Pietermaritzburg City Guide

Food scene is decent with local dishes like Bunny Chow and Braai. There's variety including Indian and Portuguese food. Vegan and vegetarian options are growing.

Nightlife is modest, mostly pubs and bars, especially near Victoria Road and the university area.

Growing coffee scene with independent cafes and some specialty shops alongside chains.

Tipping is expected for good service: 10-15% in restaurants, rounding up taxi fares, and small amounts for other services.

SIM cards are sold at mobile stores in malls. Main providers are Vodacom, MTN, Cell C, and Telkom. You'll need ID and proof of address to register.

Street cleanliness varies by area. Some parts are clean, others have litter. Waste pickup is regular but recycling is limited.

Limited 24/7 services. Some pharmacies and petrol station shops are open late. Few night clinics are available.

Major supermarkets carry a good range of local and international products. Fresh produce markets are available.

Card payments are widely accepted in supermarkets, restaurants, and bigger shops. Cash is still handy for small vendors and taxis.

ATMs are common at banks, malls, and petrol stations. Major banks include Standard Bank, FNB, Absa, and Nedbank. Fees vary depending on your card and bank.

Several well-regarded schools offer instruction mainly in English and Afrikaans, with Zulu as a subject.

Limited digital nomad presence and infrastructure. Some Wi-Fi cafes but no regular meetups or dedicated spaces.

Good access to parks like the Botanical Garden with shaded walking and running spaces.

Popular running routes include parks and the Botanical Garden. The city hosts the Comrades Marathon and has active running clubs.

Several gyms and sports clubs offer rugby, cricket, soccer, and running opportunities.

Tennis courts available at sports clubs and schools. Equipment rental is rare; coaching is often available.

Padel courts are uncommon; local inquiry needed.

Several yoga studios offering various styles with drop-in and membership options. Instructors commonly speak English.

Schools for Karate, Taekwondo, and Judo exist. Less common are BJJ or Muay Thai. English-speaking instructors are usual.

No skiing nearby. South Africa's only ski resort is far in the Eastern Cape.

Midmar Dam offers kayaking, paddleboarding, sailing, and windsurfing with equipment rentals nearby.

Durban beaches 1-1.5 hours away have surfing spots suitable for beginners and advanced surfers, with warm water year-round.

World-class dive sites south of Durban with good visibility and diverse marine life. Equipment rentals and certification centers available.

Private hospitals like Mediclinic Pietermaritzburg and Netcare St Anne's have English-speaking staff and good care. Public hospitals vary in quality.

Tap water is treated and generally safe to drink, though some prefer bottled water.

Good family-friendly parks and attractions, playgrounds, and kid-friendly cafes.

South Africa has strong legal protections and marriage equality. Local acceptance varies but public spaces are generally safe.

Pet policies vary. Some places allow pets and vet services are available, but dedicated pet parks are limited.