Colenso

Afrikaans name: Colenso

The main street through Colenso

Photo © Steven Herbert

KwaZulu-Natal

The small town of Colenso is situated on the banks of the Tugela River. As you enter the town you cross the river on the Bulwer bridge which was built in 1879.

The town has suffered two setbacks in recent history. Firstly the power station that had previded employment to many people was decommissioned in 1985. A few years later the N3 freeway was completed and this caused all traffic to bypass the town completely.

One reason to visit Colenso is for the battlefields monuments in the area. The Battle of Colenso was fought their on 15 December 1899 between the British forces and the Boers. This battle was a disaster for the British firces with 143 being killed and a further 756 wounded. The Boers suffered 8 fatalities and 30 wounded.

Share your thoughts about Colenso.

Photo © Steven Herbert

References and further reading

Where to Watch Birds in Southern Africa - Author: A. Berruti and J.C. Sinclair - Published: 1983 - Page: 187

Where to see Birds in Natal - Author: Gordon Bennett - Published: 1989 - Page: 39

The Pictorial Motoring Atlas of South Africa - Author: Maxwell Leigh - Published: 1987 - Page: 119

Southern Africa from the Highway - Author: AA RSA - Published: 1991 - Page: 72

Readers Digest Illustrated Guide to Southern Africa - 4th edition - Author: - Published: 1986 - Page: 334

On Route - Explore South Africa region by region - 3rd edition - Author: B.P.J. Erasmus - Published: 2014 - Page: 239

On Route - A region by region guide to South Africa - Author: B.P.J. Erasmus - Published: 1995 - Page: 138

Farm Stall to Farm Stall - Author: Jennifer Stern - Published: 2014 - Page: 126

Drive Out 4X4 Trail Guide - Author: - Published: 2011 - Page: 40

Book of the Road - 4th edition - Author: MapStudio - Published: 2019 - Page: 114

Conollys Guide to Southern Africa - 2nd edition - Author: Denis Conolly - Published: 1982 - Page: 235

Battle Fields Route

---

Top