Pietermaritzburg is the capital and second largest city of KwaZulu Natal, and boasts a rich cultural heritage.

It is also known as ‘the garden city’, and has many attractions such as Butterflies for Africa, the Royal Show, Art in the Park, and the Garden Show.

It is an educational centre of excellence, drawing scholars from all over Africa.

A large statue honouring Mahatma Ghandi, who was thrown off a train in Pietermaritzburg for refusing to leave a first-class carriage, stands in the city centre in memory of where his fight against racial inequality began. The KwaZulu-Natal Museum and Tatham Art Gallery are fun outings, as well as the City Hall, which is the largest red-brick building in the southern hemisphere, are all popular attractions.

Right on our doorstep begins the Midlands Meander, a haven for city weary souls to reboot and realign themselves. There are too many popular places to mention, from hiking and cycling, to picnicking in either the Kamberg, Karkloof, Midmar dam, Highmoor or Umgeni Valley Nature Reserve. 

For a different pace, you can choose to sit back and be served at any of the numerous culinary gems, ranging from trendy coffee shops and pubs, or spoil yourself at some of the upmarket restaurants, like the famous La Lampara.

Whether shopping, browsing or just pottering around the endless gems waiting to be discovered…one thing is guaranteed…you will want to return.

The varied arts, crafts, decor, clothing and ethnic shops cater for all, from the trendy and hip, to the fly-fishing enthusiast.

Also to be found are earthy shops like Groundcover and Born in Africa, and it is also the birthplace of the famous Tsonga, maker of local leather shoes and bags, with outlets worldwide.

Never running out of options in the Midlands is a sure guarantee, where you can fly above the trees on a Karkloof Canopy Tour, or find your way to a massage table for some pampering at a spa, the drive from Africa’s Eden is never too far.

Also not to be missed along the way is the Nelson Mandela Capture Site and Museum.

Pietermaritzburg is the recognised bike city of Africa. We have not only hosted the UCI World Champs in the past, but various world series, BMX and mountain bike festivals. Another cycling event which starts at our city hall and is gaining popularity is the AmaShova Durban Classic.

The famous Comrades Marathon starts with the sound of a crowing cockerel, and the song, Chariots of Fire, which can be heard from Africa’s Eden, as the runners begin their long and gruelling 89km journey towards Durban.

Then there is the annual Mandela Marathon which draws competitors and spectators from far and wide, not to mention the Midmar Mile (the largest open water swimming event in the world) and the Duzi Canoe Marathon.