The Zulu Roots Eco Trail is located in the Zinkwazi area, along the KwaZulu
Natal North Coast, and provides visitors with access to many cultural,
historical and ecological treasures of the North Coast. The region is considered
by many to be the birthplace of the Zulu Nation, and has set the scene for many
historical events. The routes provide visitors with an opportunity to view an
interesting variety of birds, forest wildlife such as buck, whales, dolphins and
a variety of insects and indigenous plantlife.
The first of the routes is the Zulu Roots John Ross Trail which is a sixty
kilometer trail taking visitors between the Nonoti and Amatikulu Rivers.
Activities along the route include hiking, canoeing, swimming, cycling, fly
fishing or a relaxing lagoon cruise, night drives or bush picnics.
The Zulu Roots Tugela Community Tour is the second of the four, and sees
travelers paying a visit to a rural Zulu Community, and discovering a
traditional culture and lifestyle. Visitors are allowed the opportunity to meet
various members of the community and to view their kraals, and farmlands and to
visit the local shebeen. A local guide will explain the significance of
traditions.
The third route featured is the Zulu Roots KwaDukuza Trail is a multicultural
experience, which consists of a guided walking tour of KwaDukuza, which was once
home to two world famous South Africans; King Shaka who was the founder of the
Zulu Nation, and Chief Albert Luthuli who was a past president of the ANC and
Africa's first Nobel Peace Laureate. Here visitors can learn about the stories
of Shaka and the birth of the Zulu Kingdom, as well as colonial adventures,
bloody battles of the Tugela at nDondakusuka, the story of John Dunn (the first
and only white Zulu Chief) and the interesting circumstances which lead up to
the Anglo-Zulu War.
The final route is the Zulu Roots Birding Route, which is home to a total of
over four hundred and fifty bird species, which include many sought after
rarities. This area ranks as one of the top birdwatching destinations in the
country. Nationally renowned sites along the route, include the Sappi Bird Hide
and Jex Estate. The birding route presently covers the Zinkwazi, Otimati, Umvoti,
Tugela and Amatikulu areas and includes a variety of diverse habitats such as
coastal, forest, wetlands, and gorges. Local site guides are available for
access to some of the areas, and a comprehensive bird list is also available.