Estcourt, Battlefields
Lower down in the valley from Van Reenen's Pass, and in the heart of the Anglo-Boer War territory, Estcourt is a fairly large town that serves as the gateway to the central Drakensberg, together with Winterton just 40 kilometres to the north.
Initially known as Bushman's River, due largely to its location near water, Estcourt was renamed in honour of Thomas Estcourt, an English parliamentarian who sponsored the immigration of settlers to the area. Aside from its obvious Anglo-Boer War connections, Estcourt is also popular because it is close to the Weenen Game Reserve, a KwaZulu Natal conservation park, and the Thukela Biosphere – about 100 000 hectares of valley bushveld that supports a range of wildlife elephant, white rhino, wildebeest, leopard, warthog, hyena and some buck.
Estcourt's turbulent past began with the murder of Piet Retief and his followers at the hands of Dingane, followed by the murder of Boer families near Estcourt, where a memorial now stands. Other sites include the Armoured Train Cemetery, where a young Winston Churchill was captured, and Brynbella Hill, 10 kilometres from Estcourt, which represented high ground for the Boers as they pressed further south. The stone wall used by both the Boer and British forces during the skirmish on 23 Nov 1899 is still visible, and is a national monument.
Hiking and walking trails in and around Estcourt include the New Formosa Nature Reserve, which is great for viewing game, the old Furrow Walking trail and the Moor Park Nature Reserve, which offers interesting trails and excellent bird watching.
Travellers' Reviews
1 Review from SA-Venues.com travellers. All reviews are verified.
Verified review
We found Estcourt to meet our accommodation needs. Some of the scenery was very pretty and it was close to the attractions we really wanted to see.
Dana (Redcliff Vale)
In the vicinity
Hotels & other accommodation options
The Riverhouse Guesthouse
The Riverhouse Guesthouse provides accommodation in Estcourt in a number of different room types. From here you are within driving distance of th...
Monte Vista Guest House
Monte Vista Guest House is a Bed & Breakfast and Self Catering establishment set in the tranquil residential area of Estcourt. Monte Vista Guest ...
Zulu Waters Game Reserve
A very private eco-retreat in a panoramic setting of hills, valleys, rolling grasslands and crystal clear streams, ZuluWaters Private Reserve off...
Antbear Lodge
Situated in the foothills of South Africa's KwaZulu Natal Drakensberg, the guest house overlooks the Bushman's River Valley with one of the most ...
Apex Boutique Hotel
Apex Boutique Hotel is in Estcourt, the gateway to the Central Drakensberg, and offers easy access to the N3 highway. Breakfast is included in th...
Willow Grange Country Hotel
Welcome to your home away from home. The Willow Grange Country Hotel offers accommodation in the heart of the majestic Drakensberg and KwaZulu Na...
Blue Haze Country Lodge
Blue Haze Country Lodge is a charming lodge which borders the popular Wagendrift Dam. The expansive lawns, horse paddocks, public service areas, ...
Things to do in the area
Estcourt Bowling Club
If you are on holiday in KwaZulu Natal and feel like playing bowls, head to the Estcourt Bowling Club situated on Lorne Street in Estcourt. You'l...
Soofie Mosque
One's initial reaction, upon seeing the Soofie Mosque for the first time, is 'wow'. As rich as the Islam tradition is in South Africa, nowhere el...
Drakensberg Ice Climbing
While South Africa certainly is not known for its icy slopes, there are some high-lying inland regions that do not disappoint those with a pencha...
Vaalribbokkop Cave Hike
Start: Monk's Cowl/Mdedelelo Wilderness Area, northern DrakensbergFinish: Mdedelelo Wilderness AreaFitness: moderate to difficultOur tip: Vaalrib...
Noteworthy attractions
Chelmsford Nature Reserve
The Chelmsford Nature Reserve, situated on the Ngagane River, lies just 70 kilometres from Ladysmith and is the site of the third largest dam in ...
Ntendeka Wilderness Area
South Africa's smallest and arguably most beautiful wilderness area is Ntendeka, consisting of 5 250 ha of undulating grasslands, verdant forests...
Weenen Nature Reserve
Weenen Game Reserve covers an area of typical inland KwaZulu Natal acacia grassland with occasional thickets. There are extensive game viewing fa...
Talana Museum
Set in a 20 acre heritage park that forms a portion of the Talana battlefield - the first battle of the Anglo-Boer war - is a museum that is dedi...
Midlands Meander
The enchantment of the Midlands has long inspired many a visitor and resident to creativity and as a result, local artists, potters and weavers c...
Dlinza Forest Nature Reserve
Found just outside the little town of Eshowe, the Dlinza Forest is one of two indigenous forests that lie close to one another in this southern p...
Vryheid Hill Nature Reserve
Vryheid, which lies in northern KwaZulu Natal, is the largest town in the area and is situated on a transitional belt between grasslands and low-...
Wagendrift Nature Reserve
Situated on the other side of the N3 from Estcourt, Wagendrift Nature Reserve surrounds the dam of the same name. With a resident yacht club, and...
Eshowe Hills Golf Course
The Eshowe Country Club is situated on the Eshowe Hills Eco Estate in Eshowe and as such meanders through the famous Dhlinza Forest and grassland...
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