Pietermaritzburg, Kwa-Zulu Natal, South Africa

Pietermaritzburg

Pietermaritzburg, the vibrant Capital city of the Zulu Kingdom brims with character and activity, and its central position within the province makes it the "City of Choice" for anyone wanting to visit the Zulu Kingdom. The city is the ideal stepping-off point to other major provincial attractions - berg; beach or battlefields. The capital city of the Kingdom of the Zulu is perfectly appointed between the subtropical coastline of KwaZulu - Natal and the majestic Drakensberg Mountains. A comfortable trip to the glorious beaches and a stones throw away from sundowners in the highest pub in Africa. It is well positioned alongside the busiest highway in the country and easily accessible by road, rail and air. Pietermaritzburg, one of the country's most picturesque cities, bears its designation as the capital city of the province with pride. Few cities personify the modern face of an African city better than Pietermaritzburg. A city of character and contrasts, it boasts a fascinating history and a wealth of cultural diversity. With a pot pourri of African; British; Voortrekker and Indian heritage there is no shortage of interesting sites and tours. Significant representation from the German, French, Italian, Portuguese and Greek communities add to the melting pot of cultural influences.

Pietermaritzburg was established by the pioneering Voortrekkers to serve as their capital. Having defeated the Zulu's after a series of bloody encounters in 1838, they were intent on settling down to peaceful farming life in Natal. Here the soil was rich and well watered from the Msunduzi River. They named the town after two of their favoured leaders, Piet Retief and Gert Maritz. In 1843 the town was taken over by the British as the administrative seat of their Government in Natal. British colonial architecture dominated, an influence evident in the many fine Victorian and Edwardian buildings in the city today. The architecture of Pietermaritzburg has inspired journalists, photographers, artists, painters and sculptors and earned the city international recognition and professional design awards. The Pietermaritzburg city hall is a tourism treasure notable for its domes and stained glass windows, it is the largest all red brick building in the southern hemisphere.

The Eastern influence - the descendents of the indentured Indian labourers who came to Natal in the 1860's to work on the vast sugar estates - can be seen in the Hindu temples, Moslem mosques and the colourful sari's of the women. One can enjoy guided walking/driving tours of the city.

Pietermaritzburg offers the visitor several opportunities for cultural engagement, be it a contemporary or traditional Zulu experience, Hindu fire walking, or sampling German delicacies. The city also boasts a rich spiritual legacy, courtesy of a spectrum of religious influences that underlie the city's diverse population.

Pietermaritzburg has strong contemporary reverberations. Famous people such as Mohandas Gandhi, Nelson Mandela, Queen Victoria. The Prince Imperial of France and Alan Paton have left their mark in our city. Indian leader Mohandas Gandhi was thrown off the train at the Pietermaritzburg Station, an experience that launched his passive resistance campaign. It is also the city in which Nelson Mandela made his last speech as a free man before being arrested, prosecuted and imprisoned on Robben Island. His arrest site can be found just outside the city.

Known as both the "City of Flowers" and the "Garden City", Pietermaritzburg is a horticulturist's heaven. With a distinct four-season climate, the city puts on a floral show of great magnificence, be it the brilliant flushes of red and purple when the coral trees and jacarandas flower, or the dramatic autumnal swathes. The location in the city of one of the eight National Botanical Gardens is particularly appropriate, given the diversity of flora and the splendour of the city and surrounds.

Pietermaritzburg plays host to a number of successful annual events. The year kicks off with the famous Dusi Canoe Marathon and the awesome Midmar Mile. They are followed, in June, by the legendary Comrades Marathon. These events bring participants from all over the world.

Not only is Pietermaritzburg the home to many sporting clubs and events, but it is also rich in arts and culture. The Tatham Art Gallery, one of South Africa's Top 5 Galleries, is situated in the city centre. Nashua Art in the Park and the Witness Hilton Drama Festival bring a number of art and cultural enthusiasts from around the continent, and, if gardening is your style, the Sunday Tribune Garden Show is a show not to be missed. The Royal Agricultural Society hosts the Royal Show, the second largest mixed exhibition in the country.

If it's adrenaline-charged adventure you want, Pietermaritzburg is the place to be. The hub of a burgeoning adventure destination, the city and surrounds offer thrills - and sometimes spills on land, water and in the air. The city also caters for the more leisurely pursuits of birding (Blue Swallows can be found near the city), fishing and hiking. Several dams and rivers offer bass, carp, trout and yellowfish.

For a unique experience, one should visit our exquisite butterfly farm. Then soak up the splendour of the rolling hills and water wonderland that distinguishes this region, by meandering on a self-driven tour through the midlands. The midlands meander route is punctuated by dozens of captivating ports of call ranging from cheese-makers; pottery and weaving workshops to art studios and herb and flower farms - there is nothing like it in the whole of South Africa!

Just 20 minutes drive from the City Hall takes you into the African bush. Several well-stocked game reserves promise unrivaled opportunities for game-viewing, birding and hiking trails. With a pair of good hiking boots, binoculars and a reliable vehicle expect to see it all. The reserves offer Rhino, Giraffe, Zebra, Wildebeest, Hippo's and more than a dozen varieties of antelope.

In addition, the city's casino, nightclubs, hotels and bed & breakfast establishments cater for every tourist need.

Information and pictures provided by Pietermaritzburg Tourism