Eshowe, A place of diversity, "A City Set on a Hill", is situated close to the Capitals of the old Zulu kingdoms.
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Clivia
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In times gone by, it was the colonial capital of Zululand, and it is steeped in Zulu and colonial history. Eshowe is situated around a 250 hectare indigenous coastal scarp forest.Eshowe offers a variety of attractions, the most striking being the majestic DLINZA FOREST itself, with hiking trails and picnic spots and the magnificent new DLINZA FOREST AERIAL BOARDWALK.The boardwalk, the first of its kind in Southern Africa and exclusive to Eshowe, is a 150 metre walkway built above the forest floor, which allows visitors to view flora, fauna and avifauna at a comfortable level. It ends with a 20 metre steel tower, offering dramatic views of both the forest canopy and surrounding countryside.The boardwalk employs a number of trained birding guides who are available to show visitors some of the delights of the forest.Here one can call up the Green Coucal or se the Crowned Eagles which nest in the forest, as well as the rare Spotted Thrush and many other forest dwellers.
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Mpushini Falls
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The Ironwoods, Wild Plums and other forest giants give shelter to Orchids, Clivias, Bushbuck, Duiker, Narina Trogons, Delegorgue’s Pigeon and Wood Owls.180 different wildflower species blossom in the grasslands, and Eshowe is one of the few towns in this country which has trees in flower every day of the year.
Another attraction to challenge the more energetic can be experienced at Mpushini Falls..Sports lovers are well catered for with clubs available for bowls, cricket, golf, hockey, rugby, soccer, squash and tennis. Contact The George Hotel or Zululand Backpackers Lodge for more details of each of these.There has always been controversy over the meaning of the name “Eshowe” but oral history has it that
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Canopy Boardwalk
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Eshowe was the name of Khondlo’s homestead which was located near the iNwaku stream, which flows into the Amatikulu river about 6 km away from the town towards Ntumeni. Khondlo was the son of Qwabe the brother to Nkosingkulu Zulu after whom the Zulu Nation was named.Eshowe offers a window on history as it is the oldest town in Zululand. King Cetswayo was born and died here and it was King Mpande who invited the Norwegian missionary, the Reverend Oftebro to settle his mission station here in 1861, thereby changing the face of Eshowe.With a rich history, Eshowe has been the home of four Zulu Kings SHAKA MPANDE, CETSHWAYO and DINIZULU. It was the British military headquarters after the Anglo-Zulu war of 1879.
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Fort Nongqayi
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During this war, a force of troops under Colonel Pearson was besieged by the Zulu forces for 10 weeks in the immediate area of Kwa Mondi Mission Station around which they built the earthworks of Fort Eshowe, still to be seen today. Shortly thereafter, Eshowe was officially selected by the British as the post-war Capital of Zululand.The fascinating cross –cultural history of the area is told at the Zululand Historical Museum. Which is housed at FORT NONGQAYI, the striking white, mudbrick and three- turreted fort established in 1883 as the base for the most unusual peace-keeping force, called the Nongqayi. Amongst the many displays, the museum offers a rare look at John Dun, South Africa’s only official white iNkosi and husband to 48 Zulu wives! Another unique attraction at the Museum Village is the VUKANI MUSEUM housing the world’s largest collection of traditional Zulu Arts and Crafts. The MISSIONARY MUSEUM has recently been opened.
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Eshowe Logo
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Just north of Eshowe is the Nkwalini Valley, steeped in history. Atop hills overlooking the Valley, are the sites of three great military headquarters belonging to the three powerful Kings- King Shaka’s kwaBulawayo, King Dingane’s uMgungundlovu and King Ceteshwayo’s Ondini. This Valley is also known as the “Valley of the Virgin Warrior” This name reflects the strict discipline imposed by King Shaka upon his regiments. Soldiers were quartered close by the the Kings seraglios. But the young men were strictly forbidden to contact with the maidens, under penalty of instant death.In the 1860’s white traders passed through the valley but did not settle. The Zulu people abandoned the area as they searched for better and safer grazing for there cattle. They were fleeing the nearby Ntambanana’s tsetse fly scourge. In the 1920’s when white farmers settled, dense jungle had overtaken the Valley. They cleared it and drained the swamps, turning the valley into a prosperous sugar cane and citrus area it is today.The Valley also has several tourist attractions: Shakaland, kwabhekithunga at Stewarts Farm, as well as iPhiva, the only resort in the country with accommodation in floating chalets on Phobane Lake. With a rich cross-cultural and royal history, Eshowe has been home to Zulu Kings Shaka, Mpande, Cetshwayo and Dinuzulu, as well as the British military headquarters.
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Green huts in Zululand
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Eshowe was the first British Capital of Zululand during its time as a separate British colony (1887 - 1897). It was King Mpande who first invited the Norwegian missionary, rev. Ormund Oftebro in 1853 to settle his mission station here, thereby forever changing the face of Eshowe. The Museum offers a rare look at John Dunn unique in being South Africa's only official white Zulu Chief, and husband to 48 Zulu wives. Another unique attraction to the town is the Vukani Museum, housing the world's largest collection of traditional Zulu Arts and Crafts.
An exciting stopover is a visit to the Vukani Craft Shop in Main Street. The town boasts a wealth of fauna, flora and bird life unequalled in southern Africa (in excess of 400 bird species within a 60 kilometre radius are to be found). It is surrounded by lush natural forests, sugar plantations and orchards.
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Vukani Museum display
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Within a 15 kilometre radius of Eshowe, there is more human, natural and agricultural diversity than you will find anywhere else in the country. We will let you into this world. Climate Eshowe winters are warm, with day-time temperatures up to 23 degrees centigrade and nights just slightly chilly. At this time of year, the town has the best climate in South Africa. Summers are cooler than the coast, as we get an offshore breeze and our altitude is on our side. We are only 25 kilometres from the beach, lagoons and wetlands.
Accommodation.
The George Hotel
Zululand Backpackers Lodge
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Lake Phobane
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Zululand Brewing Co.
Zululand Brewing Co
Recommended Tours
Bird Tours with Local Registered Guides.
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Colourful Necklaces
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King Dinzulu Township & Upliftment Tour.
King Dinzulu Township and Upliftment Tour
Zulu Traditional Ceremonies
Zulu Traditional Ceremonies
Walters Traditional Zulu Village
Walters Traditional Zulu Village
Walters Traditional Zulu Village - Overnight
Overnight in Walters Village
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Green huts in Zululand
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Zululand Outback Tour
Zululand Outback Tour
Valley of the Zulu Kings.
Valley of the Zulu Kings.
Sangoma & Ceremonies
Sangoma and Ceremonies
Zululand Weekend Package
Zululand Weekend Package
Zulu Kings Reed Dance
Zulu Kings Reed Dance
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Tranquil Homestead setting
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Mbongolwane Wetlands, Zulu Villages & Crafts
Mbongolwane Wetlands, Zulu Villages and Crafts
Shaka Zulu Celebrations.
Shaka Zulu Celebrations
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Colourfull Drummer
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Zululand Eco-Adventures.
Eshowe. Zululand.
KwaZulu Natal. South Africa.
info@eshowe.com
035 4744919.
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Top level
About Eshowe.
