🎒Backpackers

Where to Stay in Pietermaritzburg

Cheapest areas, hostel districts, and budget tips

⚠️ Moderate💰 Budget: ZAR 800/day🚗 Car Needed☀️ Best: Jun, Jul, Aug

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Quick Answer

Stay in City Centre

The most affordable accommodation and dining options are concentrated here, alongside budget-friendly transport links.

See full Pietermaritzburg neighbourhood guide

Top 3 Areas to Stay in Pietermaritzburg

Most affordable areas with the best value accommodation

City Centre

The bustling heart of Pietermaritzburg, offering a mix of historical buildings, commercial activity, and local markets.

Our top picks in City Centre

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Protea Hotel Pietermaritzburg$$

A reliable chain hotel offering comfortable stays and standard amenities.

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The Black Horse Restaurant and Country Inn$$

Offers charming rooms and a renowned restaurant experience just outside the immediate centre.

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The Royal Hotel$$

A historic hotel with classic charm, though some facilities may be dated.

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🛡️ Be aware of your surroundings ...Mid-rangefirst-timersculture

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Town Bush Valley

A more residential and tranquil area on the edge of the city, offering a peaceful escape with scenic views.

Our top picks in Town Bush Valley

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The Orchards$$$

A luxurious guesthouse set in beautiful gardens, offering a tranquil retreat.

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Ilanga Nature Reserve & Spa$$$

A spa and nature reserve offering a high-end, relaxing experience.

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Amanzimtoti Holiday Resort (nearby)$$

While not strictly in Town Bush Valley, it offers resort-style amenities in a nearby accessible location.

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🛡️ This area is generally safe, b...Luxuryfamiliescouples

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Hilton

An affluent and leafy suburb located on a ridge north of the city, known for its excellent schools and country feel.

Our top picks in Hilton

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The Windermere$$$

A charming boutique hotel offering elegant rooms and personalized service.

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Protea Hotel Hilton$$

A well-regarded hotel offering comfortable accommodation and good facilities.

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Caesars Guesthouse$$

Offers comfortable rooms and a homely atmosphere.

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🛡️ This is a very safe area, but ...Luxuryfamiliesluxury

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Neighbourhood Comparison for Backpackers

Neighbourhood	Budget	Vibe	Best For
#1City Centre	Mid-range	The bustling heart of Pietermaritzburg, offering a mix of historical buildings, commercial activity, and local markets.	first-timersculture
Town Bush Valley	Luxury	A more residential and tranquil area on the edge of the city, offering a peaceful escape with scenic views.	familiescouples
Hilton	Luxury	An affluent and leafy suburb located on a ridge north of the city, known for its excellent schools and country feel.	familiesluxury

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Find budget-friendly hostels in Pietermaritzburg

Affordable stays in the best backpacker areas

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Tips for Backpackers in Pietermaritzburg

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Book Hostels with Kitchens

Self-catering saves significant money in Pietermaritzburg. A hostel with a good kitchen can cut your food budget by half.

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Walk Where Possible

Many city centres are walkable. Save transport money for longer journeys and use your feet for neighbourhood exploring.

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Find Free Activities

Free walking tours, museum free days, parks, and markets are everywhere. Ask hostel staff for the best free experiences.

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Carry a Water Bottle

A refillable bottle saves money and plastic. Many cities have free water fountains; check the local tap water safety first.

🗺️

Find free walking tours in Pietermaritzburg

Budget-friendly ways to explore

Browse on GetYourGuide

Best Neighborhoods for Backpackers

Ranked by relevance for backpackers visiting Pietermaritzburg

City Centre

Mid-range

The bustling heart of Pietermaritzburg, offering a mix of historical buildings, commercial activity, and local markets.

first-timersculturebudget

+Central location with easy access to attractions
+Good public transport links
+Affordable accommodation and dining options

-Can be very busy and noisy
-Some areas feel less safe after dark

🏨 Protea Hotel Pietermaritzburg 🏨 The Black Horse Restaurant and Country Inn 🏨 The Royal Hotel

Town Bush Valley

Luxury

A more residential and tranquil area on the edge of the city, offering a peaceful escape with scenic views.

familiescouplesnature lovers

+Quieter and more relaxed atmosphere
+Proximity to nature and green spaces
+Generally considered safer

