Pietermaritzburg Central, Pietermaritzburg

If you are someone who enjoys the peace and quiet of small-town living with big city convenience, then Pietermaritzburg is the place for you. It is the capital of South Africa and the second-largest city in KwaZulu-Natal. Commonly abbreviated to the term PMB or Maritzburg in Afrikaans, this well-loved city offers a comfortable work-life balance for its locals. 

A brief history of the area 

The city was founded in 1838 and the Zulu name for it is umGungundlovu. This is the name used for the district municipality and it is currently governed by the Msunduzi Local Municipality. The city was initially founded by the Voortrekkers and has a rich heritage of being an important place in the fight against apartheid. Many struggle heroes from Mahatma Gandhi to Nelson Mandela have left legacies in Pietermaritzburg. 

Distance from key points (Airport/CBD) 

The main airport in the area is the Pietermaritzburg Airport which is approximately 13 minutes (5,9 km) away from the city centre via Chief Albert Luthuli street and Oribi road. The King Shaka International Airport is approximately 1 hour and 23 minutes (102,7 km) away via the N3 and N2. 

Climate

Pietermaritzburg is known for its balmy summers and chilly winters. Temperatures range between 11°C-21°C in winter and 22°C-34°C during summer. The conditions are ideal for farming certain produce such as maize, beans, sugarcane, sweet potatoes and more. The weather is ideal for taking a drive to Tala Collection Game Reserve nearby and enjoying a day with some of the country's largest game and a variety of birds. 

Schools in the area 

The standard of education in Pietermaritzburg is relatively high and there are many recommended public and private schools in the area. Take your pick (depending on the age of your child/children) from Athlone Primary School, Cordwalles Preparatory School for Boys, St. Anne's Diocesan College and Bisley Park Primary School to name a few. 

On a tertiary level, you can expect to find the University of KwaZulu-Natal's Pietermaritzburg Campus, Varsity College Pietermaritzburg and the Cedara College of Agriculture. 

Healthcare in the area 

Pietermaritzburg has a community of healthcare professionals in centralised institutions. These include the Life Hilton Private Hospital, Mediclinic Pietermaritzburg, the Hopelands Cancer Centre and more. There are also a large number of General Practitioners and Specialists in various fields to assist with prioritised care. 

The Chase Valley Veterinary Clinic, Longmarket Veterinary Clinic and the Veterinary House Hospital are also conveniently dotted around the area to care for your pets. 

Shopping centres  

Cascades Lifestyle Centre is known as the shopping centre of choice for locals. The mall features world-class health and fitness facilities, jewellery stores, clothing, grocery brands, beauty stores and more. There are also notable eateries and convenient takeaways for the on-the-go shopper. 

Liberty Midlands Mall is home to national and international retailers such as Woolworths, Dis-Chem, Checkers, Pizza Hut, and Coricraft. 

Restaurants

Mozambik Pietermaritzburg is where lovers of Portuguese cuisine go to experience the best peri-peri prawns and grills. The welcoming cone of warm, roasted peanuts while you peruse the menu is a nice touch and a sign of the exciting flavours to come. 

Essence Cafe and Grill Restaurant is unique to Pietermaritzburg. With a laid-back atmosphere and calm ambience, the food does all the talking. The extensive menu features breakfast, lunch and dinner options. Favourites include butter chicken, deep-fried calamari, and more. There is also an assortment of freshly baked cakes with classic flavours. Wash it down with a creamy cappuccino to seal the deal. 

Special attractions 

Pietermaritzburg has an abundance of natural beauty. Cumberland Nature Reserve is one such place that highlights the lushness of this city. With over 300+ bird species, wild flora and fauna, you can experience an overnight stay at the reserve's accommodation or camp under the stars on site. 

Make Pietermaritzburg your home. Let it be your story.

The opportunity to live in such a well-rounded community should not be missed. Seeff has quality properties in the area for you to view at your leisure. Contact one of our property practitioners for more information today.