Pietermaritzburg is the capital of the state of KwaZulu-Natal, a historic part of Africa. Hire a car to see the Victorian aspects of the city including the town hall which is the largest red brick building in the southern hemisphere.
Queen Elizabeth Park is a great place to visit with many wild animals running free – don’t worry, they’re all herbivores! It’s the perfect place to take a stroll with a picnic and enjoy nature at its best. Finally, for the floral kind of nature, go to the National Botanical Garden which has examples of all the indigenous plants.
Pietermaritzburg Mini Guide
The capital of Kwa-Zulu Natal and located inland, Pietermaritzburg is best accessed by the comfort and safety of a car. To drive to Pietermaritzburg from Cape, East London or Port Elizabeth you can use the R56 and to get to Durban or Johannesburg you can use the N3 road. Train and bus services are available but the quickest way to get from Pietermaritzburg Airport to the city is to rent one of our inexpensive vehicles.
Culture and architecture are the main attractions in Pietermaritzburg. Visitors should make sure they see the city hall which is thought to be the largest red brick building in the whole of the Southern hemisphere. Behind the impressive city hall is the Natal Society Library which has been renovated in an aesthetically pleasing fashion.
You can also take a stroll around the Kwa-Zulu Natal botanical gardens which have some incredible flora and fauna. To see wild animals such as monkeys and zebras go to the Queen Elizabeth Park. As visitors are encouraged to walk around there are no dangerous animals there to worry about!
For a relaxing day stop by the Tatham Art Gallery which has an interesting collection of paintings as well as a coffee shop. And when you get to the second floor look out for the decorative clock. Free entrance makes the art gallery all the more enticing. To see Afrikaaner art go to the Voortrekker Museum which is nearby.
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