Discover Estcourt

Estcourt as a Starting Point

Estcourt can be explored through its historical connection to a route and several nature and cultural themes in the nearby area. The South African Yearbook 2011/12 names Estcourt as the starting point of the KwaZulu-Natal Battlefields Route. If you include this route in your plans, check the latest route details before you travel. This historical connection in the town sits alongside other themes that can be considered separately when planning your trip.

Historic Sites in the Surrounding Area

There are two distinct points of interest in the area near Estcourt. Makhabeni Hill is home to an Iron Age site dating to around 1300 AD, overlooking Moor Park. Fort Durnford overlooks Estcourt and houses a museum. At Makhabeni Hill, the approximate date and the view over Moor Park shape its historical significance; at Fort Durnford, the museum and the view over Estcourt are the main features. When comparing these places, these different highlights can help you decide which themes to include in your travel plans.

Putting Moor Park and Wagendrift into Context

Moor Park Nature Reserve was established in 1967, covers 264 ha, and is located at the upper end of Wagendrift Dam. Wagendrift Nature Reserve includes a 980 ha park, which also encompasses Moor Park Reserve. The area figures refer to different sizes: 264 ha refers to Moor Park Nature Reserve, while 980 ha is the size of the park mentioned in connection with Wagendrift. This distinction makes it easier to tell the size of the individual protected area from that of the park that includes Moor Park.

Wildlife in the Natural Surroundings

Various antelope can be seen along the trails in Wagendrift Dam and Moor Park Nature Reserve. Larger mammals that have been reintroduced include blue wildebeest, blesbok, impala, zebra, mountain reedbuck, common duiker, and bushbuck. In addition, 190 bird species have been recorded. Potential wildlife sightings along the trails are accompanied by a specific count of recorded bird species. Which animals you see may vary; sightings are not always the same.

The Furrow Trail

The 3.5 km self-guided Furrow Trail runs through Moor Park Nature Reserve. The trail follows the Bushman’s River through a wooded gorge and alongside an irrigation canal built in 1903. The river, gorge, and canal give the route distinct natural and historical features. For planning your trip, the length and route provide concrete points of reference: the trail is a named route with its own character, not just a general reference to the reserve.

Comparing Boating and Nature Attractions

Boating is considered the main activity in Wagendrift Nature Reserve; the area also includes a rustic resort. This differs from Moor Park, where the focus is on the self-guided Furrow Trail and its route. When weighing up nature-related activities for your trip, you can therefore distinguish between a specifically described route and boating as the main activity. Both are among the different features that shape the area around Estcourt.

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