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Resources and further reading

Cloete, PG. The Anglo-Boer War – A chronology. JP van der Walt. Pretoria. 2000.

Erasmus, BPJ. On route in South Africa . Jonathan Ball Publishers. 2004.

Game Parks and Nature Reserve of Southern Africa: Readers Digest, 1991

Game Parks and Nature Reserve of Southern Africa: Readers Digest, 1997

Raper, PE. Dictionary of Southern Africa Place Names . Jonathan Ball Publishers Johannesburg, Second Edition 1989.

Van Dyk, P. Explore Kwazulu-Natal. March 2004

Visit and Explore South Africa CD version 2.3

KwaZulu-Natal Tourist Map 2006/2007 . Brabys.

Visits and photos

Explorationresearch trip. Makiti Guides & Tours (Pty) Ltd. 2007

Oral resources

Graham Acheson. KZN Battlefields guide.

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Module 5 – Component 1: Drakensberg region

UKHAHLAMBA DRAKENSBERG PARK

Introduction

The Drakensberg (“Dragon Mountains”) is also known as uKhahlamba, the Zulu word for “the Barrier of Spears”. Many people just call it “The Berg” (“the Mountain”) The mountains form the western border for some 200km and occupies about 7% of the Province. The mountains were shaped by sedimentation, volcanic activity and erosion over a period of million years.

Highest peaks on the South African Side

• Mafadi (Mother of Fadi) – original Sotho name is Ntheledi meaning “makes me slip” (3450 m / 11 320ft) – *highest mountain in South Africa • Champagne Castle (3376 m) • Giant's Castle (3313 m) • MontauxSources (3299m) • Hodgson's Peaks (3256 m) • Cathkin Peak (3182 m) • Devil's Knuckles (3028 m) • Cathedral Peak (3004 m). • Ben Macdhui (3001m)

*The highest peak in Southern Africa is Thabana Ntlenyana (3483 m /11 424ft), situated in Lesotho and can be reached via the Sani Pass.

The Drakensberg can be divided in three sections

The Central Berg • The region from the Cathedral Peak (north) to (Mountain) ChampagneCastle Cathkin Peak (south). • Giant’s Castle in the southwest is one of the best

known peaks in this region.

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The Northern • Best known for the Amphitheatre with its interesting Drakensberg patterns caused by water erosion over millions of years.

• Other cliffs in the region include the Sentinel, Devil’s Tooth and Montaux Sources. The Southern • This area has an abundant wildlife and lush forest Drakensberg vegetation within several nature reserves.

The UkhahlambaDrakensberg Park has been declared a World Heritage Site for its natural and cultural (Rock Art) significance.

• It is believed that most San rock paintings are interpretations of a healer or Shaman‘s experiences when in a trance.. • The trances connected them to the spiritual world. • While in a trance, a Shaman would bleed through the nose, like the eland and his blood would then be rubbed on the other members of the clan. This was believed to chase away bad or evil spirits, as well as illness. • This explains why the eland was not only a source of food for the San, but also was seen as a very strong religious force, important medium and symbol of wellbeing.

Some of the interesting sites of Rock art

Main caves Giant Castle Nature Reserve

Some of the most densely painted shelters in the Drakensberg.

Snake Rock Covered in snake images with antelope heads.

Battle Cave Contains about 750 paintings of battle scenes between two clans.

Game Pass Shelter In Kamberg Nature Reserve.

Its significance lies in that it has helped researchers to understand San rock art better.

Decimal Gorge Cathedral Peak Nature Reserve

Junction Shelter A rock painting depicting people crossing a bridge (the San never built bridges), was finally interpreted as signifying the link between the artist and the supernatural world.

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BERGVILLE Population: Altitude: 1121m/3678ft Drakensberg Region

Rainfall:

(On route R74 approximately 97 km south from Harrismith and 41km west of the N3 between Harrismith and Estcourt at the turn off to Frere and Winterton)

• Situated on the Thukela (Tugela) River about 50 km from the Drakensberg escarpment.

