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 Wide streets, jacaranda and coral trees, colorful parks and sparkling fountains characterize the principal town and capital of the Northern Province. In addition to its status as a major commercial and agricultural center, Pietersburg is the cultural hub of the region, featuring impressive art exhibitions and elegant historical buildings. In the vicinity, the countryside is the setting for some of the most prosperous cattle ranches in South Africa.
Strategically placed on the Great North Road, and halfway between Pretoria and the Zimbabwean border, this attractive city is an ideal base from which to explore. Pietersburg is a popular port of call for visitors en route to the Tzaneen area and the northern part of the Kruger National Park. The options for holiday pleasure in Pietersburg and its surroundings are virtually endless, whether as a pleasant en route stopover or a destination it itself.
Another plus factor is that Pietersburg is the major gateway to this world of contrasts, as it has the only international airport in the province.
EVENTS
Major Annual Events in Pietersburg
March
Pietersburg passion play
May
Pietersburg Show
GENERAL INFO
Airport
Gateway International Airport is situated just north of Pietersburg. Major car hire companies have rental kiosks at the airport.
MUSEUM
 Bakone Malapa Open-air Museum
For insights into an ancient lifestyle, look no further than this traditional North Sotho kraal, nine kilometers south of Pietersburg on the R37. Here, men and women practice traditional skills such as making baskets, clay pots, furniture and utensils, preparing hides and brewing beer. Conducted tours are offered, and an information center provides historical background.
Pietersburg Bird Sanctuary
Situated close to town on the R521, the sanctuary supports some 270 species. Braai (barbecue) facilities are available. Scenic hiking trails link various hides and look-out points Vehicles are not permitted. Open daily 07:00 to 18:00.
Pietersburg Municipal Nature Reserve
Some five kilometers south of town, the Pietersburg Nature Reserve supports rhino, zebra, giraffe and gemsbok. Open, grass-covered plains allow easy game viewing.
GREAT OUTDOORS
Civic Plaza and Square
Lovely landscaped gardens with walkways, streams and ponds provide the perfect setting for Pietersburgs Civic Plaza. The Art
Museum in the Library Gardens houses an impressive art
 collection. The Jack Botes Hall is a venue for congresses and cultural performances. A wealth of exotic plants at the Conservatory will delight horticulturists and gardeners. A bandstand dating from the 1920s stands on the south-western corner of the square. The restored Dutch Reformed Church houses the Hugh Exton Collection which comprises 22 000 glass negatives and many photographs of great historical value.
Industrial Art Exhibition
Northern entrance to Pietersburg. The verges of the N1 have been converted into a gallery of dramatic industrial sculptures made of materials such as steel pipes, old railway sleepers and scrap metal. Sculptures include works by Eduardo Villa, Guillaume Theron and Danie Joubert.
Union Park
Five kilometers south of town on the road to the silicon mine, Union Park offers shady trees, braai (barbecue) facilities, a childrens playground and a dam where angling is permitted.
Zion City Moria
Near Pietersburg, the headquarters of the Zion Christian Church attracts more than a million pilgrims every Easter. This is the largest of some 2000 African indigenous churches, which generally combine Christianity with elements of traditional African belief.
SHOPPING
Pietersburg has wide range of shops. A flea market is held in the Library Gardens on the last Saturday of every month.
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