What is Port Durnford, South Africa, like?

[BenKK]

We’re researching some historical sites to visit that are significant to us, including Isandlwana and a church at Pietermaritzburg. An ancestor of my wife fought and died at Isandlwana. Port Durnford is named after him, so we’re wondering about visiting. Is it near Richards Bay? Is that a tourist destination? Thanks in advance for your shared knowledge. Oh, any other related museums or must-see places? Cheers!

 

[Boela]

Good day Ben,

I will stick my head out and try to give you a bit more information but I am not all that informed myself....

Port Durnford itself is not that much of a touristy place at all, and that is due to that there is not much to see, if anything. However, in the area there is quite a few interesting place to see. I would recommend that you visit Eshowe - the oldest town in Zululand. The Richards Hotel is full of history and a good place to start where you will be able to find out more about Port Durnford.

In and around of Eshowe, you can visit the following places:

Fort Nonqayi - Zululand Historical Museum. A three turreted fort established in 1883.
Vukani Museum - Situated I the town where you can find hand made items made by the Zulu people.
Dlinza Forest - 200ha of indigenous forest situated next to the town that is home to the only aerial boardwalk in the Southern hemisphere.
KwaBulawayo - A monument marks the crest of this hill where a kraal that is big enough to house 12 000 Zulu warriors can be found.

The British Military Cemetery at Fort Eshowe can be contacted on +2735 473 3474

Other places that can be visited include Fort Pearson and the Ultimatum Tree that is standing on the banks of the Tugela River (This is the site where the British Government presented an Ultimatum to the Zulu King Cetshwayo to disband the Zulu Army and swear allegiance to Queen Victoria). so can the historical places be visited around Gingindlovu.
And then there is the entire Battlefields Route that can be done in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands. If this history is something that interests you, I would highly recommend that you do this. First prize will be do to this with a well established tour guide service.

 

[BenKK]

Thank you! That information is gold!

 

[Boela]

Ben,

Just as a side note..... Should you be travelling by car from Johannesburg to KZN you will pass through a town called Harrismith. Just passed the town in the KZN direction you will get to Van Reenen pass. It is at Van Reenen where you will find the smallest Roman Catholic church in the world! This is also a must see place and have I been there several times.

https://www.sa-venues.com>kwazulunatal