
PIETERMARITZBURG,
NATAL MIDLANDS, KWAZULU-NATAL, SOUTH AFRICA TRAVEL GUIDE
|
|
View
map of
Pietermaritzburg
|
Pietermaritzburg Tourism
Information:
This wonderful little city
is often called 'the last outpost of the British Empire' by admirers and
detractors alike. It's not really true, but its many red brick Victorian
buildings do give the town a rather genteel air. Situated in a hollow surrounded
by hills, Pietermaritzburg lies on the edge of the rather lovely green
Midlands,
which is so well endowed with craft shops, restaurants, trout hatcheries,
boutique breweries, cheese factories and every other form of bucolic delight
that it has formed itself into a route called the
Midlands Meander. |
Other nearby attractions include the scenic Howick Falls, and the
Karkloof
treetop canopy tour. There are excellent mountain biking trails in
the area, some game farms and it’s not far from the Drakensberg.
Cultural attractions include
a number of museums, township tours and nearby battlefields. An interesting
monument is the statue of Mahatma Gandhi on the spot where he was arrested
for riding in a 'whites only' train carriage. He claimed that his career
of passive resistance started then.
Pietermaritzburg is just
short of 100km from Durban,
with which it has very intimate ties. These are most notable in two very
tough races, which are run between the cities. The Comrades Marathon
is 98km long and follows the old national road.
The other race is the Dusi
Canoe Marathon, which is run on the Umsinduzi River every year.
Things to do in Pietermaritzburg:
Natal
Museum - 237 Jabu Ndlovu Street, Pietermaritzburg - Here you’ll view
a constant array of fascinating temporary exhibitions and happenings ranging
from xenophobic violence to a mixed children’s art exhibition at this dynamic
museum. 2010 saw the celebration of the 150th anniversary of the arrival
of Indian people and an exploration of the history of segregation in the
US.
Eight natural history and
ten cultural history galleries showcase numerous mammals including the
last wild elephant in KwaZulu-Natal, birds, amphibians, insects and an
extensive mollusc collection. Kids will love checking out the life-size
T-Rex model. Stroll through a life-size rendering of a Drakensberg
rock art cave or walk the plank of a wrecked trading vessel in the Towns
and Trade Exhibition. The museum has an internet café, resource
library for learners, film room and coffee/snack bar.
Open Monday to Friday 09:00
– 16:30, Saturdays 10:00 – 16:00 Sundays 11:00 – 15:00.
Butterflies
for Africa - 37 Willowton Rd, Pietermaritzburg - Take an inspirational
walk through the tropical house of Butterflies for Africa. This lush and
spectacular environment brings visitors into close contact with free-flying
indigenous and exotic butterflies. Butterflies for Africa flies high with
some of the top butterfly houses from around the globe with some unique
offerings. The complex features a walk-through butterfly house, craft shop,
art gallery, coffee bar, African art and craft centre, butterfly nursery
and a garden planted with a big variety of food plants for butterflies.
Tel +27 (0) 33 387 1356
Tuesday to Friday 09:00 –
16:30 - Saturday 09:30 – 15:30 - Sunday 10:30 – 15:30
Closed on New Year's Day,
Good Friday, Easter Sunday, Christmas Day and Boxing Day.
Albert
Falls Dam & Game Reserve, Pietermaritzburg - One of the largest
dams in KwaZulu-Natal, Albert Falls Dam is a popular playground for sailors,
canoeists, twitchers, hikers, horse riders and fisherfolk. The dam is rated
one of the best bass fishing dams in the world and an international bass
fishing competition is held there annually.
The whole area has abundant
bird life as well as zebra and several antelope species. Visitors can enjoy
game drives at the Msinsi Reserve. In winter Otto's Bluff is worth checking
out when the aloes are flowering.
©
Safarinow.com
Top
|
PIETERMARITZBURG
- BED & BREAKFASTS/GUEST HOUSES, KWAZULU-NATAL, SOUTH AFRICA
|
|
Read
about Pietermaritzburg
 |
Brevisbrook,
Bed & Breakfast, PIETERMARITZBURG
Enjoy the warmest hospitality
in Pietermaritzburg as Dave & Normaine welcome you to Brevisbrook.
Guests feel most relaxed in this peaceful country style property set in
lush surroundings overlooking indigenous trees and a bubbling stream.
Brevisbrook is situated in a cul-de-sac in a quiet suburb of Pietermaritzburg
only five minutes from the centre of the City. Five welcoming air-conditioned
double suites are available, all of which have their own private entrance.
