Weenen, a quaint rural town situated in KwaZulu-Natal, holds historical significance as one of the earliest settlements established by the Trekkers following the Bloukrans massacre in its vicinity. As the second oldest town in KwaZulu-Natal, Weenen carries a legacy intertwined with the struggles and triumphs of the early pioneers.
The town’s name, derived from Afrikaans, translates to “weeping,” commemorating the hardships endured by the Voortrekkers during their encounters with the Zulus at Bloukrans and Moordspruit. Along the Muden road, approximately 10 kilometers from Weenen, stands an ‘isivivane’—a substantial pile of stones measuring six meters in diameter and one meter in height. Travelers traditionally contributed to the pile by following a ritual involving stone-handling and spitting before adding their stone to the collection.
Weenen is also home to the Weenen Game Reserve, managed by KwaZulu Wildlife, offering excellent opportunities for game viewing amidst its picturesque landscapes. Spanning across typical inland KwaZulu-Natal acacia grasslands with sporadic thickets, the reserve provides extensive facilities for observing wildlife, including guided walks and educational programs tailored for school groups at the Nyandu Bush Camp.
The Weenen Game Reserve boasts a rich avian diversity, with over 230 bird species documented within its boundaries. Visitors can enjoy birdwatching from two designated hides overlooking a dam, while also witnessing the successful rehabilitation of degraded habitats—a testament to the park’s conservation efforts.
Among the mammals that roam the reserve’s expanses are rhinos, giraffes, hyenas, jackals, bushbucks, reedbucks, steenboks, and porcupines, adding to the allure of this natural sanctuary. With three picnic sites available, visitors can immerse themselves in the tranquility of the reserve while enjoying the sights and sounds of its vibrant ecosystem.
