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 but most of the activity in Bulwer today centres around the tourism and the forestry industries. There isn’t much to see in the town itself; rather, the reason it’s included in our guide is because it is on one of the main routes into the southern Drakensberg.
Otherwise, Bulwer Mountain is renowned among the hang gliding and paragliding fraternity, particularly because of the easy landing – a field on the south side of town. Those brave enough to take to the skies have the most incredible views of emerald green rolling hills, forests, lakes and, of course, all the stunning farmland. Bird life is prolific. There is also a lovely forest walk through Fursers’ Bush and the area is a must for nature lovers and bird watchers, who should also visit the Marutswa Forest, home to the rare Cape parrot, a critically endangered species. There is also a forest walk and boardwalk.
Bulwer is a prominent tourist destination for various reasons. It's a popular birding spot, a beautiful place to just relax, but mainly it's a flying destination for both hang gliders and paragliders. Both local and international pilots flock to Bulwer for flying around the year.
One thing that may be worth a visit, once you’ve filled up with petrol and bought your food supplies, is the tiny Yellow Wood Church. This historic church is situated on the old wagon road, the main road from Pietermaritzburg to Himeville. Built out of hand-sawn yellowwood trees and by William Colville for all of 25 pounds, it continues to hold church services on the first Sunday of each month.
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 but most of the activity in Bulwer today centres around the tourism and the forestry industries. There isn’t much to see in the town itself; rather, the reason it’s included in our guide is because it is on one of the main routes into the southern Drakensberg.
