With the national highway skirting Montrose on two sides, travellers are able to easily access this north-westerly suburb of Pietermaritzburg in KwaZulu-Natal Province. Montrose is a prestigious neighbourhood, the average home located on a large stand and with perfectly manicured gardens, set amongst dense foliage and clean streets. Large tracts of forest block out any highway noise.
Positioned at an elevation of over 750m, the early morning mist rolls in over Montrose to cool the often hot temperatures. The brisk and clean air encourages an active lifestyle and residents walk their dogs along the pretty stream that winds through the suburb or cycle and run the steep inclines.
With two direct routes into the Pietermaritzburg city centre 6km away, Montrose is the perfect destination for business travellers. And for holiday makers, the area marks the start of the Midlands Meander and is a short one hour drive to the renowned KwaZulu-Natal beaches.
Top 6 reasons to visit Montrose
1. The Pietermaritzburg Farmer’s Market is held every Saturday in the National Botanical Gardens. Stall owners offer fresh farm produce, tasty food creations and unique crafts in a beautiful setting.
2. Begin your journey of the Midlands Meander on the old Howick road and the suggested circular route which takes in a fudge factory, farmstall and honey shop before lunching at the Snooty Fox. Spend a relaxing few hours at the 95m Howick waterfall on the return leg.
3. Ask your host to arrange an invite to play a round of golf on the tough par 71 course at Victoria Country Club, the fairways and greens frequented by buck and vast birdlife to easily distract. The club has excellent dining facilities.
4. Those that don’t follow the sport are often of the misguided opinion that cricket is a slow game. Not so! The T20 version of the sport has condensed the game into a 2-hour action packed match that thrills audiences. Make up your own mind by watching a game at the City Oval ground.
5. The Pietermaritzburg area is a popular destination for mountain biking and trail running. Events are hosted throughout the year and the Intaba Ridge MTB Classic, held every March, is favoured for its route through a scenic private game estate.
6. Travel into Durban to experience an exciting rickshaw ride along the esplanade and to swim at one of the many city beaches. The water is warm and the waves manageable. Durban is filled with attractions too and has an established restaurant scene and vibrant nightlife.
Transport
King Shaka International Airport is 109km away. The smaller national airport, Oribi Airport in Pietermaritzburg, is located 12km from Montrose. Shuttle service and tour companies operate at the airport and in Durban and Pietermaritzburg, however, to best enjoy Montrose, hiring a car is the most practical choice. To hire a vehicle, simply order one online. Several large bus liners stop in Montrose on the route between Durban and Pretoria.
Did you know?
At one stage, Pietermaritzburg had its own Town Crier who would make public announcements in the city centre on Saturday mornings. He later moved to the Saturday Farmers Market and was a major source of entertainment for those he encountered. He passed away in 2012 and with it, went the role of Town Crier.
The climate in Montrose averages 18° throughout the year and has less humidity than other areas of KwaZulu-Natal due to the suburb’s elevation. The highest point on the gruelling Comrades Marathon that begins or ends in Pietermaritzburg is 810m, only 60m higher than Montrose and a good place to train for the uphill runs.
