South Africa Travels Blog

Pietermaritzburg is located in a deep valley in the natal Midlands, one hour northwest of the sprawling city of Durban. The town is deceptively large and as yet unspoiled by tourists hordes and uninspired modern architecture. The main reason to visit Pietermaritzburg, unless you are a student at one of the institutes of higher learning is the architecture.

Pietermaritzburg is one of the best preserved Victorian cities in the world. Its brick buildings and sedate, regal structures (including the largest brick building in the Southern Hemisphere) stand in stark contrast to the concrete slabs other cities built in the interests of efficiency and economy. The architecture helps to preserve Pietermaritzburg’s ambience. This feeling is supported by the narrow winding alleys that make their way in between the larger through-fares.

Pietermaritzburg today is a wonderful hybrid of big-city and small town influences. though it is known as “The City in the Country”, and agriculture is the backbone of the local economy.

Pietermaritzburg has enough good museums and galleries to stand up to any other city in South Africa. It is a wonderful town too often neglected by tourists.

Travelling by Car in South Africa
If you are using a car to travel around South Africa, wearing a seat belt is compulsory by law.
The quality of many roads in South Africa can be shocking by European standards, even sub standard if you are used to even, well paved streets, especially in the more remote regions such as Lesotho, Swaziland and parts of natal. The road conditions will often necessitate driving more slowly and more cautiously than you would at home. Some areas may even be impassable without a 4 wheel drive vehicle. Do not be surprised to come across the odd wandering cow on the rural road.

Car rental companies charge twice as much insurance, for cars travelling outside South African borders, so drive carefully if you are not going to pay that excess. An additional tip is to take the secondary policy which covers you for the excess on the first policy.

Travelling by Mini Bus Taxi is a definite no – no. All forms of public transport are subject to muggings and theft. If you do, always travel with someone else.