Pietermaritzburg

Pietermaritzburg, which is situated within the Msunduzi Municipal boundary, is the capital and second-largest city of the KwaZulu-Natal province. Pietermaritzburg is called Maritzburg by the locals and is often abbreviated to PMB. The area is centrally located between Durban and the Drakensberg and is famous for hosting sports events such as the Comrades or Dusi Marathon. Pietermaritzburg is a family-orientated area boasting some of the top schools in the province and is home to a variety of property types including freestanding homes, sectional title units and apartments. 

A brief history of the area

Pietermaritzburg was founded in 1838 and named after two leaders of the Voortrekkers Pieter Retief and Gerrit Maritz. The village was later taken over and made into a British military garrison as a defence in case of attacks. Many German and British immigrants settled here over the years as the town flourished with quaint Victorian and Edwardian buildings and features that remain today.

Distance from key points

Pietermaritzburg residents looking to reach Durban can do so in approximately 1h 4 minutes (77,3 km) via the N3 and Pietermaritzburg Airport is a 13-minute drive (6,2 km) via Oribi Road. 

Climate

Pietermaritzburg has a Marine - Mild Winter climate with an average annual daily temperature of 22.87 ºC. The wettest month of the year is January which sees roughly 179.83 mm of rainfall while the warmest month is February with an average daily temperature of 27.5 ºC.

Schools in the area

Pietermaritzburg is home to some of the top premier schools in the KwaZulu-natal province, so you won't have any trouble finding the perfect school to enrol your child into. Here are some of the top ones you should consider.

Ridge Junior Primary School, Epworth School, Merchiston Preparatory School, Carter High School, St Nicholas Diocesan School, St John's DSG Pietermaritzburg, Longmarket Girls' School, The Wykeham Collegiate, Alexandra High School, Russell High School, Maritzburg Christian School, St Charles College, Pietermaritzburg Girls' High School and Voortrekker High School.

Healthcare in the area

When you're in need of emergency medical assistance, you will be able to get the help you require at Netcare St Anne's Hospital which is only a four-minute drive. Nearby hospitals including Royal Hospital or Midlands Specialists Private Hospital are also great hospitals.

If it's just a check-up or some medication you need to get, you can do so at Mediclinic Pietermaritzburg, Victoria Medical Centre or Medicross Medical Centre.

If your beloved pet is in need of medical assistance, you can take them to Veterinary House Hospital, Longmarket Veterinary Clinic or Chase Valley Veterinary Clinic.

Shopping centres

Whether it's clothing, jewellery, electronics, home decor or groceries on your shopping list, you'll need to know where to go. Some of the best shopping malls in the area include Cascades Lifestyle Centre, Victoria Square, Parklane Shopping Centre, Victoria Centre and Athlone Circle Mall.

Restaurants

The area provides some wonderful restaurants ready to tantalise your tastebuds such as Mozambik, Essence Cafe & Grill, Jayz Grill, Sagewood Cafe, El Sombrero Spur Steak Ranch, Tandoor The Clay Oven, Vigour & Verve and Jimmy's Killer Prawns.

Special attractions

Pietermaritzburg has some lovely attractions for its residents to enjoy. Here are some of the places you may want to explore.

The KwaZulu-Natal Museum is the perfect place to spend the day learning fascinating facts and brushing up on your history. 

The Golden Horse Casino is not just for gamblers, they also offer activities such as Golf, putt-putt and an arcade for the kids to play.

The whole family will enjoy a trip to Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife where you can go on a hike and see beautiful scenery and Africa's amazing animals.

Make Pietermaritzburg your home. Let it be your story.

With homes that offer more value for your money, excellent schools and some amazing amenities in the area, Pietermaritzburg is definitely a top choice. Seeff has a wide range of properties within Pietermaritzburg for you to choose from whether you're looking to purchase a property or rent a home, so contact one of our property practitioners today.