-Less central, requiring transport for most attractions
-Fewer dining and entertainment options within walking distance

🏨 The Orchards 🏨 Ilanga Nature Reserve & Spa 🏨 Amanzimtoti Holiday Resort (nearby)

Hilton

Luxury

An affluent and leafy suburb located on a ridge north of the city, known for its excellent schools and country feel.

familiesluxurycouples

+Peaceful and upscale environment
+Beautiful natural surroundings
+Good local amenities

-Relatively far from Pietermaritzburg's main city attractions
-Limited public transport options

🏨 The Windermere 🏨 Protea Hotel Hilton 🏨 Caesars Guesthouse

Daily Budget (Budget)

ZAR 800/day

Stay at a budget-friendly guesthouse or B&B like The Aerie Guesthouse (dorm or basic room)ZAR 350

Lunch at a local cafe for bunny chow, e.g., The Fat Camel. Dinner from a street food vendor or supermarket.ZAR 150

Utilize local mini-bus taxis for getting around the city. Negotiate fares for longer trips.ZAR 100

Visit the National Botanical Gardens Pietermaritzburg and explore the KwaZulu-Natal Museum.ZAR 200

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Hidden Gems in Pietermaritzburg

Lesser-known spots the locals love

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Macrorie's Garden Centre Cafe

This charming cafe nestled within a beautiful garden center is a local secret for delicious homemade cakes and light lunches. It's a tranquil spot to relax and enjoy a meal surrounded by lush greenery.

foodHilton (nearby)

Our Top 5 Favourite Tours in Pietermaritzburg

Hand-picked guided experiences you can book in advance on GetYourGuide.

Guided walking tour through a European city

Pietermaritzburg Walking Tour: Highlights & Hidden Gems

Discover Pietermaritzburg on foot with a local guide who knows every backstreet and story. You will cover the must-see landmarks and stumble upon places most visitors never find.

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Pietermaritzburg Food Tour: Street Food & Local Favourites

Eat your way through Pietermaritzburg with a local foodie as your guide. From bustling markets to tucked-away restaurants, taste the dishes the city is truly known for.

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Best of Pietermaritzburg: Skip-the-Line Top Attractions

Skip the queues and get straight into Pietermaritzburg's top attractions with pre-booked access. An expert guide brings each site to life with stories and context you would not get on your own.

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Day Trip from Pietermaritzburg: Scenic Excursion

Escape Pietermaritzburg for the day and explore the stunning surroundings. Transport, guide, and itinerary are all sorted so you can relax and enjoy the scenery.

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Local cultural experience and traditions

Pietermaritzburg Cultural Experience: History & Traditions

Go beyond sightseeing and connect with Pietermaritzburg's living culture. From hands-on workshops to historic neighbourhood walks, this is the side of the city most travellers miss.

View Tour Details

View all tours in Pietermaritzburg

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2 areas to be cautious about

Read our full safety guide for Pietermaritzburg

Backpackers in Pietermaritzburg: FAQ

What is the best area in Pietermaritzburg for backpackers?

City Centre is our top pick for backpackers in Pietermaritzburg. The bustling heart of Pietermaritzburg, offering a mix of historical buildings, commercial activity, and local markets. It is a mid-range area known for first-timers, culture, budget.

Is Pietermaritzburg safe for backpackers?

Pietermaritzburg is rated "moderate" overall. Nighttime can be risky in Pietermaritzburg. Many areas, especially the CBD and some residential streets, become quiet and potentially unsafe. It is strongly recommended to use ride-sharing services or taxis and avoid walking. Our neighbourhood guides include area-specific safety advice.

How much does it cost per day in Pietermaritzburg for backpackers?

Expect to spend around ZAR 800 per day in Pietermaritzburg as a backpacker. This covers accommodation, food, transport, and activities at the budget level.

When is the best time for backpackers to visit Pietermaritzburg?

The ideal time depends on your priorities. Shoulder seasons (spring and autumn) typically offer the best balance of pleasant weather, lower prices, and fewer crowds. Budget travellers often find the best deals in winter or early spring.

Where are the cheapest hostels in Pietermaritzburg?

The most affordable hostels in Pietermaritzburg are typically found in City Centre. Budget accommodation options are highlighted in each neighbourhood breakdown above.

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More Pietermaritzburg Guides

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