About Estcourt
Estcourt is a smallish town that serves as a gateway to the central Drakensberg. Aside from its obvious Anglo-Boer War connections, Estcourt is also popular because it is close to the Weenen Game Reserve that supports a range of wildlife including white rhino, wildebeest, leopard, warthog, hyena, giraffes and lots more.
Estcourt Battlefields
Estcourt Anglo-Boer War battle sites include the Brynbella-Willow Grange. Veglaager (“Battle Laager”) is the site of a battle between the Boers and Zulus in 1838. Bloukrans Memorial marks the site where Voortrekker families were killed after the murder of their leader, Piet Retief. Winston Churchill was captured by the Boers at Chievely in 1899. A memorial marks the site of the engagement during which he was captured.
Game Reserves
- Wagendrift Nature Reserve is a scenic reserve around the Wagendrift Dam where boating and fishing are the primary activities. The wildlife and birdlife can be seen on a 3km self-guided walking trail winding along the Bushman’s River as well as on the Furrow trail which follows the course of an old irrigation channel built in 1903.
- Moor Park, one of the oldest iron-age sites in KwaZulu-Natal dating back to AD 1300, can be seen from the Makhabeni Hill and on the southern side of the dam you will find large fossil beds with many fossilized trees lying on the ground.
Tourist Attractions in Estcourt
- Horse-Riding at both Antbear Lodge offering horse trails in the foothills of the Drakensberg or Zulu Waters Horse trails in the game reserve are popular.
- Hiking trails in the Estcourt area lead to destinations such as Giant’s Castle in the Drakensberg Mountain range and will take you past San caves and a site museum.
- The Wagondrift Dam Public Resort offers fishing and water sport opportunities. Anglers also enjoy the fantastic trout and fly fishing opportunities in the Bushmans river and fishing is also available in the Wagondrift Dam