Origin

• Bushmen once roamed the area and the Ngwaneni Tribes at a later stage. • W Posselt and L Guldenpfennig of the Berlin Missionary Society were the first white settlers to reside in this area. • They established the Emmaus Mission in 1847. • A village was laid out in 1897 on the farm Kleine Waterval (“Little Waterfall”) owned by a retired sea captain called Wales. • It was only a little settlement with a few stores and a police posting in 1903. • The village developed slowly during the past years. • Currently operates as a trade and communications centre for a district which includes the tribal area of the Ngwaneni. • C Zunckel built the church at Emmaus in 1857. • The branch railway line from Escourt reached the town in 1914.

Name

• Derived from its location in the escarpment in 1903 after the AngloBoer War was ended.

Agriculture

• Cattle ranching and dairying • Maize is also grown. • Most of the rivers and streams well stocked with trout.

Historical Sites and monuments

Archeological Site Mgoduya nuka Settle • It appears that it was occupied for several decades • Originally constructed by the Zizi people who lived here until the ment 1820’s.

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• Proclaimed as a national monument in 1885.

• It is the only block house, built by the British during the AngloBoer War that have survived in Natal. Block House • Recently proclaimed as a national monument. • Currently hosts the home of the local MOTH shellhole.

• Site is located about 15km east of town in the Spioenkop Nature Battle of Reserve. Spioenkop • Fought in 1901.

Range • Victims of various skirmishes such as the battle of Spioenkop are buried here. worthy

Cemetery

Attractions and Activities

• Bergville serves as the gateway to several parks, holiday resorts and nature reserves on the eastern mountain slopes of the Drakensberg which includes: - The Royal Natal National Park - Rugged Glen Nature Reserve

- Ukhahlamba Drakensberg Park (World Heritage Site) - Mlambonja and Monk's Cowl state forests - Spioenkop Nature Reserve - Maluti Drakensberg Transfrontier Conservation and Development Area

• Located on the R74 from Harrismith in the Free State halfway between

Oliviershoek Harrismith and Bergville. • Pass Voortrekker leader, Piet Retief, used this natural pass route on his first crossing of the Drakensberg Natal in October 1837 and called it Retiefs

Pass. • By the end of the 1860s the traffic between Durban and the diamond

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fields of Kimberley increased and a new road was required. • The new pass was built in 1871 just east of Retiefs Pass. • It was renamed to Oliviershoek after Adriaan Olivier who lived at the foot of the mountain in the 1850s. • The summit is 7 m above sea level.

• Located 15 km northeast of town on the R616 towards Ladysmith. • Established around Spioenkop Dam in 1975. • Spioenkop Dam is fed by the waters of the Thukela River. • Spioenkop The site of the battle of Spioenkop during the AngloBoer War on 24 Nature January 1900 is located in the park. • Reserve Vegetation is mainly open savannah and grassland but many indigenous trees and shrubs have been planted. (5 979 ha) • Wildlife includes several common species of antelope, both indigenous and introduced. • Offers different overnight accommodation and activities such as boating, waterskiing, fishing and various walking trials.

• Located on route R74 at the top of the Oliviers Pass Driekloof • It forms an integral part of the TugelaVaal Water Scheme and Dam Sterkfontein Dam which is situated on the border of the Freestate and Kwazulu Natal.

• Located about 10km west from the R74, approximately 25km west of Bergville and 15km southwest from Oliviershoek Pass. • Established in 1916 • Includes the famous 'amphitheatre' of the Drakensberg as well as the The Royal Thukela Falls known as the highest waterfall in Kwazulu Natal. Natal • MountauxSources are the highest and most well known peak of the National Drakensberg. Park • Consisting of about 5km of solid rock it forms the background of the (8 094 ha) well known natural amphitheater that flanked the Tendele Valley and forms the border between Lesotho and Kwazulu Natal. • The Thukela River (Tugela) is the largest river of all the rivers in Kwazulu Natal and has its beginning in MountauxSource. • Eight other rivers such as the Elands River that feeds the Vaal River and

