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Pietermaritzburg: Travel guide, prices and free housing · 2026

Pietermaritzburg is the capital and second-largest city in the province of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa after Durban. It was named in 1838 and is currently governed by the Msunduzi Local Municipality.

Pietermaritzburg · CC BY-SA 4.0

Now in the cityPietermaritzburgsunset 06:21 PM
EntryPick a passportThe answer depends on the passport.
Places on the map3
Exchange rateR 16.64per 1 $ZAR — the local currencyas of Nov 3, 2026
Worth a day trip
Pietermaritzburg in pictures20 photos
user:kierano · cc-by-sa-3.0 · Jun 1, 2006
User:kierano · cc-by-sa-3.0 · Jun 1, 2006
Eric.France · pdm · Jan 1, 1998
Robert Walker Macbeth, after Agnes M. Johnstone · pdm · Apr 28, 1900

Getting there and staying

2 sources · As of November 4, 2026
Source: TravelHub · OurAirports (public domain)

Visa and practicalities

Choose a passport

Set your passport — processing time, fee and documents differ between passports.

Internships, au pair and study programmes have a different visa category and a different set of documents. Applications go through CMO International Programmes.

IEC international programmes

Safety and health

Safety · official adviceour data as of Nov 3, 2026
UK Foreign Office (FCDO)No restrictionsNo travel restrictions in force.
Full text

New information about submitting an online traveller declaration before travelling and information about taking money into South Africa ('Entry requirements' page).

US State DepartmentLevel 2Watch your surroundings and belongings more closely than usual.
  • crime
  • terrorism
  • kidnapping
Full text

Exercise increased caution in South Africa due to crime, terrorism, unrest, and kidnapping. Violent crime is common and includes robbery, rape, carjacking and mugging. There are also "smash-and-grab" attacks on vehicles. Violent crime is more common in the downtown areas of big cities, especially after dark. Kidnapping is a threat in South Africa. Kidnappers target U.S.

Source: UK FCDO Foreign Travel Advice · US Department of State Travel Advisory

Getting here

Getting hereOurAirports (public domain)
Pietermaritzburg Airport PZB3.6 km from the centre
King Shaka International Airport DUR70 km from the centre
Margate Airport MGH138 km from the centre

Stay longer on a programme

Work and Travel, internships, au pair and volunteering in South Africa: visa, invitation and on-site support are handled by CMO International Programmes.

1programme in the country
volunteeringupdated Jun 17, 2026
Volunteer in South Africa
Seasonyear-roundLanguageEnglish · B2
any · for students
workandtravel.com

Similar nearby

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Frequent questions about Pietermaritzburg

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