Pietermaritzburg is the capital and second-largest city in KwaZulu-Natal. One of its most attractive features is that it is a city in the country, surrounded by the forested hills and rolling pastures of the Natal Midlands. Centrally situated between Durban and Johannesburg, near the Drakensberg and several game reserves, Pietermaritzburg is a convenient stopover and base to explore KwaZulu-Natal. Pietermaritzburg is the largest town in the Natal Midlands, a scenic retreat that boasts unmatched natural beauty, charming villages, and a wonderful arts and crafts route to explore. Butterflies for Africa is a top family attraction where visitors walk amongst butterflies from around the world as they fly freely in a lush environment. Pietermaritzburg boasts its very own rose. A specimen can be seen at Alexandra Park, the venue for international sports fixtures and monthly craft markets. Alexandra Park features a picturesque cricket pavilion, restaurant, and charming Chinoiserie-style bandstand that hosts regular concerts. Other parks and gardens include the Pietermaritzburg Botanical Gardens, Natal Zoological Gardens, Wylie Park, Ferncliffe and Bisley Nature Reserve, and Queen Elizabeth Park. The city is close to several game parks and nature reserves. The Lion Park gives visitors the chance to see some of Africa’s larger game close up from the comfort of their car. Umgeni Valley Nature Reserve has trails, picnic sites, 260 species of birds, and game species such as kudu, wildebeest, and giraffe. Tala Game Reserve is a birder’s paradise and offers unrivalled game viewing, as well as an a la carte restaurant. Albert Falls Nature Reserve has a wide variety of activities from water sports on the dam to game drives and camping.
