Estcourt

Estcourt, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

Estcourt is now a medium sized town in South Africa. In the pioneer days when the road to the north was simply a rough wagon track, a fort was erected on a hill dominating the fording place over the Bushmans river.

The Estcourt fort was designed as a substantial stronghold, and built to protect transport riders and the herds of cattle driven across the ford. It is as secure as any castle with drinking water tanks in the basement, a drawbridge, moat and two secret tunnels. A trading station, blacksmith and inn were established under the protection of the garrison and in 1863 it was decided to call the village Estcourt in honour of Thomas Estcourt, an English parliamentarian who sponsored the immigration of settlers into the area. Today Estcourt is a thriving center of industry particularly for livestock and meat products. Estcourt is also a gateway for tourism for the Drakensberg and Battlefields regions of South Africa.

Hiking trails in the Estcourt area lead to destinations such as Giant’s Castle in the Drakensberg Mountain range and will take you past San caves and a site museum. The Wagondrift Dam Public Resort offers fishing and water sport opportunities.

Estcourt also offers oppertunities to experience Zulu culture and traditions Ikukhanya Kwelanga Cultural Village is run by a traditional healer, who is also head of an organization of traditional healers. The "village" is a homestead in one of the townships around Estcourt and also includes a nursery specialising in plants with medicinal qualities, used by traditional healers for many years. Tours are conducted to a local township tavern and offer opportunities of meeting some of the local Zulu people and of seeing the dance troupe perform.

There are various nature reserves in the area of Estcourt. New Formosa Nature Reserve is excellent for game viewing. Moor Park Nature Reserve offers interesting trails and bird watching. Four of the Big Five can be seen at the Weenen Game Reserve and Thukela Biosphere, which offers guided trails, horse trails and day and night drives.

Giants Castle near Estcourt offers spectacular hiking oppertunities Giant’s Castle Game Reserve in the Drakensberg, west of Estcourt, includes the magnificent Giant’s Castle Peak. The reserve is home to twelve different species of antelope, jackal, baboon and the lammergeyer, which is the largest eagle on the continent. Visits to the reserve offer awe-inspiring views of the Drakensberg Mountain Range.

‘Bushmans River Region’

Originally known as Bushmans River, the town was renamed Estcourt after THSS Estcourt, MP for North Wiltshire, and sponsor of the Britian settler under the Byre immigration scheme. This picturesque, historic town is the start of the Battlefields Route, and lies along the Bushmans River. It is situated some 7 km from the N3 national route linking Durban with Gauteng, and gives access through the town to the imposing Giant’s Castle region (approximately 60 km), and the Weenen Game Reserve (only 25 km away on the R74 route). Other nearby tourist attractions include the Thukela Biosphere, a joint conservation and community initiative of 100 000 ha of valley bushveld in the Weenen area. Estcourt offers a range of outdoor activities in the immediate area, including hiking, fishing, golfing, abseiling, foefi sliding, white water rafting, 4 x 4 trails and skills training, game viewing, wildlife drives and bird watching. For a less strenuous excursion, visit the several museum and battlesites, or explore the Estcourt Factory Shop Route. Tourism in nearby Wembezi is in it’s infancy, but Township Tours can be arranged by contacting the Bushmans River Tourism Association in Estcourt. Lying at the edge of the thorn country of the Natal Midlands, Estcourt is the centre for considerable industry in livestock. The Eskort Co-operative Bacon Factory produces great quantities of sausage, ham and other foodstuffs. Food and Nutritinal Products (Ltd) (Nestle) have a large factory in Estcourt while other products include hard and softboard, nylon goods, plastics, animal feeds and textiles.