The suites are tastefully decorated and well appointed and have private
bathrooms including bath and separate shower. Other facilities include
easy chairs, TV and M-Net, overhead fans, heaters, electric blankets, hairdryer,
radio alarm clock, wall safe and tea/coffee facilities. Telephone, fax
and internet facilities are available. Laundry service. All credit cards
welcome |
 |
Brookdale
Cottages, Bed & Breakfast, Self-Catering, Hilton, near PIETERMARITZBURG  
Your hosts John and Lynne
cater for those who seek comfort with warm hospitality in a peaceful atmosphere.
Our personal service ensures that your stay will be happy and relaxed.
We have been graded 3 Star by Tourism Grading Council of South Africa,
are members of Midlands Meander Arts & Crafts Route, and members of
Midlands B&B association and National Accommodation Association.
Brookdale Cottages are situated in the heart of the village of Hilton which
is nestled in the hills above Pietermaritzburg. Conveniently situated to
the N3 national road. 3 charming, tastefully decorated, thatched
cottages (named Rose, Bramble and Briar Cottages) are set around the swimming
pool in a pretty country garden. We offer B&B and fully equipped self-catering
with barbeque (braai) areas. |
 |
Capulet
B & B, Bed & Breakfast, Hilton, near PIETERMARITZBURG   
Situated in the mist of
Hilton – on the Midlands Meander and close to Pietermaritzburg lies Capulet.
Efficient for the discerning Corporate, Family weekend and holiday accommodation
or sports, cultural and club groups visiting Pietermaritzburg. On
entrance to this impressive property, the visitor will be charmed by the
magnitude of the Columns surrounding the courtyard, passing by the Koi
pond and into the reception area. Evening meals may be served on
request in our dining room overlooking the pool and terazzio and the courtyard.
All rooms lead onto the upstairs balcony, where guests may sit and enjoy
the sounds. Of the birds in the Palm Trees, or they may choose to
sit at the Bar, around the pool or in the cosy lounge and watch TV and
DSTV. We invite guests to make use of the service centre on the balcony
overlooking the koi pond and fountains. |
 |
The
Grace Guesthouse, Guest House, Wembley, PIETERMARITZBURG   
An exclusive, elegant guest
house offering a truly graceful experience to the discerning guests.
Guests are assured of professional service and an unforgettable experience.
"The Grace" is conveniently located in the exclusive suburb of Wembley.
It is only a stone throw from the city centre, in tranquil, park-like surroundings,
offering privacy, complete security and a truly homely atmosphere for guests,
all-in-one. "The Grace" is within close proximity to the administrative
hub and capital of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg. The renowned Royal
Agricultural Show Grounds are within walking distance. Most provincial
government offices and the Pietermaritzburg High Court are a mere five
minutes drive. We are an hour away from Durban and Durban International
Airport. |
More
accommodation options in Pietermaritzburg
PIETERMARITZBURG
- HOTEL & SAFARI LODGE ACCOMMODATION, KWAZULU-NATAL, SOUTH AFRICA
|
|
Read
about Pietermaritzburg
 |
Protea
Hotel Imperial, PIETERMARITZBURG  
Located in the heart of
Pietermaritzburg, the century-old Protea Hotel Imperial, boasts historic
ambience and prestige. Convenience in a modern setting, the Protea Hotel
Imperial is truly a superior choice. Accommodation ranges from elegantly
spacious single and double rooms to luxurious family suites, all with colour
TV (9 DSTV channels), air-conditioning, coffee-making facilities and en-suite
bathrooms. The Ladies Bar offers refreshing pre-dinner drinks, while
the Garden Room Restaurant serves world-class cuisine in colourful, spacious
surroundings. Large and fully equipped conference rooms for up to
400 delegates offer a full complement of secretarial, fax and photocopying
services. The Imperial Ladies Bar and the Oak Room Bar offer refreshing
pre-dinner drinks, while the Garden Room Restaurant serves world-class
cuisine in colourful, spacious surroundings. |
 |
Leadwood
Lodge Tala Durban's Finest Game Reserve, Safari Lodge, near PIETERMARITZBURG
Built by a team of artisans
with locally sourced shale, Leadwood Lodge combines exceptional architecture,
towering thatch and resplendent finishes against a backdrop of breathtaking
natural beauty. Leadwood is the residence and dream home of the reserve’s
owner, the décor an eclectic merging of antique and organic Africa.
The lodge was designed on an ethic of ‘nothing straight, nothing painted’;
the building is a masterpiece of earth, water, glass and wood. Leadwood
Lodge is a place to be indulged, pampered by perceptive service and saturated
by the magnificent view. The executive chef brings a wealth of boutique
hotel experience to Leadwood, and has a rare talent for fusing simple flavours
with the sublime. The six spacious luxury cottages are appointed with the
finest hardwood furniture and fine linen, romantically tucked away in the
bush in complete privacy. 30 kms from Pietermaritzburg. |
 |
The
Golden Horse Casino Hotel (Three Cities Group), PIETERMARITZBURG
Golden Horse Casino Hotel
is situated in the suburb of Scottsville in the historic town of Pietermaritzburg.
