Title: Pietermaritzburg Travel Guide: Best of Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal Travel 2025 | Expedia.co.uk [Hotels in Pietermaritzburg](https://expedia.co.uk/Pietermaritzburg-Hotels.d2924.Travel-Guide-Hotels)[Holiday Rentals in Pietermaritzburg](https://expedia.co.uk/Pietermaritzburg-Holiday-Rentals.d2924.Travel-Guide-HolidayRentals)[Flights to Pietermaritzburg](https://expedia.co.uk/Cheap-Flights-To-Pietermaritzburg.d2924.Travel-Guide-Flights)[Things to do in Pietermaritzburg](https://expedia.co.uk/Things-To-Do-In-Pietermaritzburg.d2924.Travel-Guide-Activities)[Pietermaritzburg Car Hire](https://expedia.co.uk/Compare-Cheap-Car-Hire-In-Pietermaritzburg.d2924.Car-Hire-Guide)[Pietermaritzburg Holidays](https://expedia.co.uk/Pietermaritzburg.d2924.Holidays-City-Breaks) # Pietermaritzburg Travel Guide ## Tourist Guide ![Pietermaritzburg which includes a city, heritage architecture and a church or cathedral](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/89000/89190-Pietermaritzburg.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![Photo provided by South African Tourism](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/44000/44753-Pietermaritzburg.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) [Photo provided by South African Tourism](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/44000/44753-Pietermaritzburg.jpg) ![Photo provided by South African Tourism](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/44000/44749-Pietermaritzburg.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) [Photo provided by South African Tourism](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/44000/44749-Pietermaritzburg.jpg) ![Pietermaritzburg which includes a park, outdoor art and art](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/70000/70480-Pietermaritzburg.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![Photo provided by South African Tourism](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/44000/44750-Pietermaritzburg.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) [Photo provided by South African Tourism](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/44000/44750-Pietermaritzburg.jpg) ## Visit Pietermaritzburg Where to stay Things to do Reviews #### 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 centre’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 travelling 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. Familiarise 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 kilometres) to the northwest of Durban and 300 miles (490 kilometres) 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 ![Default Image](https://images.trvl-media.com/media/content/expus/graphics/deals/TE_Clouds_card_r1.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=350&h=192&q=medium) ### Scottsville If you're spending some time in Scottsville, Golden Horse Casino and Scottsville Racecourse are top sights worth seeing. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Pietermaritzburg-Scottsville.dx553248635974578098) - Top hotels in Pietermaritzburg - Top Holiday Rentals in Pietermaritzburg ![Road Lodge Pietermaritzburg](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/14000000/13250000/13243900/13243802/83e0e21f_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Road Lodge Pietermaritzburg Cnr. Hesketh Drive and New England Rd, Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal £34 19 Sept - 20 Sept 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! (373 reviews) "It was a great place, clean and with warm staff..i enjoyed" Reviewed on 5 Sept 2025 [](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?startDate=19%2F09%2F2025&endDate=20%2F09%2F2025&selected=13243802&PinnedHotelID=13243802&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=2924) ![Redlands Hotel](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/7000000/6130000/6128100/6128026/824f1793_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Redlands Hotel 1 George MacFarlane Lane, Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal £79 5 Oct - 6 Oct 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 [](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?startDate=05%2F10%2F2025&endDate=06%2F10%2F2025&selected=6128026&PinnedHotelID=6128026&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=2924) ![Thembelihle Guest House](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/16000000/15530000/15522100/15522030/afc664bb_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Thembelihle Guest House 3 Milborrow Road, Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal £32 17 Sept - 18 Sept includes taxes & fees Stay at this 3-star guesthouse in Pietermaritzburg. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Scottsville Racecourse and ... 8.4/10 Very Good! (9 reviews) "The most incredible staff, clean, comfy, great breakfast. Highly recommend this place to stay." Reviewed on 25 Sept 2024 [](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?startDate=17%2F09%2F2025&endDate=18%2F09%2F2025&selected=15522030&PinnedHotelID=15522030&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=2924) [See all 86 properties in Pietermaritzburg](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.Hotels.DestinationExperience&startDate=17%2F09%2F2025&endDate=18%2F09%2F2025®ionId=2924) 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](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/96000000/95710000/95701300/95701292/4f855331_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Clean,Comfortable & Centrally located Guesthouse Pietermaritzburg Stay at this apartment in Pietermaritzburg. Popular attractions Macrorie House Museum and The Old Prison are located nearby. