Estcourt South Africa

Estcourt is a medium sized town in KwaZulu Natal south Africa. Estcourt serves as the gateway to the Central Drakensberg along with Winterton 40 Km to the North. 

In the pioneer days when the road to the north was simply a rough wagon track, a fort was erected on a hill dominating the fording place over the Bushman's river. This fort was first occupied in 1847 and is reputedly haunted by the numerous ghosts, who for some obscure reason have become attached to the place. The Estcourt fort was designed as a substantial stronghold, and built to protect transport riders and the herds of cattle driven across the ford. It is as secure as any castle with drinking water tanks in the basement, a drawbridge, moat and two secret tunnels. A trading station, blacksmith and inn were established under the protection of the garrison and in 1863 it was decided to call the village Estcourt in honour of Thomas Estcourt, an English parliamentarian who sponsored the immigration of settlers into the area. 

Today Estcourt is a thriving centre of industry particularly for livestock and meat products.