Best Things to do in Pietermaritzburg | Must-see attractions 2025

Tala Private Game Reserve

6:00 AM–6:00 PM

Nature reserve

R603 Umbumbulu Road

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Tala Private Game Reserve in Pietermaritzburg offers nearly 3000 hectares of diverse landscapes, featuring abundant wildlife, including big game and bird species.

Duration: More than 3 hours.

Paid. Adults R200, Children R100.

Tatham Art Gallery

10:00 AM–5:00 PM

Museum

Cnr Commercial Rd/Church Street Opposite City Hall

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Tatham Art Gallery in Pietermaritzburg, South Africa, established in 1903, features a diverse collection of permanent and temporary art exhibits housed in a historic building.

Duration: 1 to 2 hours.

Free. Some special exhibitions may require a paid ticket.

KwaZulu-Natal Museum

10:00 AM–5:00 PM

Museum

237 Jabu Ndlovu St

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KwaZulu-Natal Museum in Pietermaritzburg, South Africa, features diverse cultural and natural history exhibits, attracting thousands of visitors annually.

Duration: Approximately 2 hours.

Free. Some special exhibitions may require a paid ticket.

Msunduzi Museum

9:00 AM–5:00 PM

Museum

351 Langalibalele St (Longmarket St)

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Msunduzi Museum in Pietermaritzburg showcases KwaZulu-Natal's cultural heritage through diverse exhibits that reflect the region's history.

Duration: About 2 hours.

Free. Special exhibitions may require a paid ticket.

KwaZulu-Natal National Botanical Garden

7:00 AM–5:00 PM

Garden

2 Swartkops Rd Prestbury

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KwaZulu-Natal National Botanical Garden in Pietermaritzburg features diverse plant species and a Victorian history, covering 4200 square meters.

Duration: More than 2 hours.

Free. Guided tours available on weekdays.

Sidewalk Centre

9:00 AM–7:00 PM

Mall

Pietermaritzburg

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Sidewalk Centre in Pietermaritzburg offers diverse shopping and dining options, coupled with local arts and crafts. A hub for community events and leisure activities.

Duration: 1-2 hours.

Free. Some special events may require tickets.

KZN National Botanical Garden

7:30 AM–5:00 PM

National Park

2 Zwartkop Rd

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KZN National Botanical Garden in Pietermaritzburg offers diverse flora, hiking trails, and serene landscapes in South Africa's natural beauty.

Duration: 2-3 hours.

Free.

Richmond Mosque

9:00 AM–7:00 PM

Mosque

South Africa

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Richmond Mosque in Pietermaritzburg, South Africa, serves as a center for Islamic worship and community events with unique Indo-Saracenic architecture.

Duration: About 1 hour.

Free. Donations are welcomed for maintenance and community programs.

Golden Horse Casino

10:00 AM–12:00 AM

Casino

45 New England Road Scottsville

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Golden Horse Casino offers a vibrant gaming experience with classic gambling games, live shows, and diverse dining options in Pietermaritzburg, South Africa.

Duration: Approximately 3 hours.

Free entry; costs may apply to specific shows or events.

Karkloof Safari Spa

9:00 AM–6:00 PM

Park

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Karkloof Safari Spa in Pietermaritzburg offers luxurious accommodation, wellness treatments, and wildlife experiences in a unique African bush setting.

Duration: Approximately 4 hours.

Entry is paid; spa treatments and safari experiences have additional costs.

Winston Churchill Theatre

9:00 AM–5:00 PM

Theater

South Africa

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Winston Churchill Theatre in Pietermaritzburg, South Africa, is a cultural hub hosting various performances and events, showcasing local and international talent.

Duration: 2-3 hours.

Varies by event. Typical adult tickets range from 100-200 ZAR.

Laarger centre

9:00 AM–5:00 PM

Mall

Pietermaritzburg

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Laarger Centre in Pietermaritzburg, South Africa, offers unique community services, business opportunities, and vibrant shopping experiences promoting local culture.

Duration: 1-2 hours.

Free. Some events may have associated costs.

Natal Zoological Gardens

8:00 AM-5:00 PM

Zoo

Lion Park Rd

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Natal Zoological Gardens is a zoo and garden located in Pietermaritzburg, South Africa. It features a variety of animals and beautiful plant life, making it a lovely spot for families and nature lovers.

Duration: approx. 1-2 hours

Free

Butterflies For Africa

9:00 AM-4:30 PM

Garden

37 Willowton Rd

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Butterflies For Africa is a tropical butterfly center where visitors can walk among butterflies from all over the world. It also features fish, birds, monkeys, and more, making it a great place for education and fun.

Duration: approx. 1-2 hours

$5

Alexandra Park

6:00 AM-6:00 PM

Park

Alongside the Umzinduzi River

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Alexandra Park is a large, open space in Pietermaritzburg. It features beautiful gardens, walking paths, and a playground, making it great for families and nature lovers.

Duration: approx. 1-2 hours

Free

African Bird of Prey Sanctuary

9:00 AM-5:00 PM

Landmark

Lion Park Road

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The African Bird of Prey Sanctuary is a place where visitors can learn about various birds of prey. It offers bird watching areas and a chance to see vultures up close, highlighting their importance in nature.

Duration: approx. 1-2 hours

$6

Natal Lion Park

9:00 AM-5:00 PM

Landmark

Umlaas Road

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Natal Lion Park is a wildlife park in Pietermaritzburg where visitors can see lions and other animals up close. It provides an important space for conservation and education about wildlife.

Duration: approx. 1-2 hours

$5