GENERAL INFORMATION

How to get there - Mooi River 29 km, Ladysmith 65 km,

Altitude – 1170 m above sea level

Average Rainfall – 750 mm – 875 mm

Dams – Wagendrift

Rivers – Bushmans

HISTORICAL VIEW

Anglo Boer War Sites (1899 – 1902)

Armoured Train Cemetery and Memorial

On 15 November 1899, Winston Churchill was captured at this site by Boer forces who derailed the armoured observation train in which he was traveling. A plaque just off the road records the event and the cemetery is situated across the railway line. (Off the R103 near Frere, Signposted)

Battle of Willowgrange 23 November 1899

Found in the hills just south of Estcourt, this site marks the most southern point reached by the Boer fences. The stone wall used by both the British and the Boers during the skirmish is still visible. (Arrange your visit through Bushmans River Tourism Office or Fort Durnford)

Clouston Field of Remembrance – Colenso 15 November 1899

Buller’s first attempt to cross the Tugela River and relieve Ladysmith met with disaster at the Battle of Colenso. Memorials and graves have been moved to this site which was General Buller’s headquarters during the battle. (On R103 outside Colenso. Toilets. Open Daily)

Site of Guns – Colenso 15 December 1899

Ten of the twelve British guns brought forward at this point during the British guns brought forward at this point during the Battle of Colenso were lost to the Boers under the leadership of General Louis Botha. Freddy, son of Lord Roberts was mortally wounded here, a marker indicating where he fell.

Ambleside Military Cemetery – Colenso

Many of the men who died in the battle of Colenso, particularly the Irish Regiments are buried here

Chievely Military Cemetery

Lord Robert’s son Freddy, lies buried here. (Off the R103 from Estcourt to Colenso).

Mohandas Karam – Chand Ghandi

Was a young Indian Lawyer aged 24 when he came to South Africa. During the Anglo Boer War he organized the Indian Volunteer Ambulance Corps which assisted the British and Natal troops.

Spioenkop Battlefield – Ladysmith Area 23 – 24 January 1900

Scene of the most futile, certainly the bloodiest of the four battles fought in an effort to relieve the town of Ladysmith. The site offers to relieve the town of Ladysmith. The site offers a self guided tour amongst the graves, monument and trenches. Specialist tour guides are also available. (Off the R600. Entrance fee payable)

Augustinian Chapel

Built in 1929. Estcourt became the cradle of the Augustinian Order in Natal in 1891.

Fort Durnford

Fort Durnford was constructed as a frontier post after the alarm caused by the Langalibalele Rebellion in 1873. Strategically placed on an eminence above the old military post at the drift, with an extensive outlook to all quarters, especially north to the Tugela and west to the Drakensberg, the fort is a substantial rectangular structure of local sandstone, with walls two feet thick rising to probably thirty feet, with two square towers, one to the southeast and one to the northwest. There are heavily barred windows throughout and numerous loopholes, the windows being fitted originally with heavy iron shutters turning on hinges spiked to the walls, for closure when not manned. It is an old colonial defence point, today of considerable historical interest. Inside the building a stone paved hall gives entry to the body of the fort, with guard, barrack, court and storerooms. Off a side passage, originally closed by a grille and propably used for prisoners, there are doors to a vaulted powder magazine and offices. Today the fort is the home of the Estcourt Museum and, what was once a bastion against the Bushmen, is now a seat of cultural interest. Other items of interest include an underground tank beneath the floor of one of the rooms, and most interesting of all, in the ground floor of the Northwest Tower the remains of a pit from which allegedly two ‘secret’ tunnels lead, one northwest towards the military post at the drift and one northeast exiting from the hillside, useful for brining in supplies or alternatively providing means of escape.

Greystone

The country residence of the last premier of Natal, Sir Frederick R Moor, it is now the Greystones Campsites. Offering camping and caravan sites, as well as accommodation in rondavels and dormitories, ideal for bigger groups and leadership courses.

Old Civic Buildings

Originally built as the agricultural hall, this is now the home of the Bushmans River Tourism Association. The inauguration of these buildings had to be postponed for a week as Queen Victoria died on the day intended for it’s dedication.

Old Magistrate’s Residency

The Old Court House and Magistrate’s Offices in MacFarlane Street were built in 1884 / 85, and the Powder Magazine built at the same time. Magistrates of the time had sole control over the traffic in gun powder.

Old Natal Government Railway Bridge - Built in 1885, and is still in use

The First Government School

Built circa 1886. The first scholars were admitted on 2 August 1886. Located in Alexandra Street. Today the Estcourt Secondary School.

