Eshowe, "A city set on a hill" is located in a dense tropical rain forest – unique in S.A and rich with history. Eshowe has been home to Kings Shaka, Mpande, Cetshwayo and Dinzulu as well as to British conquerors.Situated around the 250 ha Dlinza indegenous forest and set on a plateau, Eshowe has an excellent climate.(Zululand Unwrapped- Kwazulu Natal, South Africa)
Eshowe, the oldest town in Zululand, has rich history. It has been home to Zulu kings and the British Military headquarters. The town surrounded by forest and misty mountains. The several historic sites, unique museums and cultural arts outlets are very popular with tourists. The town also boasts a waterfall, forests with picnic sites, hiking trail, excellent bird-watching sites, camping and other accommodation, a golf course and other sports facilities, a game park and many more. The Eshowe region, especially the beautiful Nkwalini Valley' is rich in Zulu tourist villages, bush lodges and game parks
Eshowe has been popularised as a treasure trove of natural, historical and cultural attractions. A town of a compelling beauty, unspoilt landscapes and undulating hills, its colourful and turbulent history is clearly depicted in the exhibits housed at the Zululand Historical Museum at Fort Nonqgayi.
Eshowe situated at a cool 500m above sea level has retained much of its indigenous rain forest including the Dlinza Forest nature reserve. The Dlinza Forest Aerial Walk is the first of its kind in South Afrika and visitors literally 'walk through the tree tops' 125m along a secure elevated boardwalk at a level of 10m through the indigenous tree canopy. The walk then climbs to a 20m high to break through to a tower of which offers magnificent views. Birdwatchers can spot more than 65 species such as the rare Spotted Thrush, Delegorgue's Pigeon, Narina Trogan and many more. The boardwalk is wheelchair friendly and the visitors centre has modern ablution facilities and picnic sites for a memorable outing.
While in the area visit Ngoye Forest with its large array of rare trees and one of only two places in Africa where you can spot the Green and Woodwards Barbet. The nearby mist belt forest at Nkandla.
A popular watering hole at the George Hotel is part of the Zululand Brew Route. Shakaland and Kwabhekithunga are two exceptional cultural villages located near Eshowe. The Vukani Collection and self help projects in Eshowe offer a wonderful range of Zulu handcrafts.
Fort Nongqayi and the Zululand History Museum provide exhibits reflecting the cross cultural history of Zululand. Hiking trails and climbs to Mpushini Falls are other activities for the more adventurous.(Exploring Zululand and the Elephant Coats.)
PLACES OF INTEREST
Fort Nongqayi Museum Village
Comprises of the Zululand Historical Museum, the Vukani Zulu Basketry Museum, the Zululand, Mission Museum Chapel, and 1887 relocated Settler's home as a restaurant and little miner's huts from the 1880's. Opening Hours: Weekdays: 07h30 – 16h00 & Weekends and Public holidays: 09h00 – 16h00
Dlinza Forest Aerial Canopy Boardwalk and Nature Reserve
This 250 ha indigenous forest reserve has a unique 125m aerial boardwalk from which visitors can experience the forest from a bird's eye view. A 20m high viewing platform above the conopy offers a panoramic view towards the Indian Ocean, over the tops of magnificent trees. Take one of the forest trails where one can expect to spot antelope species and a wide variety of birdlife including the Crowned Eagle.
Dlinza Forest Royal Mile Drive Enter off Windham Road, turn right into Dlinza Street (opposite Nongqayi Road) and follow the rough dirt road. At the T-junction in the forest the right hand turn will lead you to Bishop's Seat and the left hand turn will take you out of the forests.
Trails
1. Dlinza Forest Nature Reserve Trails - 1.5 hours
The trail starts from the picnic site in the 200ha reserve. Lots of antelope species and birds, including the Crowned Eagle.
2. Ntumeni Nature Reserve Trails – 1 hour
Two trails in an evergreen, mist-belt indigenous forest. The 750ha reserve has small buck and rich birdlife, including the Crowned Eagle. 16 kms west of Eshowe on the Nkankla Road.
3. Enseleni Nature Reserve Trails – 2 Hours There are two trails, the first one of which passes through grassland and swamp/ riverine forest. Another one has specimens of large indigenous trees. Picnic sites, ablutions, guided nature and game walks through the Reserve are available. Enseleni Nature Reserve (between Empangeni and Richards Bay on the N2).
