Melmoth was founded in 1888 as a ‘gold rush’ town. The village is situated on a site donated by a farmer, Reinhold Ortlepp, as part of his Golden Reef farm, and named after Sir Melmoth Osborn, the Resident Commissioner of Zululand at that time. The climate is unsurpassed and in the South Africa edition of Trivial Pursuit is referred to as having a cleanest air in the country. This climate and attractive facilities make Melmoth an ideal residential area for many working in the nearby town of Ulundi. Melmoth has one of the largest and dynamic conservancies in Natal. Spanning some 85 000 hectares, the conservancy won the Natal Parks Board Conservation Award (Kwazulu Natal Nature Conservation Service) and was placed in the top three in the South African National Conservation Awards. Not surprisingly, natural fauna and flora are flourishing as are introduced species of wildlife such as zebra, springbok and blesbok. Melmoth was declared a bird sanctuary many years ago and is an integral part of the Zululand Birding Route. There is a wealth of historical attractions to be found in the area, including many famous battlefields of the Boer, Brit and Zulu wars. Apart from some light industry, the town is largely dependant on agriculture, primarily sugar, timber and cattle. Citrus and avocado pears also play a significant role with markets both locally and overseas.

GENERAL INFORMATION

How to get there - Empangeni 73 km, Ulundi 53 km

Altitude – Approximately 800 m above sea level

HISTORICAL VIEW

Battlefields Route

Piet Retief’s Grave – At Mgungundlovu

NATURE

Umfolozi / Hluhluwe Game Reserve

ATTRACTIONS

Beaches

The beaches ar Mtunzini, Richards Bay and the Amatikulu Nature Reserve on the coast have excellent recreational facilities.

Ntingwe Tea Estates - At Nkandla

Simunye Lodge

Experience a mixture of pioneer and Zulu cultures. Guests meet at the old trading store and proceed on horseback, oxwagon or donkey cart on an exciting three hour guided trail to Simunye.

ACTIVITIES

Horse Riding

Qwibi Guided Horse trails

Explore the Natal bushveld on horseback. Experienced guides escort rides through the bushveld where game can be spotted and nights are spent in the comfort of the Qwibi Bush Camp.

Outdoors - Game Viewing

Accommodation in and around Melmoth