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Pietermaritzburg-Hotels-Clean.h95701292.Hotel-Information) ![Cheap ,clean ,quiet and affordable guest house in a very quiet surburb](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/107000000/106750000/106743600/106743560/63e47466_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### 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 ... [](https://expedia.co.uk/Pietermaritzburg-Hotels-Cheap.h106743560.Hotel-Information) ![Bed and Breakfast at The White House](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/94000000/93850000/93849400/93849380/74fec1d9_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### 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 ... [](https://expedia.co.uk/Pietermaritzburg-Hotels-Bed-And-Breakfast-At-The-White-House.h93849380.Hotel-Information) [See all properties in Pietermaritzburg](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.Hotels.DestinationExperience®ionId=2924&sort=VACATION_RENTAL) 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. ## Check Pietermaritzburg hotel availability [](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=2924&startDate=2025-09-16&endDate=2025-09-17) [Tonight](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=2924&startDate=2025-09-16&endDate=2025-09-17) [](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=2924&startDate=2025-09-16&endDate=2025-09-17) [](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=2924&startDate=2025-09-16&endDate=2025-09-17)[16 Sept - 17 Sept](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=2924&startDate=2025-09-16&endDate=2025-09-17) [](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=2924&startDate=2025-09-17&endDate=2025-09-18) [Tomorrow night](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=2924&startDate=2025-09-17&endDate=2025-09-18) [](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=2924&startDate=2025-09-17&endDate=2025-09-18) [](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=2924&startDate=2025-09-17&endDate=2025-09-18)[17 Sept - 18 Sept](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=2924&startDate=2025-09-17&endDate=2025-09-18) [](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=2924&startDate=19%2F09%2F2025&endDate=21%2F09%2F2025) [This weekend](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=2924&startDate=19%2F09%2F2025&endDate=21%2F09%2F2025) [](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=2924&startDate=19%2F09%2F2025&endDate=21%2F09%2F2025) [](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=2924&startDate=19%2F09%2F2025&endDate=21%2F09%2F2025)[19 Sept - 21 Sept](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=2924&startDate=19%2F09%2F2025&endDate=21%2F09%2F2025) [](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=2924&startDate=26%2F09%2F2025&endDate=28%2F09%2F2025) [Next weekend](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=2924&startDate=26%2F09%2F2025&endDate=28%2F09%2F2025) [](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=2924&startDate=26%2F09%2F2025&endDate=28%2F09%2F2025) [](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=2924&startDate=26%2F09%2F2025&endDate=28%2F09%2F2025)[26 Sept - 28 Sept](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=2924&startDate=26%2F09%2F2025&endDate=28%2F09%2F2025) ### Popular places to visit #### Golden Horse Casino Why not try your luck with a visit to Golden Horse Casino during your visit to Pietermaritzburg? Amble around the area's gardens or visit its casinos. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Golden-Horse-Casino-Scottsville.d553248635939591705.Attraction) #### Pietermaritzburg City Hall After visiting Pietermaritzburg City Hall, make a plan to see the other sights and activities in Pietermaritzburg. Wander the gardens or discover the area's countryside. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Pietermaritzburg-City-Hall-Pietermaritzburg.d6090691.Attraction) #### Scottsville Racecourse Catch an event at Scottsville Racecourse during your trip to Pietermaritzburg. Take in the live music and countryside in the area. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Scottsville-Racecourse-Scottsville.d553248621562613413.Attraction) #### Epic Karting You can take time to visit Epic Karting during your travels to Pietermaritzburg. Discover the area's countryside and casinos. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Epic-Karting-Pietermaritzburg.d553248621532481236.Attraction) #### Comrades Marathon House You can spend time exploring the galleries in Comrades Marathon House in Pietermaritzburg. Amble around the area's gardens or experience its live music. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Comrades-Marathon-House-Scottsville.d553248621562613412.Attraction) #### The Old Prison You can spend time studying the exhibits at The Old Prison during your trip to Pietermaritzburg. Discover the area's live music and casinos. [](https://expedia.co.uk/The-Old-Prison-Pietermaritzburg.d553248621562613411.Attraction) ### Things to do ![Rock Art](https://mediaim.expedia.com/localexpert/45279124/698ca91b-45b8-43b0-a1fc-751fc5dc3b02.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Drakensberg Giant's Castle Cave Art & Mandela Capture Site Tour from Durban £189 per adult [](https://expedia.co.uk/things-to-do/drakensberg-giants-castle-cave-art-mandela-capture-site-tour-from-durban.a45279124.activity-details) ![Full Day Durban & Phezulu Safari Park Tour from Durban](https://mediaim.expedia.com/localexpert/45978907/0281a1d5-8128-4e45-85dd-1143851b3a35.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Full Day Durban & Phezulu Safari Park Tour from Durban £197 per adult [](https://expedia.co.uk/things-to-do/full-day-durban-phezulu-safari-park-tour-from-durban.a45978907.activity-details) ![Sangoma PheZulu](https://mediaim.expedia.com/localexpert/5229157/12fccc09-d488-4598-a107-a9d98dd2f23c.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Durban City & PheZulu Cultural Village Day Tour from Durban £125 per adult [](https://expedia.co.uk/things-to-do/durban-city-phezulu-cultural-village-day-tour-from-durban.a5229157.activity-details) [See all activities in Pietermaritzburg](https://expedia.co.uk/Things-To-Do-In-Pietermaritzburg.d2924.Travel-Guide-Activities) ## Reviews of Pietermaritzburg 5 Top destination 5 - Excellent 1 4 - Good 0 3 - Okay 0 2 - Disappointing 0 1 - Terrible 0 ### 5/5 - Excellent ABr Beautiful and very peaceful town. One can live a good life here. - Cities near Pietermaritzburg - Places of interest - [Scottsville Racecourse](https://expedia.co.uk/Scottsville-Racecourse-Scottsville.d553248621562613413.Attraction) - [The Old Prison](https://expedia.co.uk/The-Old-Prison-Pietermaritzburg.d553248621562613411.Attraction) - [Hindu temples](https://expedia.co.uk/Hindu-Temples-Pietermaritzburg.d553248621532404586.Attraction) - [Richmond Shopping Centre](https://expedia.co.uk/Richmond-Shopping-Centre-Richmond.d553248621593151468.Attraction) - [Richmond Mosque](https://expedia.co.uk/Richmond-Mosque-Richmond.d553248621593151469.Attraction) - [Howick Museum](https://expedia.co.uk/Howick-Museum-Howick.d553248621532404611.Attraction) ![](https://a.travel-assets.com/mad-service/footer/bnaBanners/BEX_Footer.jpg) ## Go further with the Expedia app Save on select hotels when you book in the app. Our app deals help you to save on trips so you can travel more and manage it all on the go. Scan the QR code with your device camera and download our app ![QR code to download the app](data:image/png;base64,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)