About
Pietermaritzburg is the capital city of KwaZulu-Natal, a province in South Africa. Locals and visitors often shorten it to Maritzburg or simply PMB. It is a city of Victorian architecture and considerable historical interest, and it makes a worthwhile stop for anyone travelling through the province.
What to expect
The city's character comes largely from its older buildings, many of them dating from the colonial era. Walking through the centre gives a sense of the period in which the town took shape, and the streets reward a slow pace rather than a checklist approach.
Pietermaritzburg is also closely linked with the early years of Mahatma Gandhi's activism. He spent time in the city while he was building the political work he would later carry on in India, and that connection draws many visitors who want to understand the place as well as see it.
Planning your visit
- Set aside time for the city centre, where most of the Victorian architecture is concentrated.
- Read up on the Gandhi connection before you go, so that the historical sites carry more meaning.
- Allow for a relaxed day rather than a rushed one; the city suits unhurried exploring.
- Check current details for opening times and access before you set out, as these can change.
Pietermaritzburg suits visitors interested in history, architecture and the story of a key figure in modern South African and Indian history. If those interests appeal to you, the city is a sensible addition to a journey through KwaZulu-Natal.