4. Raphia Palm Monument Trail – 500m
Heritage Sites of Eshowe
1. Fort Nongqayi (Proclaimed a Monument In 1938)
Established in 1883 as the headquarters to house the guard of the British resident commissioner, Sir Melmoth Osborn. The Nongqayi was the first Zululand Native Police force and operated until 1906. This unique fort is now home to the Zululand Historical Museum.(Zululand Unwrapped- KwaZulu Natal, South Africa.)
2. The Residency
Built in 1894 to house the Magistrate, this home was declared a monument in 1986. It has been the home of every Magistrate until recently, together with the ghost named Josephine. Presently unoccupied and due for renovation. Situated in Residency Road, this formerly magnificent home is neglected and not open to the public.
3. Eshowe goal(jail)
The facade is a monument and this remarkable red brick fortlike building has many historical events attached to it. It housed political prisioners during the Anglo Boer War (1899-1902), and was used as a place of refuge during the Bhambatha uprising. A large Fig tree to the rear of the building was used as a rallying point for Zulu King Cetshwayo's impi's during the 1870's. It was remarkable for its hanging chamber which has now been removed, but there are many ghosts.(Zululand Unwrapped- KwaZulu Natal, South Africa.)
4.King Cetshwayo's Memorial
This commenorates the site where King Cetshwayo lived under British protection from November 1883 until his death on 8 February 1884 at the KwaGwikazi Royal Homestead. Situated down William Chadwick Drive – well signposted from Main Street.(Zululand Unwrapped- KwaZulu Natal, South Africa.)
Other Historical & Cultural Attractions
The New kwaMondi Mission
Martyr's Cross
1 st and 2 nd World War Memorial
Mkindini Umuzi
Mandawe Cross
Queen Victoria Hospital
Samarang
Anglican Cathedral
Museums
1. Zululand Historical Museums
This Museum is housed in Fort Nongqayi and was established in 1961 by the people of Eshowe. One can see history, zulu culture and beadwork memorabilia of the early Norwegian Missionaries and experience the lifstyle of John Dunn, the famous Zulu Chief, who had 49 zulu wives. Eshowe was involved in the Zulu wars, the Anglo Zulu War, Anglo Boer War and the Bhambatha Rebellion.
2. Vukani Zulu Basketry Museum
This magnificent museum houses the finest collection of Zulu basketry in South Africa. The collection was built up by Swedish Missionaries who created a large traditional Zulu Craft industry in Zululand. Open everyday, except Good Friday, Christmas and New Year's Day. 09H00 – 16h00(Zululand Unwrapped- KwaZulu Natal, South Africa)
Eshlazi Dam
(The information on Eshlazi Dam has been sourced from the uMlalazi Municipality)
Eshlazi Dam, is a larger dam than the Ruthledge Park Dam in Eshowe - both dams supply water to Eshowe residents. The Eshlazi Dam has a wide area for picnicing, (bring your own picnic/braai equipment). Lovely lush green trees give a calming atmosphere - excellent birdlife.
Fish: Bass, Barbel and Tilapia.
Some non-motorised watersport i.e. hobie cat sailing, windsurfing and fishing are practised here.
No camping is allowed. A caravan park is situated in the centre of town adjacent to the public swimming pool. Call 035-474 1141 for the Eshowe Municipal Caravan Park or email
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.
RESTAURANTS
- Adam's Outpost Restaurant +27 (0) 35 474 1787
- Memory Lane Coffee Shop +27 (0) 35 474 5660
- The George Hotel +27 (0) 35 474 4919
- Mac's Lapa +27 (0) 474 2975
- Chatterbox Coffee Shop +27 (0) 35 474 2738
- Sunset Lane Coffee Shop +27 (0) 35 474 2975
- Fleurdale Coffee Shop +27 (0) 35 474 2604
- Machado's +27 (0) 35 474 1566
- Max's Pizza +27 (0) 35 474 5357
- Sicarbel Farm/Biltong Store +27 (0) 35 460 0001
- Steers +27 (0) 35 474 1017
- Kentucky Fried Chicken +27 (0) 35 474 5362
- Chickin Lickin +27 (0) 35 474 1400
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