Eshowe, town in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
Eshowe is a town built on a hill in northern Kwa-Zulu Natal, surrounded by about 250 hectares of native coastal forest with tall trees and quiet green spaces. The Dlinza Forest Aerial Boardwalk is 150 meters long and runs above the forest floor, while a 20-meter tower at the end provides a wide view of the tree canopy and surrounding landscape.
Eshowe is the oldest town in Zululand and was the birthplace of King Cetshwayo, who lived there until his death. In 1879, during the Anglo-Zulu War, the town became a key British stronghold where soldiers were surrounded by Zulu fighters for ten weeks.
The name Eshowe means 'place of mushrooms' and reflects the town's connection to its natural surroundings. The Vukani Museum displays traditional Zulu craftsmanship including pottery, beadwork, and woven baskets that visitors can see today.
Visitors can explore the forest through walking trails and the Dlinza Forest Aerial Boardwalk, where trained guides help with bird spotting. The Vukani Museum and Zululand Historical Museum in Fort Nongqayi are easy to reach and display local history and craftsmanship.
The Dlinza Forest Aerial Boardwalk was the first of its kind in Southern Africa, offering visitors a rare way to view the forest canopy from above. The surrounding forests bloom with more than 180 wildflower species throughout the year, creating a colorful and gentle landscape.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