Voortrekker Sites (Great Trek 1838) Saailaager 12 February 1838

At the time of the Voortrekkers, Gerrit Maritz had his wagons in laager (at the site of the present day Zaailaager Museum) on the Bushmans River overlooked by the site of Fort Durnford. A Zulu army attacked this camp on 17 February 1838 but was driven off. It was the first farm in Natal where crops were sown on a large scale and water furrows were used out of the Little Bushmans River. A restored Voortrekker House can be seen on this site

Bloukrans 16 – 17 February 1838

Many Voortrekkers families were completely wiped out during the main attack following the death of Piet Retief. There is a memorial on the site. (Off R103 shortly after the Armoured Train Cemetery)

Rensburg Koppie 17 February 1838

The young Marhinus Oosthuysen courageously saved three Voortrekker families who were defending themselves against the Zulus. (The sites is on a private farm. Arrange your visit through the Bushmans River Tourism Office or Fort Durnford Museum).

Veglaer 13 – 15 August 1838

The actual site has been flooded with the building of the Wagendrift Dam. The Site of the Three day Zulu attack on a Voortrekker laager.

Vaalkrans – Ladysmith Area 5 February 1900

Scene of the third unsuccessful attempt to relieve Ladysmith

NATURE

Wildlife and nature reserves form an integral part of the Bushmans Experience. Tourist will traverse three bioclimatic regions including mountains, lowlands and valley bushveld. Nature reserve include.

Giant’s Castle

Home to the largest herds of eland in the world

Moor Park and New Formosa which are home to numerous antelope, baboons, hares, rock hyrax and other interesting fauna

The Weenen Game Reserve boasts one of the largest collections of the endangered black rhino, as well as buffalo, giraffe, zebra, white rhino and the only population of roan antelope in Kwazulu Natal. Guided trails are available. Bordering the Weenen Game Reserve, the Thukela Biosphere consists of some 100 000 ha of valley bushveld. A unique concept promoting conservation and community upliftment through sustainable utilization of the area’s natural resources. Malaria and bilharzias free area.

Giant’s Castle Game Reseve

Location

Central Drakensberg. 65 km from Estcourt. Take the Ntabamhlope road from town and follow the signs.

Accommodation

Giant’s Hutted Camp – this camp with it’s delightful setting offers accommodation in comfortable cottages and bungalows. The cottages are fully self contained. The bungalows vary in size and accommodates between two and five people. Giant’s Lodge – one of the most luxurious Kwazulu Natal Nature Conservation Service’s lodges, accommodates seven people. Rustic Hut – this hut provides accommodation for up to 10 hikers, and is equipped with a gas stove and fridge but no bedding. Mountain Huts – there are two huts ion the 220 m contour line, namely Giant’s Hut and Bannerman Hut. Each can accommodate up to eight people. Meander Hut is located in the south of the reserve and accommodates up to four people. The huts are provided with bunk beds and mattresses, all other items such as cooking facilities and bedding must be brought in by the hiker. Allow 4 – 5 hours hiking to the huts from the main camp.

Activities

Bushman Paintings nearly half of all San (Bushman) rock art in South Africa is located in this area. The Main Caves and Site Museum are an easy half hour’s walk from the main camp. An entrance fee is payable and no more than 20 people are allowed at any one time. Tours start on the hour from 09:00 – 15:00. Lammergeyer Hide the hide is open on weekends from May to September, and can accommodate up to six people – advance bookings essential. Game Black backed jackal, baboon, serval and caraval and 11 species of antelope. Fishing there are several kilometers of trout waters available in the reserve. A valid provincial trout fishing license and a daily rod permit are required. Only recognized trout fishing tackle and methods are permitted.

Hillside

Location

Central Drakensberg. Hillside is located within the Giant’s Castle area of the uKhahlamba Drakenberg Park, 32 km from the main Giant’s Castle camp and 47 km from Estcourt.

Accommodation

A campsite for caravans and tents can accommodate up to 150 people. The camp has cold and hot water ablutions. The Hillside rustic hut is an 8 bed unit equipped with crockery, cutlery, cooking utensils, a fridge and stove. Visitors are to provide their own bedding and towels.

