Gingindlovu, KwaGingindlovu, KwaZulu-Natal

Gingindlovu lies almost halfway between Durban and Richards Bay and is the site of the 1879 battle between the British forces and Cetshwayo’s army, who besieged the town of Eshowe.

This small town marks the beginning of Zululand’s Route 66 (R66), a road that passes through many of the historical highlights. It also lies within easy reach of the two beautiful, indigenous forests of Dlinza and Entumeni where both hikers and bird watchers come to enjoy nature. The Entumeni forest trails are not for the faint hearted, but the waterfalls and rare bird, plant life and bush buck sightings make them worthwhile!

The Amatikulu Estuary and game reserve is only a short drive from Gingindlovu and offers boating, birding and fishing. It is also one of the few places in South Africa where one can view wildlife feeding on forested dunes overlooking the sea.

The Amatikulu Prawn Shack is a local favourite and draws crowds all the way from Durban over the weekend to enjoy fabulous meals on sand dunes overlooking the warm Indian Ocean.

Accommodation nearby Gingindlovu includes self-catering apartments, Guesthouses and camping facilities.

Things to do and see

• Gingindlovu Battlefield
• Zululand Route 66
• Amatikulu Nature Reserve
• Dlinza Forest Nature Reserve
• Battlefields Route
• Entumeni Forest Trails
• Lake Phobane
• Empangeni Golf Course

Climate

Gingindlovu receives approximately 894 mm of rain annually with rainfall falling throughout the year.

Summer months, November to March will have average temperatures of between 20˚C and 30˚C.

Winter months, May to August will have average temperatures of between 12˚C and 25˚C.

Transport

There are daily flights into King Shaka International Airport, 92 km away via the N2. Car hire facilities are available at the Airport.

History

Cetshwayo, whose name meant 'the slandered one', fought his brothers over the rights of succession to the Zulu throne.

On 2 December 1856, at Ndondakusuka, he defeated his principal rival, his half brother Mbulazi, who was supported by five other sons of the Zulu king, Mpane. Cetshwayo killed them all and from then was regarded as the undisputed heir to the throne.

To commemorate his victory, Cetshwayo built a military stronghold 17 kilometers from the Ndondakusuka battlefield. This stronghold was called Gingindlovu, meaning 'the swallower of the elephant'.