pietermaritzburg Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Pietermaritzburg which includes a city, heritage architecture and a church or cathedral
Photo provided by South African Tourism
Photo provided by South African Tourism
Pietermaritzburg which includes a park, outdoor art and art
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, Comrades Marathon House and Golden Horse Casino are top sights worth seeing.

Scottsville
Road Lodge Pietermaritzburg
Road Lodge Pietermaritzburg
3 out of 5
Cnr. Hesketh Drive and New England Rd, Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal
The price is £42 per night from 20 Jul to 21 Jul
£42
20 Jul - 21 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Pietermaritzburg. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Scottsville Racecourse and Golden ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (370 reviews)
"Good value for what was needed on the night before Comrades. Good value breakfast in the morning."

Reviewed on 19 Jun 2025

Road Lodge Pietermaritzburg
Redlands Hotel
Redlands Hotel
4 out of 5
1 George MacFarlane Lane, Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal
The price is £72 per night from 7 Jul to 8 Jul
£72
7 Jul - 8 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Pietermaritzburg. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions statue of Gandhi and Tatham Art ...
Not worth the money
"The Hotel has so much potential but there is a clear lack of care. During breakfast the linen was dirty. The breakfast was poor considering it cost R200 per person. The hotel is not cheap, but leaves a lot to be desired."

Reviewed on 28 Oct 2024

Redlands Hotel
Golden Horse Hotel
Golden Horse Hotel
3.5 out of 5
45 New England Road, Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is £82 per night from 27 Jul to 28 Jul
£82
27 Jul - 28 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly hotel in Pietermaritzburg. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and 3 restaurants. Popular attractions Golden Horse Casino ...
Excellente
"Nice place to stay"

Reviewed on 9 Jun 2010

Golden Horse 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.
Clean,Comfortable & Centrally located Guesthouse
Clean,Comfortable & Centrally located Guesthouse
Pietermaritzburg
Stay at this apartment in Pietermaritzburg. Popular attractions Macrorie House Museum and The Old Prison are located nearby.
Clean,Comfortable & Centrally located Guesthouse
Cheap ,clean ,quiet and affordable guest house in a very quiet surburb
Cheap ,clean ,quiet and affordable guest house in a very quiet surburb
Pietermaritzburg, KZN
Stay at this holiday home in Pietermaritzburg. Enjoy a fitness centre, laundry facilities and air conditioning. Popular attractions Epic Karting and Scottsville ...
Cheap ,clean ,quiet and affordable guest house in a very quiet surburb
Bed and Breakfast at The White House
Bed and Breakfast at The White House
Pietermaritzburg, KZN
Stay at this holiday home in Pietermaritzburg. Enjoy laundry facilities, cable/satellite TV service and a hot tub. Popular attractions The Old Prison and Epic ...
Bed and Breakfast at The White House
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.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Reviews of Pietermaritzburg

5
Top destination
5 - Excellent
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5 - Excellent 100%
4 - Good
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4 - Good 0%
3 - Okay
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2 - Disappointing
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5/5 - Excellent

ABr

Beautiful and very peaceful town. One can live a good life here.