The hotel rooms are all exquisitely decorated with views over the adjoining
Scottsville Race Course. The casino complex offers a superb selection
of restaurants and bars ranging from elegant dining to Italian and Indian
cuisine. Accommodation: · 96 rooms - sleeps 200 people
· 54 Standard queen bedded rooms · 20 Standard twin bedded
rooms · 9 Deluxe king bedded rooms · 3 Deluxe twin bedded
rooms · 1 Disabled twin bedded room with bath · 1 Disabled
queen bedded room with shower · 4 Premier suites (king bedded –
bed sitter) · 1 Two room suite twin (Executive suite) · 2
Two room suite king (Executive suite) · 1 Presidential suite (Pegasus
king bedded). |
More
accommodation options in Pietermaritzburg
PIETERMARITZBURG
- SELF-CATERING HOLIDAY RENTAL ACCOMMODATION, KWAZULU-NATAL, SOUTH AFRICA
|
|
Read
about Pietermaritzburg
|
Brookdale
Cottages, Guest House, Self-Catering PIETERMARITZBURG  
Your hosts John and Lynne
cater for those who seek comfort with warm hospitality in a peaceful atmosphere.
Our personal service ensures that your stay will be happy and relaxed.
We have been graded 3 Star by Tourism Grading Council of South Africa,
are members of Midlands Meander Arts & Crafts Route, and members of
Midlands B&B association and National Accommodation Association.
Brookdale Cottages are situated in the heart of the village of Hilton which
is nestled in the hills above Pietermaritzburg. Conveniently situated to
the N3 national road. 3 charming, tastefully decorated, thatched
cottages (named Rose, Bramble and Briar Cottages) are set around the swimming
pool in a pretty country garden. We offer B&B and fully equipped self-catering
with barbeque (braai) areas. |
 |
Kwela
Lodge, Self-Catering on a Farm, Otto's Bluff, PIETERMARITZBURG
Kwela Lodge is the ideal
getaway for the holiday maker or business traveller, nature lover and bird
watcher - anyone wanting to relax and seeking tranquility, peace and security
in country surroundings for a weekend or longer stay. The original farmhouse
was built in 1841 and belonged to PAR Otto, one of the first settlers to
the valley. Otto’s Bluff Mountain is named after him. In the fifties "Otto's
Bluff Farm" - as Kwela Lodge was then called - was a working farm with
dairy cattle, maize and wattle tree plantations and a mill. In 1936/7 the
movie “King Solomons Mines” based on Rider Haggard’s book was shot on location
at the foot of Otto’s Bluff Mountain. Enjoy our beautiful gardens
and trees which are home to an abundance of birds and make friends with
our farm animals. Explore the unspoilt African bush on our property or
simply relax at the Pool and listen to the rustle of the Palm Leaves above
you. |
 |
The
Grace Guesthouse, Guest House, Wembley, PIETERMARITZBURG   
An exclusive, elegant guest
house offering a truly graceful experience to the discerning guests.
Guests are assured of professional service and an unforgettable experience.
"The Grace" is conveniently located in the exclusive suburb of Wembley.
It is only a stone throw from the city centre, in tranquil, park-like surroundings,
offering privacy, complete security and a truly homely atmosphere for guests,
all-in-one. "The Grace" is within close proximity to the administrative
hub and capital of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg. The renowned Royal
Agricultural Show Grounds are within walking distance. Most provincial
government offices and the Pietermaritzburg High Court are a mere five
minutes drive. We are an hour away from Durban and Durban International
Airport. |
 |
Mundees
Of Hilton, Self-Catering Units, Hilton, PIETERMARITZBURG  
MUNDEES OF HILTON is situated
in the village of Hilton, which is nestled in the hills above Pietermaritzburg.
Stylish modern self-catering units, all with en-suite showers. Rooms lead
out onto a broad sun deck next to the swimming pool with stunning views
of natural bush and tree tops. Hilton village has two small shopping centers
and restaurants. Hilton college, St Annes College and Cedara Agricultural
College are only a short distance away. Our rooms consist of: Main stylish
bedroom with double bed and en-suite shower, leads into large lounge and
fully fitted kitchen. Lounge looks out onto sun deck and swimming pool
and has M-net and DVD player. Kitchen is very well fitted for two or six
people. There is a sleeper couch in the lounge... |
More
accommodation options in Pietermaritzburg
More
accommodation options in Natal Midlands
Top
|