Pietermaritzburg

PMB

Pietermaritzburg is the capital and second largest city in KwaZulu Natal. It was founded in 1838 and it is home to a campus of the University of KwaZulu-Natal. Pietermaritzburg is a major producer of Aluminium, as well as timber and dairy products.

Set in the heart of the Natal Midlands in KwaZulu Natal, Pietermaritzburg is a city of charm and dignity, at its loveliest in spring when masses of azaleas burst into bloom.

The city was originally founded by the Voortrekkers, following the defeat of Dingane at the Battle of Blood River, and was the capital of the short-lived Boer republic, Natalia. Britain took over Pietermaritzburg in 1843 and it became the seat of the Natal Colony's administration with the first lieutenant-governor, Martin West, making it his home. Fort Napier, named after the governor of the Cape Colony, Sir George Thomas Napier, was built to house a garrison. In 1893 Natal received responsibility for their own government and an assembly building was built along with the city hall. In 1910, when the Union of South Africa was formed, Natal became a province of the union, and Pietermaritzburg remained the capital.

And in shady, tree-lined suburbs, spacious red brick bungalows and upper-crust boarding schools reinforce the colonial ambiance of "The Last Outpost of the British Empire" as Maritzburg is affectionately known. The city has a wide range of shops, hotels and restaurants, providing the ideal gateway to the exceptional country inns, recreational resorts and game reserves of the Midlands and the Drakensberg.

Pietermaritzburg is on the major road arterial between the Pretoria-Johannesburg-Witwatersrand conurbation and the harbour city of Durban, some 90 kilometres (55 miles) from Pietermaritzburg. The city is served by Pietermaritzburg-Oribi Airport. The airport provides domestic air services to Johannesburg and Cape Town. There is also a railway station in the city centre that connects directly to Durban and Johannesburg and indirectly to other major cities in South Africa.

In January there is an annual canoe race, Dusi Canoe Marathon, from Pietermaritzburg to Durban. The route follows the Msunduzi River into the Mgeni River, through the Valley of a Thousand Hills into the Inanda Dam and from here to the mouth of the Mgeni River.

The Comrades Marathon takes place annually in June between Pietermaritzburg and Durban. It has been run since 1921 and attracts thousands of entrants. The start of the race alternates between the two cities.

PMB South

Pietermaritzburg is the capital and second largest city in KwaZulu Natal, centrally situated between Durban, the Drakensberg and KwaZulu-Natal's game reserves. It was founded in 1838 and it is home to a campus of the University of KwaZulu-Natal.

Pietermaritzburg (often referred to as Maritzburg) can be found in the forest covered hills that are the Natal Midlands and is one of the best-preserved Victorian cities in the world. Pietermaritzburg is a thriving, modern capital that has carried its history fully into the present, yet still encompasses a picturesque country feel.

Pietermaritzburg plays host to spectacular sports events, annual outdoor festivals and an agricultural show without parallel in South Africa. The Comrades Marathon takes place annually in June between Pietermaritzburg and Durban. It has been run since 1921 and attracts thousands of entrants. The start of the race alternates between the two cities. Hotels, nightclubs, restaurants and bed & breakfast establishments cater for every tourist need. Pietermaritzburg is a dynamic commercial, educational and industrial centre with many companies relocating here.

Pietermaritzburg is a major producer of Aluminium, as well as timber and dairy products.

Pietermaritzburg is the 'City of Choice' because it is:
• only 45 minutes by road from Durban, Africa's Busiest port;
• only one hour away by road to The New King Shaka Airport;
• only one hour by air from Pietermaritzburg Airport to OR Tambo International Airport (Johannesburg);
• only 90 minutes from the central Drakensberg resorts;
• the new capital of South Africa's most popular province, KwaZulu-Natal; our city's economy grew by an incredible 30% in 2003-2004 and continues to grow at an exceptional rate;
• an educational centre of excellence;
• home to great international events, such as the Comrades Marathon, the Duzi Marathon, the Midmar Mile, the Royal & Garden Show, Art & Cars in the Park and International cycling events like the 2010 UCI BMX World Championships