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the 2 000km course of the Orange River have also their start in Mount auxsources. • Two French missionaries roaming through this area named this peak MountauxSources meaning “mountain of sources after they came aware of the on setting of the rivers. • Boasts various indigenous trees (yellowwood), shrubs and flowers, including orchids as well as some rare protea species. • Home to various game such as some rare antelope species reedbuck, mountain reedbuck.klipspringer, bushbuck, blesbok and the grey duiker and a wide variety of birds. • Leopards and other smaller species of carnivores are rarely seen. • Hosts one of KwaZuluNatal three trout hatcheries that were established in the park in 1951. • Offers about 31 various hiking, driving and some horseback safari trials. - 3 km Otto Walk and suitable for beginners - 7 km Tugela Gorge Route through the Tugela Gorge - 45 km Mount auxSources for the more experienced and adventurous hiker - 45 km / 18 hours circular hiking trial to the Sentinel (the northernmost side of the amphitheater) via Tendele Camp - The Sentinel Route: 8 km drive along the edge of the mountain and then for almost 150km to the Sentinel (the most northern side of the amphitheater) via Oliviershoek Pass. • Various accommodation are available such as camping, chalets and the Royal Natal National Park Hotel

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ESTCOURT Population: Altitude: 1188m/3898ft Drakensberg Region

Rainfall:

(On route N3 approximately 140km south of Harrismith and 30km north of Mooi Rivier on the way to Durban)

• Located on the main routes to the Free State, Kwazulu Natal and Gauteng.

Origin

• Originated from the mid19th century when the road from Durban to the inland was only a wagon track that crosses the Bushman's River. • In 1838, Voortrekker leader Gerrit Maritz camped with his group at Zaaillager nearby the river crossing while waiting for the outcome of the negotiations between Voortrekker leader Piet Retief and Dingane. • He truly believes that the negotiations will have a negative outcome and he implementate some more safety precautions for his laager. • His men was there after better prepared to defend the laager in the attacks by the Zulu’s • After the massacre in February 1838 between the Boers and Zulu impis Maritz laid out his farm in the Bushmans River Valley nearby the river crossing. • He kept the Voortrekkers together after the massacre but unfortunately died in 1839 due to bad health. • The river crossing became a favourite stopover for transport wagons and a need for an inn trading store and a blacksmith's shop arise. • A military post was added in the 1840s to protect transport riders and the herds of cattle being driven across the river. • On 7 January 1848 a village known as Bushman's Drift was laid out at the river crossing. • In 1885 the DurbanJohannesburg railway line reached Estcourt • In 1914 the village gained municipality status.

Name

• Originally called Bushman’s Drift. • Renamed in 1863 in honour of Thomas Estcourt, a British Politician who sponsored the immigration of many of the white residents of this region from Britain.

Claims to fame

• Well known for their processed meat (Estcourt bacon, ham) throughout the country.

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Agriculture

• Wellwatered predominantly grassveld area. • Ideal cattle ranching and dairy country. • Maize is the most important crop in the region. • Several local streams are well stocked with trout.

Mining and industries

Boasts various manufacturing and processing industries

- Meat - dairy products - softboard and hardboard - coffee - animal feeds - Plastics, nylon goods and textiles

Historical sites and monuments

• Located about 5km out of town on a hill above the old Bushman's River crossing. • Built in 1874 to replace an earlier fort built as headquarters of the military post founded in about 1844. • It is a substantial doublestorey structure built with local standstone with walls half a metre thick and 11 m high, and heavily barred

windows.

• There are two square towers each with 16 loopholes. Fort Dunford • The only entrance, situated on the south side, is protected by a heavy ironplated door between two abutments.

• Other features include stone stables, an underground tank and two secret tunnels for provisioning or escape. • Named for LieutenantColonel A.W Durnford, the commander of a small contingent sent to close Langalibalele Pass into Basutoland (Lesotho). • Recently proclaimed as a museum.

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• Located approximately 5 km southeast of the town. Zaailaager • Owned by Voortrekker Leader Gerrit Maritz. Farm • He kept the Voortrekkers together after the massacres of Bloukrans ('sowing and Weenen following the assassination of Piet Retief. laager') • The homestead on the farm was partly built by Gerrit Maritz. and Battle • A memorial marks the spot where his laager stood during those field momentous early months of 1838, and where he repulsed a Zulu attack on 17 February 1838.

