Things To Do
in Eshowe
Eshowe is a small historic town in KwaZulu‑Natal, South Africa, set on a wooded ridge and surrounded by indigenous forest and sugarcane farmland. It is one of the oldest towns in Zululand and serves as a quiet gateway to Dlinza Forest Reserve and nearby cultural attractions. The town blends Zulu cultural heritage, missionary and colonial history, and rural small‑town life.
Visitors come for forest walks, birding, cultural experiences and a relaxed pace away from big-city crowds.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Begin your journey by visiting the Eshowe African Art and Craft Centre, where you can appreciate the rich cultural heritage of the Zulu people. Engage with local artisans and learn about their craft while picking up unique souvenirs. Take a leisurely stroll through the historical town center to soak in the local atmosphere.
After lunch, head to the nearby Dlinza Forest, where you can embark on a scenic hike beneath a canopy of trees. The forest is home to diverse flora and fauna, making it a perfect spot for nature enthusiasts. Don't forget your binoculars, as the forest offers excellent birdwatching opportunities.
As the sun sets, enjoy a traditional Zulu dinner at a local restaurant, where the flavors of the region come alive. Experience captivating performances of Zulu dance, immersing yourself in the culture of the area. Relax under the starlit sky, reflecting on the vibrant experiences of the day.
Kick off your day with an enticing breakfast before heading to the nearby Zululand Rhino Reserve for an exhilarating wildlife safari. Guided by experts, you will have the opportunity to spot the majestic white rhino and other native wildlife in their natural habitat. The morning light enhances the beauty of the landscape, making for stunning photographic opportunities.
Post-safari, enjoy a packed lunch amidst nature before spending the afternoon at the Eshowe Botanical Gardens. Here, wander through beautifully curated gardens filled with indigenous plants and vibrant flowers that attract various bird species. Engage in informative talks by garden staff about conservation efforts in the region.
In the evening, unwind at a cozy lodge or B&B, where you can share stories with fellow travelers over a delicious meal. Listen to the soothing sounds of nature as you relax by a crackling fire. End the night by stargazing, contemplating the beauty of the African night sky.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $6-12 |
| ☕Coffee at a café | $1.50-3 |
| 🚕Short taxi / minibus ride | $1-3 |
| 🏨Midrange guesthouse / B&B per night | $45-90 |
| ⛽Liter of petrol (gasoline) | $1.20-1.60 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Close to beautiful indigenous forests and excellent birdwatching
- Rich Zulu cultural experiences and historical sites
- Relaxed, small‑town atmosphere with friendly local hospitality
- Good base for day trips into greater Zululand and nearby reserves
- Limited nightlife and fewer dining options than larger towns
- Public transport is sparse—having a car is helpful
- Some services and specialty shops require travel to bigger centres
- Mobile and data coverage can be patchy in forested or rural areas
- "Sawubona" - Hello (to one person)
- "Sanibonani" - Hello (to several people)
- "Ngiyabonga" - Thank you
- "Ukhona yini?" - Are you well? / How are you?
- "Ngicela..." - Please may I have...
- "Yebo / Cha" - Yes / No
Places to Visit in Eshowe
Visit one of these nice places.
Iconic elevated walkway through indigenous forest with a treetop tower—great for misty forest shots, birdlife and panoramic views at sunrise or sunset.
Views over sugarcane fields and lowland plains from the ridge on which Eshowe sits—especially striking in golden hour light.
Photograph colonial and mission‑era architecture, old forts and the town’s museum for a sense of Zululand’s layered history.
Capture colourful produce, crafts and everyday life at markets and roadside stalls—ask permission before photographing people.
Food in Eshowe
Eshowe Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Stiff maize porridge (pap) served with a spicy vegetable relish (chakalaka) or stews; commonly available at local eateries and markets.
Must-Try!
South African barbecue—grilled meats cooked over coals. Small local braais and township shisa nyama spots offer a convivial, flavorful experience.
A Durban‑area legacy: hollowed bread filled with curry. Not native to Eshowe but widely available in KwaZulu‑Natal and often on offer in cafés and takeaway stalls.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Small weekly market stalls (times vary) selling fresh fruit, baked goods, vetkoek, samosas and homemade preserves—good places to try street snacks and meet locals.
Vendors near busy junctions sell roasted corn (mielies), vetkoek, sweets and drinks—carry cash for small purchases.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Polite greetings matter—use a friendly hello (sawubona in Zulu) and handshake (with eye contact) where appropriate. A little respect for elders is important.
Always ask permission before photographing people, especially in rural areas or at cultural events; some may expect a small fee for posed photos.
Dress modestly when visiting rural communities or religious sites; be respectful in conversation about culture and history.
Safety
Tipping in Eshowe
Ensure a smooth experience
In restaurants tip around 10–15% of the bill if service is good; small tips for porters, guides and drivers are customary. For casual vendors tipping is not expected but appreciated.
South African rand (ZAR) is used; cards (Visa/Mastercard) are widely accepted in hotels and larger outlets but smaller stalls and rural vendors prefer cash. Contactless and mobile payments are growing but carry cash for markets and remote areas.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
(November–March) Hot and humid with frequent afternoon thunderstorms. Vegetation is lush, birds and insects are active—bring rain gear, insect repellent and lightweight breathable clothing.
(April–May) Warm days and cooler evenings; good for walking and photography as humidity eases and skies clear.
(June–August) Mild, dry days and cool nights—pleasant for outdoor activities but bring a jacket for early mornings and evenings; frost is rare but possible inland.
(September–October) Flowers and new growth appear, bird activity increases—excellent season for nature walks and wildlife watching.
Eshowe at Night
Hiking in Eshowe
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Well‑marked forest trails and the aerial boardwalk through indigenous scarp forest—short to moderate walks suitable for birding and photography.
A nearby ancient forest remnant with trails through biodiversity‑rich habitat—good for quiet hikes and spotting rare plants and birds.
Informal walks and short hikes along the town ridge and minor farm tracks offer wide views over the plains and are pleasant for sunrise or sunset strolls.
Longer day‑trip hikes and guided walks are available at regional reserves and parks—book guided options for safety and wildlife insight.
Airports
How to reach Eshowe by plane.
Main international gateway for KwaZulu‑Natal, about 100–140 km away (roughly 1.5–2.5 hours by car depending on traffic); best option for international travellers and car hire.
Regional airport closer than Durban, useful for domestic connections and access to northern parts of the province; limited flights—travel time by road about 1–1.5 hours.
Small regional airfields and charter options can serve private and charter flights for access to more remote reserves—availability varies seasonally.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The majority of residents are Zulu‑speaking Black South Africans who maintain strong cultural traditions and community ties.
KwaZulu‑Natal has significant Indian and mixed‑heritage populations—visible more strongly in larger towns and cities, and influencing regional cuisine and commerce.
A smaller proportion of the population—many involved in agriculture, tourism, hospitality and small business.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Football is widely played and followed at community level; local matches and school competitions are common.
Rugby has strong roots in KwaZulu‑Natal; local clubs and schools play regularly and matches draw supporters.
Seasonal community games are popular; school and club sports provide active local participation.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Eshowe.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are available but limited compared with larger towns—order vegetable stews, salads, chakalaka and bread dishes; notify guesthouses in advance for vegetarian meals.
Vegan choices require planning; markets and basic eateries can provide vegetable dishes and pap, but bring snacks or confirm availability at accommodation.
There is a Muslim community in KwaZulu‑Natal (stronger in Durban); in Eshowe you may need to ask for halal meat or visit nearby larger towns for guaranteed halal restaurants.