Pietermaritzburg is the capital city of the province KwaZulu Natal, South Africa. It was founded in 1833 and is the second largest city of this province. There are so many things to do in Pietermaritzburg. This place has got historical museums, botanical gardens, parks, bird sanctuaries, art galleries, hotels and restaurants. This place respects all religions which is also the reason why one can find both churches and Hindu temples all on one land.
Top 12 Things To Do In Pietermaritzburg
This place lets a tourist indulge in the rich cultural and religious atmosphere of this place. There are a number of things to do when in Pietermaritzburg. Here is a list of all such things:
1. KwaZulu-Natal National Botanical Garden: Explore
This garden is situated along the Mayor’s walk along the western suburbs of Pietermaritzburg, South Africa. This place was established in 1874 to promote the greenery in the area. This garden cultivates plants which are brought here from eastern parts of South Africa and from the northern hemisphere as well. This garden is one of the oldest gardens in the world. This garden is open throughout the year but the timings are different. In summer it is open from 8am to 6pm and in winters it is open from 8am to 5:30 pm. It attracts 150 different species of birdlife.
Location: 2 Zwartkop Rd, Prestbury, Pietermaritzburg, 3201, South Africa
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2. The Comrades Museum: Take a walk through history
The Comrades Museum is a Victorian house which serves as the headquarters of Comrades marathon. It is a museum which has a rich history of the ultimate human race. It narrates the story of the race and its victors. At the beginning there were only 34 marathon runners who participated in this. But with time, numbers grew. Today, it is one of the most attended marathons. On an average, there are approximately ten thousand to 15 thousand runners participating in the marathon.
Location: 18 Connaught road, Scottsville, Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu Natal
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3. Butterflies for Africa: Stop by
This is a place where there is a walk in butterfly house. Here one can find both exotic and indigenous butterflies. The impressive walk through butterfly house is the prime attraction for the people who come here. It feels like a wonderland as one walks by and is surrounded by the view of spectacular colours.
Location: 37 Willowton Rd, Willowton, Pietermaritzburg, 3201, South Africa
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4. Golden Horse Casino: Up for a gamble?
The Golden Horse Casino is the perfect place for all those people who love gambling or want to give it a shot. It is an intimate casino. It offers traditional table games, restaurant services and live entertainment. It is a great casino which also provides accommodation facilities for people who wish to stay there. Thus, it’s a good place for all the gamblers out there. Overall it a fun place to have some exciting experiences at.
Location: 45 New England Rd, Scottsville, Pietermaritzburg, 3201, South Africa
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5. Queen Elizabeth Park: Take a stroll
Queen Elizabeth Park is a natural reserve which features wildlife. This natural reserve is home to many different species like impala, Blesbok, zebra, bushbuck, crowned eagles etc. This place also houses several endangered species of plants, like the endangered daisies and the cycad species of plants. This place also provides an environment based educational workshop.
Location: Town Bush Valley, Pietermaritzburg, 3201, South Africa
6. Tatham Art Gallery: For all art lovers
This art museum was established in 1903. It one of the most famous museums of South Africa. It has a noteworthy collection of artworks from French and British culture. This gallery has a significant amount of things from the past hundred years. This art gallery is basically now a historical building and a stop for people who are fond of art and knowing the culture of a place.
Location: Chief Albert Luthuli St, Pietermaritzburg, 3200, South Africa
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7. Italian POW Church: Seek blessings
The Italian Prisoner Of War Church in South Africa was built during the end of world war two. It has now become a provincial heritage site. This church was erected in 1944 by the Italian prisoners. It is in many ways associated with the history of the Italian community in South Africa.
Location: 127 Epworth Rd, Epworth, Pietermaritzburg, 3201, South Africa
8. Macrorie House Museum: Gape at the scenic beauty
This place was built around the 1860s on a house which was rented. It is a national monument and also a heritage site. Its architecture is more like an early mid Victorian double storey house. The entire museum is filled with Victorian furniture. This place also has a wonderful collection of dolls and doll houses. This museum organizes an annual Victorian fair. It also provides extra facilities like tea in the garden.
Location: 11 Jabu Ndlovu St, Pietermaritzburg, 3201
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9. Shri Vishnu Temple: Offer prayers
This is a 100 years old temple. It is one of the most beautiful and elegant places in this city. Its serene and peaceful aura creates a blissful atmosphere. It is one of the three Hindu temples found in that region. There are marble images in the shrine room of God and Goddesses who are worshiped in the northern traditional manner.
Location: langalibalele Street, Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu Natal
10. Wylie Park: Take pictures for your Instagram
It is a beautiful park spread across eight hectares. Since it is situated at a high peak, one can have some spectacular views of the entire city from there. This is also a nice photography spot due to its breathtaking scenery and mesmerizing colors of the sky during sunset. The entry to the park is absolutely free of cost.
Location: Wembley, Pietermaritzburg, Natal Midlands, KwaZulu Natal
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11. The Garden of Remembrance: Explore
It is a beautiful tourist spot and a popular attraction. This park was built in the memory of those people who sacrificed their lives during the first and the Second World War. During the First World War, the South African soldiers were sent to France in order to support the British soldiers. This garden is a sad reminder of the people who lost their live in the war. The Garden of Remembrance is the locals’ way to pay them a tribute for their bravery.
Location: Chief Albert Luthuli Street, Pietermaritzburg, Natal Midlands
12. African Bird of Prey Sanctuary: Go birdwatching
This is typically a bird sanctuary. It is dedicated to protect the indigenous raptors. There are several projects which are run in this sanctuary that are based on research breeding and rehabilitation of the birds of prey. This sanctuary is home to a number of species of birds. There are also flying display times which are held in open air where one can get to see the magnificent African wild birds which are aerial predators.
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Indulging in the beauty of a place is something you must enjoy when visiting it. There are numerous things to do in Pietermaritzburg and we’re sure you’ll fall for the place on your trip to South Africa . We promise that you won’t be disappointed.
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