• Ka Named for the chief of the amaHlubi. • Langalibalele In 1873 Langalibalele refused to register his firearms and was arrested Pass to and banished to Robben Island for life. • Lesotho The sentence was later rescinded in London and the chief was allowed to settle in the Cape Colony.

• In 1887 he returned to Natal

Attractions and Activates

• Located on route R29 about 5km south west of town at the other side of the Wagendrift Dam and Nature Reserve. • Founded in 1967. • Named after Sir Frederick Moor, Kwazulu Natal’s last prime minister, who donated the land to the province. • Moor Sir Frederick Moor’s original homestead Greystones currently hosted an Park educational and recreational centre which offers some overnight facilities such as camping sites, self catering chalets and fully catered (264 ha) accommodation. • Home to several common species of antelope and a variety of bird species. • Offers some hiking trials: - Old Furrow Trial – self guided trial that follows the course of an old irrigation tunnel.

• Wagen Main entrance to the dam and reserve is located on route R29 towards Giants Castle. At the entrance to Moor Park a gravel road turns off the R29 drif and after about 8km the road reaches the main entrance at the banks of

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(wagon the Bushman’s River. ford) • The dam is also visible some 5km south west of town just off the N3. • It is flanked by some hills and covers the spot where the Veglaer ('fighting Dam laager') of another Voortrekker group withstood a Zulu attack on 10 August and 1838. Nature • Vegetation is mostly open grassland. Reserve • Offers activities such as fishing, sailing and boating. (745 ha) • Picnic for day visitors and overnight facilities for camping are available.

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Population: Altitude: HIMEVILLE Drakensberg 1538m/5046ft

-UNDERBERG Region Rainfall:

(On route R617 approximately 40km west from Bulwer and 87 km west from the N3 and Howick. On a gravel road via Nottingham Road approximately 100km south from Mooi River)

• Himeville is situated about 10 km north of Underberg and is only reachable via a network of various gravelroads. • Himeville forms the entrance to the Sani Pass as it is the closest town to the Sani Pass. • A buffer zone of about 5km between the towns of Himeville and Underberg is the only reminder of a long quarrel that once raged between the inhabitants of the two towns.

Origin

• Underberg originated as a trading store during 1886 for some settlers who started farming in this area. • It serves around 1890/1893 as a police outpost and home to a detachment of the Border Mounted Rifles. • A settlement soon grew up around the outpost at Himeville and Underberg. • Underberg was formally established as a town in 1902 however the magistrate’s jurisdiction was seated in Himeville. • In 1916 the Pietermaritzburg – Kokstad railway line from Donnybrook reach the town and safe the town from abundance. • Currently serves as an administrative centre of a diary and cattle farming community

Name

• Himeville was named after Sir Albert Hime, Governor of Natal. • Underberg means “Under the Mountain” and refers to its position in the shadow of the 1904m Hlokoma (Hlogoma) peak.

Agriculture

• Dairy and cattlefarming

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Mining and Industries

• Cheese Factory – produces various cheeses such as Feta, cheddar, parmesani (named after the Sani pass and joghurt)

Historical sites and monuments

• Located 20km east of Underberg on the banks of the Pholela River. • Reichenau Established by German Missionaries in 1886. • Church and Monastery are built with stone and bricks. Mission • The old mill was still in use until recently. • It is still one of the most beautiful mission stations in the country.

Old • Located about 3km west of town on the gravel road towards the Colonial Mzimkhulu Wilderness Area. Fort and • Converted into the local museum. Old Prison Building

• Situated between Himeville and Underberg. Oak Tree • Donated by Kenneth Lund of the farm Hazeldene. Lane • Planted by the residents to unite the relationship between the two towns.

Attractions and activities

• Situated on route R617 half way between Kingscote and Underberg on Coleford the banks of the Ngwangwane River. • Nature Established on the farms Coleford and Sunnyside in 1948. • Named after James Cole, owner of the original farm Coleford. Reserve • Used by the KwaZulu Natal Wildlife as a breeding centre for several (1 272ha) species of antelope. • Offers no overnight or day visitors facilities.

