Eshowe, a Town in the Kwa-Zulu Natal Area is set on a Hill, is situated around a 250 hectare indigenous Coastal Forest. Eshowe actually means Ekowe, the place of Mushrooms: "Esikhowe seNkosi uCetshwayo!"

Eshowe offers visitors a variety of unusual attractions, the most striking being the' Dlinza Forest', itself. With hiking trails and picnic spots and the magnificent- Dlinza Forest Aerial Boardwalk.

The Town has developed into a hub of activity, surrounded by sugar-cane Farms. The South African sugar industry is one of the world’s leading cost competitive producers of high quality sugar and makes an important contribution to employment, particularly in rural areas, to sustainable development and to the national economy. It is a diverse industry combining the agricultural activities of sugarcane cultivation with the manufacture of raw and refined sugar, syrups, specialised sugars and a range of by-products.

KZN sugarcane farmers barely hanging on

The bailout money Tongaat Hulett secured provides some relief to sugarcane farmers in KwaZulu-Natal. But the financially distressed sugar company is but one part of the nightmare scenario small-scale sugarcane farmers are up against

One of the attractions is the Indigenous Forest, which has hides to view the Birds and few animals. The Boardwalk, the first of its kind in Southern Africa and exclusive to Eshowe. It is a 150 metre Walkway, built above the Forest floor, which allows Visitors to view the flora and fauna, at a comfortable level. It ends with a 20 metre high Tower, offering dramatic views of both the Forest canopy and surrounding Countryside. The Boardwalk employs a number of locals who are trained, bird guides. They are available to show visitors some of the delights of the forest.

Here one can see Long-Crested Eagles, as well as the rare Spotted Thrush and many other forest dwellers. The Ironwoods, Wild Plums and other Forest giants give shelter to Orchids, Clivias, Bushbuck, Duiker, Narina Trogons, Delegorgue’s Pigeon and Wood Owls.  One hundred and eighty different Wildflower Species blossom in the grasslands, and Eshowe is one of very few Towns in the Country which has trees in flower every day of the Year!