TOURIST INFORMATION
Eshowe Tourism & Publicity Association
Civic Offices
Osborne Steet Eshowe PO Box 37 Eshowe 3815
Tel 035 474 1141
E-mail eshowe@uthungulu.co.za
The oldest town in Zululand and situated around the Dlinza indigenous forest, Eshowe derives its name from the tranquil, whispering breezes blowing through the trees. On a plateau protected from the sub-tropical humidity affecting surrounding areas, it was for centuries a popular 'holiday destination' for successive Zulu kings. The Norwegian missionary-settlers established the KwaMondi Mission in 1860, around which Fort Eshowe was built and where the force of Colonel Pearston was besieged for 10 weeks in the Anglo-Zulu War of 1879. Eshowe was in 1887 proclaimed a magistracy and capital - when Britain annexed Zululand.