Activities

Hillside is the base for all horse trails. Guided 2 and 3 day trails are conducted at certain times of the year. The area offers various self guided trails and walks, such as the Forest Walk.

Injasuti

Location

Situated in the northern section of the Giant’s Castle area of the uKhahlamba Drakensberg Park, this hutted camp is cradled between the Injasuthi (or Little Tugela) and Cowl Fork Rivers at the head of the Injasuthi Valley. It is surrounded by magnificent scenery and is dominated by Cathkin Peak, Monk’s Cowl and Champagne castle

What to do on arrival

Please report to the camp office which is open from 08:00 – 12:30 and from 14:00 – 16:30. You will required to pay your entrance fees and any additional amounts due on accommodation. If you arrive after hours please refer to the accommodation schedule outside the office and take up the accommodation allocated to you. Campers may take up a campsite but must report to the office at the earliest opportunity.

Accommodation

The hutted camp consists of 16 six bedded cabins which are fully equipped, self contained units. Each has two bedrooms (one of which has a two bunk alcove and is open to the lounge / diningroom), a lounge / diningroom, bathroom, toilet and kitchenette with a refrigerator and a stove. Linen is provided and visitors do their own cooking and washing of dishes. Electricity is available between 17:30 and 22:00 only. There are no plug points in the chalets. There are also two dormitory cabins with eight beds in each. Each unit has it’s own braai facilities. Charcoal and wood are sold at the curio shop.

Caves

Three caves, the Lower Injasuti Cave, Upper Injasuti Cave, Grindstone Cave are ideal overnight stops for hikers and may be booked through the Camp. These caves provide basic toilet facilities only. Cooking may only be done on visitors’ own portable gas equipment. No fires are allowed. Hikers must remember that only official overnight stops may be used. Spades must be carried for toilet use.

Campsite

A campoing ground with hot and cold water ablution facilities has been established and can accommodate 100 people.

Reservations

Reservations for hutted accommodation are made through Kwazulu Natal Nature Conservation Service Reservations. Reservations for camp / caravan sites and caves can be made through the Camp Manager.

Visitor Amenities

The scenery is outstanding and visitors may undertake many interesting walks. Walks into the Mdedelo Wilderness Area which is adjacent to the camp, are memorable. A guided walk to the Battle Cave, famous for it’s Bushman art, leaves daily at 08:30 from the office. The walks are limited to a minimum of four adults and a maximum of 20 people and should be booked in advance.

Fishing

There are several kilometers of trout waters available at Injasitu. Trout anglers must be in possession of a valid provincial trout fishing license and daily rod permit. These license and permits are available at the camp office. Please note that only recognized trout fishing tackle and techniques are permitted.

General

No pets of any kind are allowed in the reserve. No petrol or oil is available at Injasuthi. Remember to bring all your own food and drink as the nearest general dealers, butcher and garage are in Estcourt, over 60 km from Injasuthi. Only basic groceries are available in the camp. All accommodation units and campsites may be taken up after 13:00 on the day of arrival and must be vacated by 10:00 on the day of departure. Credit cards are accepted. A limited number of heaters are available for hire. No generators are permitted in the campsites. Motorcycles may only be used as transport to and from the parkand not around the camp area. Entrance gates to the reserve open and close at the following times: Summer (1 Ocotber – 31 March) 05:00 – 19:00; Winter (1 April – 30 September) 06:00 – 18:00.

How to get there

To get to Injasuthi, turn off the N3 freeway at the Estcourt North sign. Follow the tarred Loskop road for 27 km before turning left at the Injasuthi signpost. The camp is 30 km along this road. Visitors should exercise caution when driving along this road.

Moor Park Nature Reserve

Situated at the head of the Wagendrift Dam. At the head of the lake is the 264 ha Moor Park Nature Reserve, established in 1967 as a sanctuary in the acacia thorn country for blesbok, zebra, wildebeest, impala, kudu and other game animals and a paradise for bird watchers. There is a picnic site for visitors and a nature trail.

New Formosa Nature Reserve

A variety of antelope and other game may be seen in this 250 ha reserve.

Thukela Biosphere

The Thukela Biosphere is a unique concept established to promote conservation and community upliftment through sustainable utilization of natural resources, encompassing an area of approximately 100 000 ha of pristine valley bushveld.

