Bulwer & Boston

The Bosten Beat - A tourist connection between Bosten and Bulwe

Boston and Bulwer are located in the foothills of the Drakensberg, amidst rolling hills, lush forests and tranquil lakes and dams, it is an ideal destination for those seeking peace and quiet and good country fare. The Boston-Bulwer Beat is a tourism association, which promotes the areas surrounding these South African villages.

Theres absolutely no mistaking the pristine, inviting surrounds for anything but a long-established seat of pastoral plenty - the luxuriant, generously watered grazing meadows and impressive forests of Bosten and Bulwer, a perfect setting for picturesque settlements that beckon with the hallmark hospitality. These open doors lead to the entire spectrum of holiday accommodation, from quaint country hotels, guesthouses, farms and B&Bs, to rustic self-catering cottages, backpack lodges and campsites.

To say that visitors to this slice of heaven are spoilt for choice would be an understatement. In addition to their number and variety, each and every welcoming address offers, at the very least, tranquil ambience with scenic walks and fish-filled streams or dams, plus easy access to the adrenalin-fuelled pursuits for which were also world renowned. Certain of these establishments are themselves the focal point of pulse-racing adventures, and tempt their guests to not stray too far from their new home-away-from- home.

Activities on the Bosten Bulwer Beat

• Abseiling
• Mountain biking
• Tubing, rafting and kayaking
• Bird watching
• Paragliding near Bosten and BulwerParagliding and hang gliding

At the mountains southernmost extreme, Wild Sky Adventures is the home of para-gliding, while Ride the Wind - Kwela uMoya Hang-gliding School occupies the southern end about a half- kilometre away. Both offer tandem flights in safe, professional company for that first, heart-in-your-mouth thrill, and fully accredited courses with equipment included should you get hooked on the buzz.

Named after Sir Henry Bulwer, the Lieutenant Governor of Natal from 1875 – 1880. Bulwer nestles under the ‘Magwaqa’ Mountain (Zulu for the ‘Frowning One’). The village was built in 1885 to become the centre of the Polela Magisterial District. Most of the activity in Bulwer today centres around the tourism and the forestry industries. Snow can occur any month of the year.

GENERAL INFORMATION

How to get there - Pietermaritzburg approximately 86 km

Altitude – 1600 m above sea level

Average Rainfall – Approximately 1008 mm, mostly in summer

Banks – Standard, Fnb (ATM)

Dams – Lake Curragh (110 ha)

Mountains – Magwaqa, Thabana – Ntlenyana

HISTORICAL VIEW

Yellowwood Church

This historic and very beautiful church is situated on the old wagon road, which was the main road from Pietermaritzburg to Himeville. Built out of handsawn yellowwood felled on ‘Ashtonvale Farm’ and erected by William Colville for the princely sum of 25 pounds. Church services are held on the first Sunday of the month at 11:00 – 15:00. All are welcome.

NATURE

‘Fursers’ Bush

Named after a government forester in the last century the ‘Maguthwa’ indigenous bush offers a lovely walk through pristine natural forest. A must for nature lovers and bird watchers. The saw pits can still be seen alongside the path. ‘Fursers’ Bush remains one of the few remaining homes of the Cape Parrot.

Magwaqa Mountain

2072 m above sea level. This mountain is rated as one of the best paragliding and hang gliding sites in South Africa and offers walks for the many tourists visiting the resorts in the area.

Thabana – Ntlenyana

3482 m above seal level, the highest point in Africa south of Kilimanjaro.

The Biosphere

This reserve incorporated the areas around the village and the ‘Magwaqa Mountain. The entrance fees charged contribute towards the upkeep of the walks and all matters relating to conservation.

ACTIVITIES

Outdoors

Cycling, hanggliding, Kwela Umoya Hang gliding School – Situated in Bulwer with some of the best training slopes in South Africa. Join us and learn to fly, Hiking Trails, Horse Riding, Paragliding Wild Sky Paragliding – Tandem flights, basic and advanced courses, as well as safety courses, Equipment, course material and SAHPA rated instruction are provided.

Accommodation in and around Southern Drakensberg