Estcourt
The town of Estcourt is the gateway to the Central Drakensberg
 Estcourt
is located at the confluence of the Bushmans and the Little Bushmans River.
It is also on the main Durban - Johannesburg railway line some 160 km north
of Durban and 25 km south of the Tugela River crossing. In earlier years
the main road, later to become the N3, passed through the town. The town
itself is 1196 m above sea level and lies in the hilly country that dominates
most of the Natal Midlands. The Drakensberg lies some 40 km to the west of
the town.
Estcourt is ideally situated with easy access to Winterton, Rosetta,
Nottingam Road, Bergville, Weenen and Howick which also make up the well
known tourist attractions, namely the Drakensberg Region and the Midlands
Meander.
The new Drakensberg tourist route incorperates Estcourt as the hub of the
Drakensberg Route.
Estcourt was named after Thomas Henry Sotheron
Estcourt. However, claims that the town was originally named Bushmans River
Post or Bushmans River Drift and that the change of name to Estcourt took
place in 1863. It can be stated that town of Estcourt was never named either
Bushmans River Post or Bushmans River Drift, but simply, Bushmans River.
Estcourt is also the start of the Kwa-Zulu Natal Battlefields Route and
played an important role during the Anglo Boer war of 1899.
 Estcourt town is now the largest commercial and service center in the Midlands
region and is also important to the nearby Mooi
River, Winterton, Bergville,
Colenso and Weenen, due to the fact that Estcourt now has a greater variety
of shops.
There is a lot to be seen and done in the Estcourt area too. Experience
some exquisite bushman rock art at Kamberg or drive up to Giants
Castle and
spend some time in the mountains. Day walks or overnight stays in the caves
or mountain huts are both possible and very worthwhile. For those of you
who are fanatical about trout then you'll find yourself in the right area.
The safari feeling can be found in the Weenen or Spieonkop game reserves
and of course the midlands meander offers plenty of opportunity to buy some
local craftwork or just have a nice drive.
Estcourt accommodation
 Antbear
Guest House - Indeed a special find. One of those places
you wished you would have stayed longer where the accommodation, view,
location, service and food are just perfect. This is the nearest private
accommodation option near to Giants
Castle and also offers one of the
best deals available.
 Ardmore
Guest Farm - While this guest house is a little further away
in the Champagne
Valley it still a great option to stay when you visit
Cathedral
Peak and Royal
Natal. Also centrally situated this guest house
makes for a special few days in the Drakensberg. Ardmore is especially
suited to families with units that can accommodate 6 persons.
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