Melmoth, Zululand
Melmoth, known as the gateway to the Zulu Highlands, is a picturesque, little town just 200 km north east of Durban and 90 km from the coastal town of Mtunzini.
Referred to, in the SA edition of Trivial Pursuit, as having the cleanest air in the country, Melmoth was a ‘gold rush' town, founded in 1888 and named after Sir Melmoth Osborn, the resident commissioner of Zululand at the time. Melmoth is essentially regarded as a good base for travellers wanting to visit places of interest close to the town, all with an hour's drive. uMgungundlovu is the historic royal homestead of Dingaan and where Piet Retief and his party of Boer commandos were executed and Ulundi, the capital of Zululand, is the site of the last battle of the Anglo Zulu War.
The Matatane Crocodile Ranch, on the banks of the White Umfolozi River, is a popular place for hikers and those wanting to experience crocodiles first hand, particularly as lion cubs have recently been introduced.
Interestingly, Ntingwe Tea Plantations produce some of South Africa's finest teas, solely for export, but the plantation is found in this remote corner of KwaZulu Natal. Regarded as lighter than other African teas, such as those produced in Kenya, Ntingwe has gained an excellent reputation in the international market and is retailed as a breakfast or afternoon refreshment. It was established in 1987 and is the single biggest employer and source of financial stability in the region.
Nkandla forest is about 68 km from Melmoth. Throughout Zulu history it has been regarded as a place of mystery and the supernatural and the Chube, ironworkers associated with the Nkandla area, were never conquered by Shaka. The forest is a rare example of high wet rain forest, one of very few surviving examples and remnants of a time when the climate was wetter and colder. It is also one of the best examples of surviving mist belt forest in South Africa. Steams that rise in the forest form deep gorges leading into the Nsuze River, running along the base of the ridge. To visit the forest one needs permission from the Officer in Charge, as there are no visitor facilities as yet.
Travellers' Reviews
1 Review from SA-Venues.com travellers. All reviews are verified.
Verified review
Melmoth is historically fascinating and we spent hours exploring the battle field and learning more about the country's history. It is also naturally beautiful. There are not huge malls or entertainment complexes, which suited us just fine but may not be as enticing to other travellers.
Prof B Helgardt (Paternoster)
In the vicinity
Hotels & other accommodation options

Fugitives' Drift Guest House
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Isandlwana Lodge
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La Mer Lodge
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mFulaWozi Mthembu
mFulaWozi has an earthy character with panoramic view of the water and the Wilderness. The cylindrical flat stone roofs and clay-coloured façade ...

Black Horse Lodge
Situated just outside Vryheid on the R69, Black Horse Lodge offers bed and breakfast accommodation in a choice of three bedrooms. The lodge offer...

Villa Prince Imperial
Enjoy luxury accommodation at Villa Prince Imperial in Vryheid and from there tour the Battlefields of KwaZulu Natal or do an epic Safari in the ...

The Wilds Guest House
The Wilds Guest House offers accommodation in Hluhluwe, KwaZulu Natal, in the heart of Zululand. The Wilds Guest House is a mere 15 minute drive ...

Sandforest One Bed Cottages
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Ubizane Zululand Safari Lodge
Ubizane Zululand Safari Lodge, with a legacy spanning over five decades, is a remarkable lodge set against the expansive, manicured lawns adorned...
Things to do in the area

Rainbow Route
The Rainbow Route links the provinces of Mpumalanga and KwaZulu-Natal starting at Carolina. It passes through the towns of Kriel, Bethal, Ermelo,...
Noteworthy attractions

AmaZulu Game Reserve
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Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park
The Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park is the only park under formal conservation in KwaZulu Natal where the Big Five occur. Established in 1895, this is the...

Ithala Game Reserve
This magnificent Ithala Game reserve, tumbling from the heights of the Ngotshe Mountains a thousand meters down into a deep valley, carved over t...

Mkhuze Game Reserve
Situated in northern Zululand, this 40 000 hectare reserve was proclaimed a protected area in 1912. Mkuze Game Reserve constitutes the north west...

Mkuze Falls Private Game Reserve
Situated in the heart of historic Zululand in the South African province of KwaZulu Natal, Mkuze Falls is one of only two Private Game Reserves i...

Pakamisa Game Reserve
The Pakamisa Private Game Reserve comprises a pristine malaria free wilderness area of some 2500 hectares. Access to the reserve is restricted, e...

Pongola Nature Reserve
The Pongola Nature Reserve was first proclaimed in 1894 and is the second oldest reserve in the world and the oldest in South Africa. Pongola Nat...

Richards Bay Game Reserve
The Reserve has remnant stands of swamp forest, the Thulazihleka Bird viewing hide in small swamp and the Tidal Mudflats and shallows south of th...

Ubizane Wildlife Reserve
Ubizane Wildlife Reserve boasts a variety of wildlife including white rhino, giraffe, wildebeest, zebra, most species of antelope, and over 350 s...
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