Location: Pietermaritzburg
Top Things to do in Pietermaritzburg
Top Restaurants in Pietermaritzburg
10 Things to Do in Pietermaritzburg That You Shouldn't Miss
Pietermaritzburg (/ˌpiːtərˈmærɪtsbɜːrɡ/; Zulu: umGungundlovu) is the capital and second-largest city in the province of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. It was founded in 1838 and is currently governed by the Msunduzi Local Municipality. Its Zulu name umGungundlovu is the name used for the district municipality. Pietermaritzburg is popularly called Maritzburg in English and Zulu alike, and often informally abbreviated to PMB. It is a regionally important industrial hub, producing aluminium, timber and dairy products, as well as the main economic hub of Umgungundlovu District Municipality. The public sector is a major employer in the city due to the local, district and provincial governments being located here. It is home to many schools and tertiary education institutions, including a campus of the University of KwaZulu-Natal. It had a population of 228,549 in 1991; the current population is estimated at over 600,000 residents (including neighbouring townships) and has one of the largest populations of Indian South Africans in South Africa.
Restaurants in Pietermaritzburg
1. African Bird of Prey Sanctuary
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 99 reviews
The African Bird of Prey Sanctuary is a bird park specializing in the public awareness and conservation of Africa's indigenous raptors. From the smallest to largest, you can visit them all in this natural bush setting. You can catch the aerial predators in action during the daily flying displays at 10:30. Vulture feeding sessions take place at midday on weekends and public holidays. Please note the sanctuary is closed Mondays.
Reviewed By Hill_Belle - Hillcrest, South Africa
A really interesting outing, much different from the norm. The bird flight show is well done and the explanation of the excellent work done by this organisation is superb.
The explanation leaflet that is given at the entrance is very informative. Well worth another visit in the near future.
2. Tala Private Game Reserve
Overall Ratings
4 based on 265 reviews
Nearly 3,000 hectares of pristine natural plains and grasslands, this KwaZulu-Natal reserve has abundant bird species as well as big game.
Reviewed By 513rob - Howick, South Africa
Apart from the restaurant the reserve is pretty poorly maintained. The roads are OK but not good. The map issued does not tie up with the roads, a number of which are unnamed.
Most of the game are easily spotted so it is a great place to see animals.
3. Butterflies for Africa
Overall Ratings
4 based on 103 reviews
Butterflies for Africa is home to a tropical butterfly centre where visitors walk amongst butterflies from across the world in a lush tropical environment which also houses fish, birds, monkeys and other critters. Guides ensure that this is fun, educational experience. There's also a coffee shop, art gallery, theme store and outdoor garden. And it's just off the highway making it a perfect stop between Durban and Johannesburg.
Reviewed By 1MMC - Durban, South Africa
in the last week
Butterflies for Africa is a tropical butterfly centre. The complex houses a walk-through Butterfly House (be prepared for the humidity), Our Guide was really friendly and surprisingly we learned quite a bit. There's also a Butterfly Themed Store, Art Gallery (with really pricey art), Coffee Shop, Nursery and a Butterfly Garden (no butterflies here) planted with a large range of butterfly foodplants. I was hoping to buy butterflies but they do not sell them.
4. Natal Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 44 reviews
Reviewed By Jabu M - Nelspruit, South Africa
Collection of millions of natural and archaeological scientific collection sparring over 200 years some invaluable species from human history, animal, human and history and heritage of indigenous peoples of SA This museum must be called science institute it has some of the greatest scientist and researcher. I will bring young people from my province to get them inspired with the great works happening at this museum
5. Tatham Art Gallery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 39 reviews
Reviewed By MariannedJ2013 - Howick, South Africa
Apart from the regular Concerts in the main hall with its good acoustics and beautiful Steinway grand piano, the art is usually a surprise to visitors, especially visitors from overseas. There is a lot of contemporary art of all the different cultural groups in Southern Africa - there are some good artists! - there are also paintings by the South African Irma Stern, Hendrik Pierneef, and others, as well as paintings by well-know British artists. A small craft shop sells goods made by local crafters, ideal if you are looking for small gifts that are not mass produced. The restaurant is good with imaginative light meals and delicious coffee and cakes. On site parking is available. Closed on Mondays.
6. KwaZulu-Natal National Botanical Garden
Overall Ratings
4 based on 96 reviews
Experience nature’s grandeur at the KwaZulu-Natal National Botanical Garden in Pietermaritzburg. This garden’s Victorian past is evident in its magnificent specimens of northern hemisphere plants. One of the most dramatic features is the majestic avenue of London Plane Trees.
Reviewed By ian2005wine - Australia
The Gardens, the oldest in South Africa, are still a tranquil spot and the entry avenue of trees magnificent. There is also a very interesting section devoted to Zulu culture with excellent interpretive signs. There is also much activity in the wetland area which is now just a construction site, along with a big conference centre under construction. However the Gardens themselves, although stocked with a large variety of old trees, are badly run down and in desperate need of water ( there was a drought when we visited ) and proper care. The old cafe was closed and replaced by a larger restaurant which now appears deserted, so no refreshment facilities. As world botanical Gardens go, I'm afraid this one no longer rates
7. Voortrekker Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 25 reviews
Focusing on the Church of the Vow built in 1838, this was the Voortrekkers bargain with God for victory over the Zulus at the Battle of Blood River three years earlier.
Reviewed By Luc V - .
One really nice attraction in Pietermaritzburg is the Voortrekker Museum and the Church of the Vow which showcases life in the Natal region from the Neolithic and Colonial Eras up until the time of Aparthied and its eventual abolition, and what is now the modern day Natal.
Exhibits in the main museum are very well curated, cared for and researched. The information one gleans is definitely priceless and is something foreigners and locals can appreciate. The Church of the Vow has also been exquisitely restored and so has the Andre Pretorius House which is a very nice example of how a typical settler’s house would look like back in the day.
All in all, this is one exhibit in Pietermaritzburg you should not miss if you have the extra time and means to drive to Pietermaritzburg.
8. Wylie Park
Overall Ratings
4 based on 15 reviews
Reviewed By karen e - Nottingham Road, South Africa
The Beast and I live just down the road from Wylie Park and we love walking through this magnificent part of Pietermaritzburg. It is well maintained and loved by the locals. There are loads of different pathways to follow, beautiful open spaces to play games, have a picnic or just lie underneath one of the ancient trees and catch a snooze.
9. Queen Elizabeth Park
Overall Ratings
4 based on 12 reviews
Reviewed By Lady_Tam - London, United Kingdom
I always enjoy a visit to Queen Elizabeth Park when I'm visiting Pietermaritzburg. It's peaceful, and quiet. While it hasn't had rhino for about 20 years (maybe more!) its still a thrill to see the zebra's and rooibok.
It's great in the early mornings for misty walks when the sun is coming up and the animals are just waking. It's also perfect for romantic picnics and family days out.
10. Pietermaritzburg Railway Station
Overall Ratings
4 based on 8 reviews
Reviewed By Cricketman_10 - Nottingham, United Kingdom
Just down the road, about 10 minutes away. Is the old Railway Station on Railway Road & Moses Mabhida Road, 3201 Pietermaritzburg. It is still used today mainly for freight, where Mahatma Gandhi was thrown off the train because of the colour of his skin, and see the waiting room, where in the silence of the night he formulated his philosophy of passive resistance. There is a plaque to Mahatma Gandhi was thrown out of the first glass compartment on the night of 7th June 1893. This incident changed the course of is life.
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