Pietermaritburg lies in the rolling hills of the Natal Midlands in South Africa. Beyond the reach of moisture - laden coastal elements, these vast landscapes are our Zulu Kingdom's 'Eshayamoya' - 'where the breezes blow' - across soft, rolling hills and through deep, secluded valleys...ruffling great rivers and dams, and sporting with the rainbow-spray of dramatic waterfalls. Here in Pietermarizburg and its surroundings lie the experiences of country living at its most elegant and refined...wide open spaces dotted with horse studs and cattle ranches, guest farms and welcoming, quaint communities.
This all - pervading, unmistakable sense of style and grace radiates from the historic heart of our 'City of Flowers' - Pietermaritzburg. One of the Kingdom's twin capitals, and listed among the 'most important high - character' cities of Africa, the park - and garden - filled metropolis exudes a gentle, sophisticated charm. Often called 'a little piece of the Old Country' - thanks to the many fine examples of Victorian and Edwardian architecture - its name bears witness to a past more complex than may initially appear. First Boer, then British laid claim to this strategic settlement...having dispossessed the Zulu people of their 'Place of the Elephant'.
Mahatma Gandhi began his 'spiritual apprenticeship' here in Pietermaritzburg...the last hopes of a Napoleonic dynasty passed through these streets...a locally - held relic of the Great War displays a 'miracle' every year and the city features prominently in former president Nelson Mandela's 'long walk to freedom'. It's not altogether surprising, then, that more than 50 National Monuments beckon within easy strolling distance of the century-old Pietermaritzburg Town Hall...along with five splendid museums.
The 'youngest' of these is dedicated to our world famous, annual test of human endurance - the ultra - distance Comrades Marathon - born here 80 years ago to honour the camaraderie of World War One's fallen and veterans. Two water - borne sporting spectaculars also attract men and women of iron from around the globe. Pietermaritzburg hosts our continent's largest agricultural and community jamboree, while burgeoning leather and aluminium manufacture is garnering keen interest from abroad. A long - established centre of textile production lies further afield, accessed via the self - drive route of artists' havens, cottage industries, antiques and eateries known as the Midlands Meander. The most extensive - and inclusive - of its kind in the country, the hundreds of listed 'stops' form more than one gigantic shopping expedition...although you'd be hard pressed to leave empty - handed! Golf, trout fishing, hiking and biking are featured outdoor activities, while opportunities abound to learn new skills...from campanology to cooking extravagantly. There's far more than a day trip on offer here, so overnight in ultra - sophisticated or rustic surrounds - or somewhere in - between...the choice is immense and yours!
'Live in harmony with nature and with one another' is the Midlands Motto - we look forward to extending our neighbourliness and welcoming you to our slice of the Zulu Kingdom's wide beauty, deep history and high culture. Come visit us in Pietermaritzburg soon!
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