Melmoth is a charming little town situated about 200km north of Durban and about 90km west of the northern coastline of KwaZulu-Natal. It is often referred to as the gateway to the Zululand Highlands at an altitude of about 800m. In the main, it is a agricultural centre and is surrounded by farmlands, mainly timber and sugar cane.
The town had its origins in the gold rush days at the turn of the 20th century. It was named after Sir Melmoth Osborn, the first British Native Commissioner of Natal. Today it is a trading centre for the farm produce of the area. The Ntinge Tea Plantation is situated in the area producing excellent quality light teas. The plantation was established in 1987 and is the single biggest employer in the area.
The town is well located for access to a number of nature and game reserves such as the eMakhosini Opathe Heritage Park, the Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Game Reserve, Nkandla Forest Reserve as well as the Zulu cultural centres of Ulundi, Eshowe and Isandlwana.
The Zululand Heritage Route, otherwise known as Route 66, includes Melmoth as well as Pongola, Nongomo, Gigindluvu, Eshowe and Ulundi. Read this excellent article by Country Life Magazine.
