Pietermaritzburg

Afrikaans name: Pietermaritzburg

Pietermaritzburg

Photo © Steven Herbert

KwaZulu-Natal

Pietermaritzburg was founded in 1838. Its name is a composite of two famous Voortrekker leaders Pieter Retief and Gerrit Maritz.

There are many buildings of interest in Pietermaritzburg including the Voortrekker Museum, the old Supreme Court, the Natal Museum and many more.

The Pietermaritzburg city hall is possibly the biggest all-brick building in the southern hemisphere.

Accommodation in Pietermaritzburg

Each year the Royal Agricultural Show is held. This show draws many visitors from around KwaZulu-Natal and beyond. Besides the agricultural displays there are many other exhibits, funfair and live shows.

The Comrades Marathon is run between Pietermaritzburg and Durban each year. The direction of the race tends to be alternated with Pietermaritzburg serving as either the starting point or the end point.

The Botanic Gardens, which are around 44 ha in extent, are also well worth a visit. They were established in the 1870's.

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References and further reading

Book of the Road - 4th edition - Author: MapStudio - Year Published: 2019 - Page: 137

Conolly's Guide to Southern Africa - Author: Denis Conolly - Year Published: 1982 - Page: 223

On Route - A region by region guide to South Africa - Author: B.P.J. Erasmus - Year Published: 1995 - Page: 134

Places to Visit in Southern Africa - Author: AA RSA - Year Published: 1995 - Page: 136

Reader's Digest Illustrated Guide to Southern Africa - 4th edition - Author: - Year Published: 1986 - Page: 339

Road Tripping South Africa - Author: MapStudio - Year Published: 2014 - Page: 113

Southern Africa from the Highway - Author: AA RSA - Year Published: 1991 - Page: 82

The Pictorial Motoring Atlas of South Africa - Author: Maxwell Leigh - Year Published: 1987 - Page: 116

Things ewe never kn'ewe about South African place names - Author: Ann Gadd - Year Published: 2015 - Page: 174

Where to see Birds in KwaZulu-Natal - Author: Bennett and Herbert - Year Published: 1995 - Page: 27

Where to see Birds in Natal - Author: Gordon Bennett - Year Published: 1989 - Page: 15