Facilities

Ranging from camping and caravanning is spectacular natural surroundings to rustic bush camps, luxury bush camps, chalets and lodges, as well as fully catered and self catering establishments.

Wagendrift Nature Reserve

Introduction

Wagendrift Nature Reserve, which takes it’s name from the Wagendrift Dam near Estcourt, is 980 ha in extent and includes Moor Park. It is a quiet, picturesque resort within easy reach of other Drakensberg holiday areas.

What to do on arrival

A fee is payable at the entrance gate, unless you are the holder of a Golden Rhino passport. If you intend to camp, check your booking with the gate guard and then proceed to your allocated site. Your camping fee must be paid on arrival.

Camping and Caravan Sites

There are two caravan / camping grounds with hot and cold water. All sites have power points. Extension leads are required.

Activities

Boating and fishing are the main activities in this resort. There is a registered boat blub. However, it is not necessary to belong to the club to use the dam for boating. There is a 3 km self guided trail along the Bushmans River where several species of game occur. This area abounds with birdlife, including fish eagle and black eagle. Species of fish caught in the dam include scalyk, bluegill, bass, carp, eel and occasional trout.

The Youth Centre

The youth centre, which may be used for a variety of educational or environmental activities, has four dormitories, each with 18 beds. Attached to each is a flatlet with two beds for use by teachers or guides. The youth centre hall has a fully equipped kitchen with refrigerator and cooking facilities. It is only necessary to provide your own personal eating utensils, bedding and pillows. Teachers in charge will be responsible for seeing to leisure time recreation and activities. A television set and video machine are available by prior arrangement with the officer in charge.

On arrival at the youth centre

Entrance gates to the reserve open and close at the following times: Summer (1 October – 31 March) 05:00 – 19:00, Winter (1 April – 30 September) 06:00 – 18:00. The reserve staff will be available to assist between 07:30 and 16:30 only.

Other Accommodation – A four bedded, fully equipped cottage is available.

Reservations

Bookings for all accommodation and camping are made by telephoning Wagendrift.

General

No pets of any description are allowed in the reserve. All boats must be registered with the KZNNCS. All craft are to carry life jackets while skiing. A copy of the rules for boaters is available on request. It is essential to be familiar with these rules.

How to get there

From the south (Durban); take the Estcourt (South) off ramp from the N3 highway. Proceed 7 km to Estcourt and turn left into Richmond Road at the Richmond Road / Lorne Street intersection. The route is signposted from there and the reserve is 7 km away. From the north (Johannesburg): leave the N3 highway at the Estcourt (North) off ramp entering Estcourt on the Loskop road which becomes Albert Street. Turn right into Subway Road, travel a short distance and then turn left into Harry Miller Road. Proceed around the circle and travel south along the Ntabamhlope road for about 3 km. Turn left at the Wagendrift Dam sign. The reserve is about 1,8 km from the sign.

Weenen Game Reserve

Boasts four of the big five game (excluding lions.

ATTRACTIONS

Annual Events

Senior Men’s Open Golf Championship – at Estcourt Golf Club – September

Christmas Night Market – In the main street of Estcourt – December

Adventure Tourism

For water sport enthusiasts the Wagendrift Dam, situated near Estcourt, is ideal for skiing, fishing, and boating, the reserve also offers picturesque camping and caravanning facilities. There are a number of comfortable bed and breakfast establishments and lodges in the area, within close proximity to the Drakensberg mountains. Hiking enthusiasts have the option of various trails.

