Pelham is a suburb of Pietermaritzburg and is in close proximity to Alexandra Park. Attractions at Alexandra park include the City Oval which is a multi purpose stadium used mostly for Cricket and where 2 matches of the Cricket World Cup in 2003 were hosted. Mayors Garden park with picnic areas, children's play area with sea-saws, jungle gyms, swings and much more. Percy Taylor Rockery, a rock garden and Harry Gwala Stadium. There are many events that occur at Alexandra Park such as: Pietermaritzburg Farmers Market, Cars in the Park and Art in the Park.

Pelham is mainly a residential area, it has many types of property in the area such as flats, apartments, duplexes, houses, townhouses and simplexes. There are a few schools in the area as well such as Pelham Primary School, Maritzburg Christian School, Pietermaritzburg Girls High School and Maritzburg College. Pietermaritzburg Girls High School is an all girls high school with day scholars as well as boarding scholars. Maritzburg College is the oldest boys high school in KwaZulu-Natal, with over 700 day scholars and about 400 boarders. Opposite the Maritzburg College there is a large sports field and next to the sports field there is the Midlands Library Depot. The Msunduzi canal runs close to Pelham.