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• Located about 5km north of Himeville and about 5km west of the Himeville Swamp Nature Reserve. Nature • It is a small nature reserve and hosts some antelopes and some species Reserve of water fowls. (105 ha) • Offers limited camping facilities overlooking two trout filled dams. • Activities available includes trout fishing and bird watching

• Located about 16km east of Himeville on a gravel road towards Pevensey. Swamp • Consist of about 60 ha of wetland. Nature • Home to a wide variety of water birds such as the rare wattle crane Reserve and the largest of all the cranes, the crown crane. (220ha) • Best time to visit the reserve is during summer as the swamp freezes during the winter months. • Offers no facilities for tourists.

• Altitude 2 860m above sea level. • It is the only road entrance from the east to Lesotho and the highest mountain road in Southern Africa. • The South African border post lies just at the foot of the mountain / pass and the Lesotho border post is located on Sani Top about 35 km away. • The “highest pub” in Africa is situated just behind the Lesotho side of Sani Pass the border, overlooking the valley with the famous and spectacular winding gravel road “Sani Pass” to the top. • This region has a great winter snowfall but unfortunately it does not last long • Currently the gravel road is only accessible by 4x4 but there are plans for a tar road in the near future as this road is used as a main route to enter Lesotho.

Drakensberg • Situated about 25km west of town on the gravel road towards the Mzimkulu Wilderness Area. Garden • Best known hotel in the southern park of the Drakensberg. Hotel

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• Mzimkhulu Wilderness is located in the Natal / Drakensberg Garden Castle Reserve about 30km west of Underberg. • Forms part of the Maloti – Drakensberg Transfrontier Conservation and Development Area. • Named for the “great home of all rivers” which reaches the sea at Port Shepstone. Mzimkhulu • Exists of many dramatic mountain peaks with rolling velvet like

Wilderness grasslands and rain trout filled mountain streams. • Area Various Bushman (San) paintings decorated caves throughout this area (28 140ha) • Home too many common species of antelope and other small game and such as the grey rhebok and mountain reedbuck, eland and

Garden klipspringer. • Castle Various birds can be spotted throughout the area such as the bald ibis, some Cape vultures, lammergeyer and the black and martial Reserve eagles. (35 300ha) • Vegetation consists mainly of Stately yellowood forestries, montane heath scrubs and evergreen seasonal grasslands. • Offers various activities such as hiking trials with overnight facilities, bird watching and flyfishing in the rainbow trout stocked streams although a permit is needed for fishing. • Various accommodation facilities such as camping and chalets are available.

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MOOIRIVER Population: Altitude: 1447m/4747ft Midlands Region

Rainfall:

(On route N3 approximately 30 km south of Estcourt and 45km north of Howick)

• Located on the banks of the river with the same name ('beautiful river'). • The Mooi River rises in the foothills of the Drakesberg and flows east of town then turn north to join the Thukela near Tugela ferry. • Forms part of the Midlands Meander route.

Origin

• One of the original farms of the district was called “Mooi Rivier” and belongs to a Voortrekker JN Boshoff, once a clerk in the Magistrates Court in Graaff Reinet. • He left the area after it became a British Colony and becomes the president of the Orange Free State in 1855. • A village was established in 1921. • Proclaimed as a town in 1959.

Name

• Believed to be called so as it perfectly describes the town’s charming surroundings. • The name means ‘beautiful river’. • The township of Bruntville, located about 3 km south of Mooi River is named in honour for the founder, Mrs S. Brunt.

Claims to Fame

• Boasts the shortest tarred road to Giants Castle Game Reserve. • Forms an integral part of the Legend of Will Rogers, most prominently nominated Hollywood actor in America during the 1890’s – 1935 when he was killed in a plain crash.

Agriculture

• Prime cattle country and is frequently compared to the town Vryburg situated in the North West Province. • Various Race Horse Stud farming • Excellent trout fishing area.

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Historical sites and monuments

Rhode • Exhibits and activities include dairy farming and polo. House Museum:

Station • A trackside pub located at Mooi River Station. Master’s • It dates back to about a hundred years ago Arms

St John's • Located in Weston Road. Church • Built in 1872.