Agriculture

The Bushmans River region is an important area for the breeding of livestock because of the rich diversity of vegetation. Vast tracts of scenic land make for excellent grazing. The rivers flowing from the Drakensberg mountain range provide an abundance of water. Idyllic livestock farming conditions are created by the natural barriers of the mountains and rivers. The region is renowned for it’s quality of livestock. Weenen, some 30 km from Estcourt, is known as the ‘vegetable basket’ of Kwazulu Natal

Bushmen – ‘Children of the Mist’

A short drive from Estcourt to the Giant’s Castle Reserve in the Drakensberg and other sites on the Bushmans Experience will take you to the home of the biggest sanctuary of rock art in the world. Many of these unique San (Bushman) rock art have been preserved at the site of the Bushman Cave and Museum, a short, scenic walk from the main camp at Giant’s Castle. From their rocky vantage point, high in the Drakensberg mountains, the southern Bushman or San who lived in the area until the late 19^th century, looked on in wonder as Nguni and white settlers set up farms and cattle grazing areas. Inevitable skirmishes occurred, as the Bushman did not recognize private land ownership. These clashes later led to the displacement of the entire regional population of these diminutive hunters. Tours to the Bushman Cave Museum can be arranged through the Bushmans River Tourism Office.

Cultural Experience

Visitors to the area can participate in the authentic Zulu way of life, sipping traditional Zulu Beer whilst watching Zulu dancers writhe to the beat of the drums. Participate in daily activities of the Zulu people and have the opportunity to take a ‘Slice of Africa’, with you by way of curios, local arts and crafts from the Bushman River region. These include pottery, beadwork, local art, woodwork, leatherwork etc. Tours of Zulu Villages by arrangement.

Eco Tourism

The area offers excellent opportunities for game viewing, especially at the Weenen Game Reserve and the neighbouring Thukela Biosphere Reserve. A number of tented bush camps and lodges have been developed and eco tourists and adventurers can enjoy white water rafting and canoeing along the mighty Tugela and Bushmans Rivers, night game drives and guided game walks (the area boasts four of the ‘Big Five’) as well as fishing.

Estcourt Factory Shop Route

Estcourt offers some fine factory shops, where tourists are welcome to browse or do a factory tour. These factories produce items such as glassware, soft toys, textiles, furniture etc. curios are also on sale at the Tourist Information Centres at Estcourt, Weenen, and Wagendrift Dam.

Glamosa Glass

A fascinating tour where visitors can see hand crafted glass being made. A gift shop sells glass products from the factory. Groups of eight or more welcome, by prior arrangement. There is a coffee shop on the premises.

Greystones

The country residence of the last premier of Natal, Sir Frederick R Moor, now houses an adventure centre.

Industry

The town of Estcourt forms the commercial heart of the Bushmans River region. The main rail route runs through Estcourt and neighbouring towns. An abundance of water, supplied by the Wagendrift Dam and the Bushmans River, as well as vast energy resources from nearby hydroelectric water schemes and coal from northern Kwazulu Natal, makes the Bushmans River region attractive for further industrial investment and expansion. Several well established major industries have already invested in Estcourt including international companies such as Nestle (SA) and Masonite (Africa), as well as Eskort Bacon Factory, CPC Tongaat Milling, National Braiding and National Co operative Dairies.

Traditional Healers and Herbal (Inyanga) Nursery

Located at Zwelisha near Estcourt. Day tours by prior arrangement.

ACTIVITIES

The Bushmans Experience

‘Enjoy a slice of Africa in one region’. That is the promise from the Bushmans Experience, a tourism intitiative that offers visitors the choice of outdoor adventure, battlefield excursions, factory shop tours, wildlife trails and safaris and Zulu culture in and around Estcourt. Full details and product broschures are available from the Bushman River Tourism Association, situated in the historic Old Civic Building in Estcourt. In the Giant’s Castle area of the Drakensberg mountains you can visit the open air Bushman Cave Museum with it’s original San paintings and artifacts. Other mountain activities include hiking trails, horse trails, rock climbing, abseiling and foefi sliding. For the fishing faternity, there are numerous trout and bass waters. Following the course of the Bushmans River, you travel through Estcourt on your way to the famous Fort Dunford Museum and several battlefields in the immediate area, including the site of the capture of the armoured train by the Boers, during which Winston Churchill was taken prisoner. For a change of pace, bargain hunt at one of the ten outlets on the Estcourt Factory Shop Route. Around Weenen you will discover a world of wildlife – safaris, hunting, fishning, bush camps, game drives, 4 x 4 trails, wingshooting, and mountain bike trials. To experience the true spirit of the region, arrange a visit to a Zulu cultural village. Take up the challenge of white water rafting of canoeing the mighty Tugela River.