Location: Pietermaritzburg
Top Things to do in Pietermaritzburg
Top Restaurants in Pietermaritzburg
Countries
The 10 Best Things to do in Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal
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. Cumberland Nature Reserve
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 74 reviews
Cumberland Nature Reserve is a Nature Lovers Paradise. Over 300 bird species, 30 + mammal species and over 300 species of wild flower call Cumberland their home. Well maintained hiking trails traverse the entire Reserve allowing one to explore all the different habitats and make the most of the jaw-dropping scenery. The Reserve offers the ultimate escape into Nature through overnight stays in a variety of secluded self-catering accommodation as well as two private campsites.
Reviewed By MosieMo56
Cumberland Nature Reserve is a hidden gem. It is my 'Go To' place when I need Bush Away Time .... time to replenish my soul and to breathe. Over the past years I have paid many visits to this little spot of paradise often taking photos of all things nature and other times, just sitting at a perfectly kept picnic spot enjoying all nature has to offer. All picnic spots are well kept and the ablutions are spotlessly clean. Horseshoe Cottage was a perfect spot for a birthday weekend and from there we explored many tracks, trails and rocks looking for snakes, scorpions, butterflies and a host of other insects and things! The birdlife at Cumberland is amazing. Naturally the animals are a drawcard too and it is always great seeing their excellent condition. Aloe season is a delight and not to be missed! Cumberland deserves to be explored! One of my most favourite hideaways.
2. Tatham Art Gallery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 47 reviews
The Tatham Art Gallery is one of the major art museums in South Africa. This art museum is funded by the Msunduzi Municipality and belongs to the residents of Pietermaritzburg, the capital of KwaZulu-Natal. The Tatham Art Gallery serves the Msunduzi region through the Visual Arts. A major function of the Tatham Art Gallery, established in 1903, is to display art. This is accomplished through the hosting of a range of art exhibitions. These include travelling and researched exhibitions as well as exhibitions initiated by the Gallery, and based on art works in the permanent collection.
Reviewed By vasigie - Pietermaritzburg, South Africa
When you enter the building, there's a warm welcoming atmosphere. The works of art are extremely beautiful and amazing. The sculptures are well made and makes you realize how well crafted they are. There is a coffee shop where you can sit and enjoy a meal, while taking a break. There's lots to see. You will truly enjoy your visit, just as I did. I've been to the Gallery about 4 times already.
3. KwaZulu-Natal Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 72 reviews
KwaZulu-Natal Museum is a popular tourist and educational amenity and acclaimed centre of scholarly research, offers thousands of visitors a feast of attractive, modern and user friendly displays. The KZN Museum is dedicated to increasing understanding of the history of mankind in south-eastern Africa and of the natural world, through the collection, study and display of real objects. The Museum opened its doors on 30 November 1904 and is now home to several of South Africa's most important heritage collections. The collections are of international renown, and feature regional archaeology, African cultural products, European settler history, seashells, insects and other forms of animal life. The KZN Museum is proud to be the custodian of one of the most important collections of Zulu craft objects. The largest national Museum in KwaZulu-Natal, this Museum is dedicated to the collection, preservation, study and exhibition of objects of cultural and scientific value.
Reviewed By luc_victor_jr
Arguably one of the best museums in KZN, the Natal Museum is very well maintained, meticulously set-up and very educational. Its vast resource of information from natural to local history is bountiful, well researched and impeccably documented. The taxidermied animals are amazingly real and the dioramas are life-like. It also has adequate sociological and anthropological information that are sometimes lacking in some other museums. Although this museum is nowhere near the Durban CBD, the drive to Pietermaritzburg is well worth it. The only other issue when visiting the museum is parking where you may have to park down a few blocks and of course, no pictures or food allowed.
4. African Bird of Prey Sanctuary
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 135 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 svdw1260 - Duluth, United States
What an enjoyable experience the visit to this great park that provides sanctuary for raptor type birds who, for various reasons are unable to be safely released into the Wild. Such beautiful specimens of birds rarely seen by the average birdwatcher, allowing visitors to get an incredible idea of some of Africa’s outstanding bird life. Well kept, clean and easy access from the N3.
5. Tala Private Game Reserve
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 330 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 ZuluDestinations - Durban, South Africa
My daughter loved everything about this experience. The wide open space was excellent to get up close to these wild animals. Rhinos were her favorite but also a glimpse of a hippo in the water.
6. KwaZulu-Natal National Botanical Garden
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 117 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 spectacular features is the majestic avenue of London Plane Trees.
Reviewed By mrkavithh - Pietermaritzburg, South Africa
The botanical gardens in Pietermaritzburg remains a consistently well maintained facility. It was an ideal spot to have a family get together, with a multitude of spots in which to set up a large picnic. The grounds are immaculate and the occasional appearance of a wedding party busy with a photo shoot adds a nice vibe as well. It's a real asset to the city, especially considering the limited options available to young families.
7. Wylie Park
8. Queen Elizabeth Park
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 24 reviews
Reviewed By yadahk - Dublin, Ireland
I was so pleasantly surprised with this mini nature reserve right on our doorstep! Paved hiking trails, tarred road to drive through, braai and picnic facilities with beautiful trees and shrubs in which zebras and other buck roam. Definitely a place for families, couples and those who want to get fit in arriving scenery :)