Weston • Exhibits a collection of photographs that document the combined Agricultural history of the school and the town. College Museum

• First bridge across the Mooi River to be built north of Pietermaritzburg. Helen • Build in order to solve the problems of delayed transport when the river Bridge crossing was in flood during the rainy seasons. • Plays an important role in the growth of the region.

Attractions and activities

• Located on route N3 and forms the entrance/exit of the circular route R103 to Howick Midlands • It is one of the major access point for many nature reserves and Meander resorts on the slopes of the central and southern parts of the Drakensberg

• Located on route R622 about 35 km east of the town near Mount Craigie Burn Alida, the terminus of a branch rail line from Greytown.

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Dam

and Nature Reserve

(330ha)

• Located on route R28 about 25km northeast of town in the Mooi Rivier on privately owned ground close to Giants Castle Game Mooi River Reserve. Falls • Falls runs 80 m high and 50 m wide in the Mooi River. • Forms the centre of the Midlands Meander. • Not accessible without prior arrangements

Racehorse • Houses many prestigious racehorse studs and training facilities in the Studs and area. Training • Offers demonstration to the public by prior arrangement. Establishments

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NOTTINGHAM Population: Altitude: 1481m /4859ft Midlands Region ROAD / FORT Rainfall: NOTTINGHAM

(On route R103 approximately 30km north west from Howick and the N3 and 30km south west from Mooirivier and 11 km south west of Rosetta.)

• Nottingham Road and Fort Nottingham are located on one of the Midlands Meander routes and forms a major access point for many nature reserves and resorts on the slopes of the central and southern parts of the Drakensberg such as Kamberg, Highmoor and Loteni.

Origin

• When English settlers began exploring the interior of Natal during the 1830s, the governors of the colony began allocating generous tracts of land to pioneers. - Two acres of land was allocated to every group of 20 settlers with access rights to 13 000 acres of public field for their cattle to graze on. - This land was later divided and leaving only 3 000 acres of land. - Cattle farms, sheep farms and horse studs were started. • Fort Nottingham was erected in 1856. - Its first garrison, known as the First Battalion of the Sherwood Foresters protected both Boer and British settlerfarmers against San stock raids. - Their efforts proved largely ineffectual until 1869. - Mounted Police soldiers under leadership of Sergeant Quick were relocated. ○ Legend tells that they brought 270 pounds of biscuits with them and about six gallons of brandy. - The fort also plays a significant role during the Langalibalele rebellion in 1873. • The village of Fort Nottingham developed beside the fort which was located some 15km to the south but is not in existence anymore. • Fort Nottingham village was founded in 1905. • The entire village of Fort Nottingham is from historic significance and survived with only twelve households that is currently still active. • Some of the residence is descendants from the early settlers

Name

• Nottingham Road, previously called Karkloof, was the old main road between Durban and the inland and serves only as a rail way junction when the Natal Railway line reaches this area. • It was renamed to Nottingham Road as it was located nearby the village of Fort Nottingham about 10 km west wards. • Fort Nottingham was named for the Nottingham Regiment stationed there during the 19th century.

Claims to Fame

Tiny and Judy van Niekerk established the Stables Wine Estate in 2005, the first wine estate in KwaZuluNatal and released the first wines from the region in 2006.

Historical sites and monuments

• Located in the main street. • Used to be the stables and the quarters of the 45 th regiment of Foot (later known as the 45 th regiment of Sherwood Forresters) during 1856. Long Stone • They were sent here to protect the settler farmers against stock raids by Building the San people. • Currently operates as a museum and the stables are converted into various curios shops.

St John’s • Made of iron and wood which was selected from a catalogue. Gowrie • Components were shipped from England in kit form and assembled Presbyterian here Church

Trout • Located in the Trout Bungalow Grounds Memorial • It commemorates the arrival of trout in 1884.

