Dating in Pietermaritzburg: Best Free Sites & Apps

Dating in PMB

Pietermaritzburg, often shortened to PMB or “Maritzburg”, is the capital of KwaZulu-Natal. It is about an hour inland from Durban, on the road to the Midlands, and has a cooler climate, red-brick Victorian buildings and a reputation as a quieter, greener alternative to the coast. Government, education and health are major employers.

The University of KwaZulu-Natal’s Pietermaritzburg campus and several well-known schools give the city a strong academic character. It is also a sporting city: the Comrades Marathon runs between Pietermaritzburg and Durban, and the Dusi Canoe Marathon starts here. For dating, the pool is modest, and many people combine local matches with people in Durban or the Midlands towns such as Howick and Hilton.

Which platform in Pietermaritzburg?

All the services in our South Africa ranking work in English:

• eDarling and be2, which match you after a personality test, for a serious relationship.
• 40sDating, for singles in their 40s.
• Singles 50, our top-rated South African site, and 50sDating, for over-50s.
• 60sDating, for over-60s, a good fit for the many retirees in the Midlands.

These sites are free to join and to receive suggestions; messaging needs a subscription. Tinder, Bumble and Badoo offer free chat with matches. A wider radius covering Hilton, Howick and even Durban gives you more choice.

Where to meet people in Pietermaritzburg

The Liberty Midlands Mall and the restaurants around it are a popular, safe meeting place. The Hilton area, just outside the city, has cafés and country restaurants that suit a relaxed weekend date. Scottsville, near the university and racecourse, has student-friendly spots.

The KwaZulu-Natal National Botanical Garden is a peaceful place for a walk, and Alexandra Park is popular for picnics. Mountain bikers and trail runners head to Cascades and the World’s View area above the city. The Midlands Meander, a route of craft shops, cafés and country stays between Howick and Nottingham Road, is a classic day out once you know each other better, and the Howick Falls are nearby.

Running clubs, canoeing, mountain biking, parkrun and church and community groups are popular ways to meet people. University societies offer events for students.

Safety tips

Meet in a busy public place for the first date, arrange your own transport and share your location with a friend. Keep personal details private until you trust the person. Never send money, airtime or bank details to someone you met online.

Which site fits you in Pietermaritzburg?

All services work in English. In PMB, the pool is modest, so your age and goals matter.

Provincial government official, 36, in Wembley

be2 and eDarling suit people who want a long-term relationship. Free tip: a stroll in the Botanical Garden is a calm first date.

UKZN student, 22, in Scottsville

Tinder and Badoo have free chat. Free tip: a parkrun on Saturday morning is a fun way to meet people.

Teacher, 43, in Hilton

40sDating keeps you among people at a similar stage. Free tip: suggest a coffee at one of Hilton’s country cafés.

Retired farmer, 65, near Howick

60sDating is made for singles over 60. Free tip: a visit to the Howick Falls makes a pleasant first outing.

Dating in Pietermaritzburg: FAQ

Is Pietermaritzburg good for dating?

It is quiet and green, with a modest pool. Combining an age-based site with a free app and widening your radius works well.

What is the best dating site in Pietermaritzburg?

eDarling and be2 suit a serious relationship, and Singles 50 is our top pick for over-50s.

Which dating apps are free in Pietermaritzburg?

Tinder, Bumble and Badoo all let you chat with matches for free.

Where should I go on a first date in Pietermaritzburg?

The Botanical Garden, a restaurant near the Liberty Midlands Mall, or a café in Hilton.