Pietermaritzburg - Capital of the Zulu Kingdom

Helpful Hints

Climate

The area has a wonderfully mild climate, and is a summer rainfall area, with dry winters. These conditions make the entire area Malaria free and perfectly safe to travel to at all times of the year.

Whilst the weather is generally predictable, it is possible to experience all four seasons in a day at any time of the year, so always have a set of warm clothes packed just in case.
November- February: Summer Hot days 28-33 degrees Celsius, warm nights 12-18 degrees Celsius, with afternoon thunderstorms.

March-May: Autumn Warm days 22-28 degrees Celsius, mild nights 10-16 degrees Celsius. Rare thunderstorms.

June-August: Winter Mild days 12-20 degrees Celsius, cold nights 0-10 degrees Celsius. No rain except for occasional snow.

September-October: Spring Mild to cold days and nights 8-20 degrees Celsius. Mist and drizzle prevalent.

Distances in km from PMB to

Dundee 196
Durban 77
Eshowe 222
Estcourt 88
Greytown 73
Harrismith 233
Hluhluwe 376
Howick 18
Kokstad 191
Ladysmith 158
Matatiele 264
Newcastle 256
Port Edward 217
Port Shepstone 173
Richards bay 272
Stanger 153
Ulundi 312
Underberg 122
Vryheid 266

Banking

Banking hours are from Monday to Friday 09h00-15h30 and Saturday 08h30-11h00. Automated teller machines (ATMs) operate 24 hours and can be found in most shopping centres. The specific banks that are found in this area are Standard Bank, ABSA, Nedbank and First National.

Credit Cards

Most departmental stores, shops, hotels and restaurants accept international credit cards i.e. American Express,VISA, Diners Club, Mastercard.

Currency

The currency in South Africa is the Rand. Bank notes currently available are R200, R100, R50, R10 and coins of R5, R2, R1, 50c, 20c, 10c, 5c, 2c, and 1c. There are 100c in R1.

VAT

14% tax is charged on most purchased goods and services. However, foreign tourists are able to reclaim this money on their departure from the country provided that the goods purchased exceeds R250. Ask for more information at the airport on arrival.

Essentials to pack

- Light cotton clothing (shorts, short sleeve shirt) - Hat
- Sunscreen
- Sunglasses
- Swimming costume
- Binoculars
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Camera and lots of film

Tourism Information Offices

List of Information Offices in PMB and Midlands area

Copyright © Tourism KwaZulu-Natal