Attractions and attractions

• Located about 50km west of Mooi River and 31km west from Fort Nottingham. • Access can be obtained with gravelroads which turns of the R103

Kamberg either from about 31km via Nottingham road passed Fort Nottingham Nature village or about 42km via Rosetta. • Reserve Boasts a trout hatchery that supply trout to various Natal Parks Boards and through out KwaZulu Natal • Mkhomazi Home too many species of animals such as the black wildebeest, Wilderness reedbuck, grey rhebok, duiker, red hartebeest and eland. • Area Offers various hiking trials which one of the nature trials is suitable for wheelchairs. (2 232 ha) • Legend tells that the white shields carried by the Zulu Royal regiments were obtained from the hides of the royal cattle that Shaka, the founder and fighting king of the Zulu nation, kept in the Kamberg region.

• Archeology significance - Located in the Kamberg Nature Reserve, part of the Kamberg UkhahlambaDrakensberg Park, a World Heritage Site. Rock Art - Built in the cave where the wellpreserved San rock art was Centre found. - Exhibits includes several informative displays - Informative talks are held daily on various time intervals.

• Located about 72 km west of Nottingham Road. • Named after the burnt appearance of the shale that dominates the River valley. Lotheni • Loteni is derived from the word meaning “in the ashes”. • This region served as part of the San (Bushmen) hunting grounds in the Nature 1900’s. Reserve • It later became the sheep farm of William and Catherine Root. • Home to some antelope species such as the eland, grey rhebok, Oribi, grey duiker and mountain reedbuck. • Birds recorded in the reserve include Cape Vulture, Lammergeyer,

black eagle, bearded vulture, black stork and the giant Kingfisher. • Offers some overnight camps and spectacular hiking trials. • Trout Fishing and swimming is allowed in the Loteni River although a fishing permit is required.

• Located in the Impofana (Zulu name for eland) Nature Reserve. • Bordering the Mkhomazi Wilderness Area it serves as one of the entry gates of the Mkhomazi Wilderness Area that forms part of the UkhahlambaDrakensberg Park (World Heritage Site). • Entrance can be reached either on the R103 via Rosetta and Nottingham Road on the same gravel road to Kamberg Nature Reserve or the R28 to Giants Castle Game Reserve. Highmoor • It is one of the few reserves where vehicles are allowed to the top of Nature the Clarens sandstone. Reserve • Boasts many species of antelopes such as the grey rhebok, Oribi and mountain reedbuck. • Home to various birds and it is the only breeding site of the rare wattle crane in the Drakensberg and it has also the largest breeding colony of the protected bald ibis. • Offers some overnight accommodation and the three well stock trout lakes offers ample of flyfishing opportunities.

• Forms part of one of the Midlands meander circular routes of the N3 at

Midlands Mooirivier through the villages along the R103 to joins the N3 again at Meander Howick. • Various lakes and streams offer plenty of fishing opportunities. Route • Arts and crafts and several coffee shops are located all along the route.

• First enjoyed in 1996. • Brews are prepared from pure malt in the ageold German tradition. Nottingham • Not massproduced but bottled varieties are for sale in the Brewery Road Shop. Brewing • The local pub also serves some such as Company - a Tiddley Toad (lager) - Whistling Weasel (pale ale)

- PieEyed Possum (Pilsener)

Vintage • Originally intended to showcase tractors and other implements used and Steam by the country’s farming pioneers. Festival • Now expanded to include classic cars, motorbikes, buses and the (Weekend latest technological advances in agricultural machinery. festival) • Carthorses and sheepdogs show off their abilities while children proudly display their prize animals.

ROSETTA Population: Altitude: Drakensberg Region

Rainfall:

(On route R103 approximately 20km west from Mooirivier and 40km north from Howick)

• Located on the banks of the Mooi River

Origin

• Played a major role in the colonial farmpioneering boom in the midtolate 1800s. • Its future was secured in 1895, when the Natal authorities constructed the Meshlyn Bridge. • Forms together with Nottingham Road the gate way to one of the Midlands Meander routes, and access point for many nature reserves and resorts on the slopes of the central and southern parts of the Drakensberg such as Kamberg, Highmoor, Giants Castle and Loteni.

Claims to Fame

• Share the distinction with Nottingham Road of it being the first region where the first trout was introduced to Kwazulu Natal in 1884. • The Legend of America’s Favourite Hollywood Actor Will Rogers originated around this region.

