The Zululand Heritage Route (Route 66)

ETC-Africa has recently been appointed as project managers for the Zululand Heritage Route.

The route is a project spearheaded by uThungulu District Municipality's Tourism Section and includes a wide variety of partners including local government, traditional authorities and the private sectors.

Route 66 is a cross-border project and includes areas of the Zululand District Municipality. Starting from the uThungulu District Municipality, the R66 moves from an area of high activity of the N2, Gingindlovu intersection to areas further inland where the levels decrease as one approaches Ulundi and beyond. uMlalazi, and especially Eshowe, is well catered for in terms of tourism attractions and facilities. Mthonjaneni, on the other hand, has fewer attractions, but together with uMlalazi, houses the projects identified as key catalytic projects, such as Lake Phobane on route to Ulundi.

Sites that fall within this ambit of the R66 are as follows: Shakaland, Phobane Lake, John Dunn Hunters Bush and Beach Trail, Signal Hill, KwaMondi Mission, Entumeni Nature Reserve, Dlinza Forest Nature Reserve an aerial boardwalk, Rutledge Park and Eshlazi Dam, Mpushini Falls, Ongoye Forest Reserve, Cowards Bush, Eshowe Goal, Eshowe Residency, Fort Eshowe, King Cetshwayo’s Memorial, Martyrs Cross, Fort Sr. Nonquai, Vukani Museum, Bishops Seat, Cetshwayo’s memorial, Court House, Gqikazi, KwaBulawayo, Mandawe Cross, The British Military Cemetery.

The primary objectives of the project is to define and package cultural tourism resources; contribute significantly to the branding of uThungulu as a Zulu Cultural and heritage destination; increase tourism revenue yield in rural areas lacking formal economic opportunities; provide the opportunity for previously disadvantaged individuals and groups in the ownership and operation of tourism operations.

This is a very exciting project for ETC-Africa and builds on our experience and skills in the realm of community based tourism and tourism routes.

Stakeholders are encouraged to contact us and play an active role in the planning and implementation of the route. A full project roll out plan can be found by clicking here. https://www.smartsheet.com/b/publish?EQBCT=32b0384691c247d08679dab3fa699d4c