Photograph
Victorian architecture Visit
the Tatham Art Gallery Visit
the Voortrekker Museum Coffee
at Butterflies for Africa Gaming
at Golden Horse Casino Picnic
at the Botanical Gardens Tea
at the Pavilion Game
Viewing at Tala Reserve Drive
up to World's View Shop
at the Farmer's Market
Set amongst the rolling green hills of the Natal Midlands,
Pietermaritzburg is the capital of Kwazulu
Natal province and
lies 80km north of Durban on the N3 national route. It is a
bustling commercial, agricultural and historical center with
a wonderful blend of modern South African and old world culture.
Its origins go back to 1838 when Dutch Voortrekkers from
the Cape founded the town in an area between the Umsunduzi
River and the Dorp Spruit. Today, it is recognised as one of
the most authentically preserved Victorian cities in
the world and fine examples of this architecture can
be seen in government buildings, museums and beautifully restored
homes throughout
the town. The romance of Victorian colonial life is splendidly
represented at Macrorie
House Museum that is
well worth a visit.
Pietermaritzburg's rich history can also be explored by visiting
its impressive collection of galleries and museums. The Tatham
Art Gallery in the old Supreme Court building is one
of the country's top
art museums and exhibits traditional Zulu beadwork and
basketry, sculpture,
lino-cuts
and an impressive collection of oils by masters like
Degas, Picasso and Matisse.
The Natal Museum hosts some fascinating heritage collections with
interesting pieces depicting South Africa's cultural, natural
and scientific history. If you still have the appetite for
more, drop in at the Voortrekker Museum, or the KZN
Railway Museum to see an exceptional assortment of restored steam locomotives
and coaches.
Pietermaritzburg's botanical beauty is celebrated
in its familiar name - the City of Flowers. Each spring many
gardens open
to the public to show off their colourful collections of roses,
azaleas, bougainvilleas and spectacular seasonal blooms.
Enjoy the sights and scents of this display by taking a picnic
to
the Natal Botanical Gardens, strolling in
Wylie Park or having a spot of tea at the Pavilion
in Alexandra Park.
Flea markets abound in this entrepreneurial little town, so
if you're shopping for something different, try the Maritzburg
Oval market - also at Alexandra Park - on the first Sunday
each month, the Farmers Market for fresh fruit and vegetables,
or
the Alex
Upmarket for a unique selection of arts & crafts.
If you want to explore for the day, there are quite a few attractions
within a short drive of the town. For a nature, bird or game-viewing
experience, visit the Umgeni Valley Nature Reserve,
Lion Park or Tala Game Reserve where you can see rhino,
zebra, giraffe wildebeest, hippo and antelope browsing
the thornveld and grassy plains.
Other attractions within easy reach include Howick
Falls, Midmar Dam, Albert Falls Nature Reserve and Imbali where
you can experience contemporary Zulu culture by visiting one
of the shebeens or taverns or watch a 'Sangoma' in training.
Pietermaritzburg is a fine example of a modern Kwazulu
Natal town and its historical and natural appeal make it a
must-see for any traveler planning a trip to the Midlands.
Photograph
Victorian architecture
Freestate 