Historical sites and monuments

• Located on R103 just west at the V – junction where the road from Rosetta to Nottingham Road meets. • Grand Country Style Architecture. • Built in the 1890’s by James Piccione a very well known horse breeder and dealer in this region during the 1890’s Greenfields • It also serves for a short period as some quarters for about 1 400 British Manor soldiers and their horses during the Anglo Boer War. House • At a later stage it features also in a prominent American film actor and writer Will Roger’s life. - During his early twenties Will Rogers set off to Argentinia to create a better life for himself. - Unfortunately things did not work out and he took a job on a ship to take care of some horses sent to South Africa for the Anglo

Boer War. - With their arrival in South Africa, the war has just ended and the city was still subject to martial law. - In order for Rogers to get of the boat he had to pay a deposit of ₤100 for a special permit but being broke he couldn’t afford it. - James Piccione heard about his problems and being aware of the rumours of Roger’s good knowledge and handling of horses, he offered to pay for his permit. ○ One of Roger’s talents was his ability to throw three lassos at the same time as recorded in the Guinness Book of records. - In return however, Rogers had to work with his horses for at least 6 months on his farm Greenfields. - One of his duties was to take horses on selling trips to the Free State and on one of these trips he met Texas Jack, a traveling showman.

- Texas Jack was very intrigued by Roger’s handling of the lasso’s and hired Rogers on the spot for his shows and soon Rogers became the star of these road shows - His Hollywood career started at Mooirivier and with time he

became one of the famous and most prominent Hollywood actors of this period. - In 1934 he was voted as America’s favourite cowboy actor. - Unfortunately he died in a plane crash in 1935.

Rosetta • Historic hotel building Hotel • Constructed in 1896.

Attractions and activities

• Forms part of one of the Midlands meander circular routes of the N3 at Midlands Mooirivier through the villages along the R103 to joins the N3 again at Meander Howick Route • Various lakes and streams offer plenty of fishing opportunities. • Arts and crafts and several coffee shops are located all along the route.

WINTERTON Population: Altitude: 1023m/3356ft Drakensberg Region

Rainfall:

(On route R74 approximately 19 km southeast of Bergville and 22 km west of the N3 and turn off to Frere.)

• Situated on the banks of Little Thukela River.

Origin

• Founded in 1905. • Recorded as one of the oldest agricultural and irrigation settlements in KwaZuluNataL • Three farms, Nooitgedacht, Kerkplaats anc Deeldrift, were bought by the Natal government and a concrete weir built across the river to irrigate 119 ha of land. • In 1961 the weir was replaced when the original one was washed away. • In 1907 the branch railway line reaches the town from Estcourt, previously known as Ennersdale. • In 1914 the railway line was extended to Bergville.

Name

• First named Springfield • Renamed in 1910 to honour HD Winter, the secretary of Agriculture in Natal.

Claims to fame

• Drakensberg Boys Choir

Agriculture

• Cattle ranching and dairying.

Historical Sites and monuments

Winterton • It documented the story of the people, past and present, who braved Museum the mountain to make their homes in the region. • Exhibits include authentic African grass huts and old farm implements.

• San Art Exhibits about 180 photographs of San artwork in the Drakensberg. • Covers also South Africa’s first democratic elections, as well as the Gallery AngloBoer War.

Marianne • Located about 2km east of town on a gravel road towards the N3 and Church Colenso.

Located about north of the town, between R600 (also know as ‘Fairview Road’)

• Vaalkrans • Spioenkop (23 and 24 January 1900) (see Module 3 :Historical Overview (2) for more information)

Second Three men, who would later become prominent leaders in their AngloBoer respective countries, were involved in the skirmishes at War Spioenkop: Battles • Commander Louis Botha, later the first prime minister of the Union of South Africa. • Winston Churchill, a war journalist. • Mahatma Gandhi, stretcher bearer.

Attractions and Activities

One of the access points to the various Drakensberg mountain resorts and reserves in the uKhahlamba Drakensberg Park World Heritage Site:

• Cathedral Peak • Cathkin Park • Drakensberg Sun • Champagne Castle • Giant's Castle