Eshowe

Afrikaans name: Eshowe

Eshowe CBD

Photo © Steven Herbert

KwaZulu-Natal

Eshowe's existence can be traced back to 1860 when Zulu Prince Cetshwayo, who was destined to become of the Zulus, established a kraal called Eziqwaqweni which means 'the abode of robbers'.

In 1879, during the Anglo-Zulu war British forces reached the area. After the war the town was declared as the capital of Zululand. In 1891 it became a township.

Today Eshowe serves as a central market to the surrounding areas. There is a variety of farming in the area and diverse buinesses in the town.

The area surrounding Eshowe has a lot of historical sites including Fort Nongqayi, King Cetshwayo's memorial and grave, the Old Gaol, King Shaka's Memorial, Lone Soldiers Grave and many more.

If you want to experience Zulu culture there are many places to visit, and tours available.

One of the highlights of the town is the Dlinza Forest which is well-known by birders. Of particular interest is the Dlinza Forest Aerial Boardwalk.

Share your thoughts about Eshowe.

Old jail

Photo © Steven Herbert

Rolling hills round Eshowe

Photo © Steven Herbert

Old house, Eshowe

Photo © Steven Herbert

References and further reading

The Pictorial Motoring Atlas of South Africa - Author: Maxwell Leigh - Published: 1987 - Page: 133

Southern African Birdfinder - Author: Cohen, Spottiswoode and Rossouw - Published: 2006 - Page: 131

Southern Africa from the Highway - Author: AA RSA - Published: 1991 - Page: 248

Road Tripping South Africa - Author: MapStudio - Published: 2014 - Page: 138

Readers Digest Illustrated Guide to Southern Africa - 4th edition - Author: - Published: 1986 - Page: 351

On Route - Explore South Africa region by region - 3rd edition - Author: B.P.J. Erasmus - Published: 2014 - Page: 257

Guide to Sieges of South Africa - Author: Nicki von der Heyde - Published: 2017 - Page: 66

On Route - A region by region guide to South Africa - Author: B.P.J. Erasmus - Published: 1995 - Page: 147

Getaway - Vol 29 No 04 - Author: - Published: 2017 - Page: 73

go! - Issue 089 - Author: - Published: 2013 - Page: 50

Country Life - Issue 182 - Author: - Published: 2011 - Page: 76

Book of the Road - 4th edition - Author: MapStudio - Published: 2019 - Page: 116

Conollys Guide to Southern Africa - 2nd edition - Author: Denis Conolly - Published: 1982 - Page: 210

Birding Hotspots - Author: Trevor Hardaker - Published: 2007 - Page: 34

Eshowe - The Heart of Zululand

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