For lovers of culture and history as well as beautiful scenery, the Rainbow Route in KwaZulu-Natal is well worth following. Follow in the footsteps of the Voortrekkers and explore the customs and ritual rites of the Zulu people as you enjoy all the interesting places that you can find along this interesting route.
Mtunzini along the Rainbow Route is a coastal town on a hill that overlooks the beach, a dune forest and a Mangrove swamp forest. Bird watchers will delight in the incredible variety of South African bird life including the very rare Palm-nut Vulture.
Another destination on the Rainbow Route is Eshowe which is the oldest town in Zululand. This attractive little town surrounds the Dlinza Indigenous Forest. Of great interest is the impressive white Fort Nongquayi that has 3 turrets and was originally built for the Nongquayi Zulu police force, but today houses the Zululand historical museum.
Babanango is a little town in northern Zululand and a perfect stop for following the sites of the historic battlefields of the area, or to visit the eMakhosini Opathe Heritage Park, which includes the Opathe Game Reserve as well as the eMakhosini Valley and other game parks in the area.
Another town of interest along the Rainbow Route is the quaint little gold rush town of Melmoth, close to the historic site of Dingaan’s Kraal (homestead), uMgungundlovu, where the Voortrekker leader Piet Retief and his party were executed. There is also a Crocodile Ranch amongst other attractions.
Ulundi was the centre of the Zulu Kingdom in the 19th century. This is the site of the major battle between the Zulu’s and British Colonial Power and was decisive in the defeat of the Zulu armies.
Accommodation is available all along this route and can be continued as far north east as Mpumalanga.
