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PIETERMARITZBURG - MIDLANDS
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Pietermaritzburg,
KwaZulu Natal: Set in the heart of Zulu country, Pietermaritzburg is a city of
charm and dignity, at its loveliest in spring when masses of azaleas burst into bloom.
When the first Voortrekkers arrived in 1837, they found a tranquil countryside graced by
forests, hills and valleys. They settled on a fertile tract of land beside the Umsindusi
River and named it after two of their leaders, Gerrit Maritz and Piet Retief. Six years
later, the British upgraded the village to a military garrison town. Today, numerous
Victorian and Edwardian buildings, quaint pedestrian lanes and other landmarks reflect the
substantial British contribution to the development of the town.
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. |
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PIETERMARITZBURG ATTRACTIONS
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 MIDMAR
DAM NATURE RESERVE |
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 The large stretch of fresh water from the
uMngeni, coupled with 1000 hectares of game park that contains red hartebeest, blesbok,
reedbuck, black wildebeest, oribi and zebra, is what makes the Midmar Dam Nature Reserve
so attractive. And the fact that it’s just 7 kilometres from ... more » Midmar Dam |
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 One of eight
national botanical gardens, Pietermaritzburg's Botanical Gardens occupy an ancient
floodplain and hillside on the edge of a mist belt that creates an atmosphere, on days
when the mists roll in, something like that of a Dickens novel. The city is known as the
City of Flowers ... Pietermaritzburg Botanical Gardens » |
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| GARDEN
OF REMEBRANCE |
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 Pietermaritzburg's
attractive Garden of Remembrance commemorates the servicemen who lost their lives in the
two world wars. Sap oozes from the famous Weeping Cross of Delville Wood on the
anniversary of the battle in which many South African soldiers died. The Garden of
Remembrance is situated across from City Hall. |
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| HISTORICAL
BUILDINGS |
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 There are several buildings, museums, galleries and monuments of interest in
Pietermartitzburg. Historical buildings in Pietermaritzburg include The City Hall,
Comrades Marathon House Museum, Macrorie House Museum, Natal Museum, Old Colonial
Building, Old Government House and Voortrekker House.. |
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| RAILWAY
STATION |
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 The attractive red brick Raiway Station building in Railway Street in
Pietermaritzburg dates from the Victorian era, and is notable for its contrasting stone
facings and cast-iron lace work. Mahatma Ghandi was evicted from a train here in 1893, a
famous incident which launched him on his political career. |
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| HAYFIELDS
MALL |
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 Only a short distance away from central
Pietermaritzburg and seconds from the highway, Hayfields Mall is a popular shopping centre
with locals. Anchor shops include Pick ‘n Pay, Clicks and the major banks all have a
presence here. Photoworld and Postnet make it especially convenient for locals living in
the area. |
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| CHURCH
STREET |
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 Church Street in Pietermaritzburg has been converted into an attractive
pedestrian shopping mall. The African Arts and Craft Centre in Fraser Lane specialises in
traditional and contemporary work, including sculpture, hand-woven rugs and tapestries,
batiks, jewellery and collectors’ pieces. |
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 Pietermaritzburg
Map - Map of Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu Natal: A detailed map of the Central Business
District of Pietermaritzburg indicating the main roads and highlights of the City of
Pietermaritzburg. Highlights depicted on the map include the Railway Station, City Hall,
Scottsville Racecourse ... Pietermaritzburg Map » |
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 Midlands
Meander: The enchantment of the Midlands has long inspired many a
visitor and resident to creativity and as a result, local artists, potters and weavers
combined to create an arts and crafts route in 1985, which was to become the highly
successful and popular Midlands Meander. The route stretches ... more
» |
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 The Dusi Canoe
Marathon is a canoe race between Durban and Pietermaritzburg. The Dusi is run along the
Msunduzi River (more commonly referred to as the Dusi / or Duzi river. The race is
currently held over a period of three days, with each day having a defined beginning and
end ... more » Dusi Canoe Marathon
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 Overnight at Pietermaritzburg
accommodation or hotels
in Pietermaritzburg
Also see Naal Midlands accommodation
and Natal Midlands Hotels. |
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« KwaZulu Natal Game &
Nature Reserves | South Africa Game
Reserves » |
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