The Weenen Nature Reserve lies between Estcourt and Weenen, in rugged thorn veld and on an escarpment that overlooks the Bushmans River. The landscapes over the Bushmans are exceptional. The reserve has a large variety of game and has open grasslands and areas of thick indigenous bush. The area had been settled by Zulu families before being driven off by Shaka. There are many kraals that bear testimony to these old settlements. This was followed by settlement by the early Boer trekkers, many of whom were massacred at neighboring, Bloukrans. The area continued to be farmed until the 1930's when the farms were aquired and the Nature Reserve was established. An interesting feature is the remains of the old Estcourt to Weenen rail line that used to traverse the reserve.There are many remnants of the bridges, culverts and embankments in the reserve. The line was opened in 1906 and closed in 1983. The reserve itself caters for campers and has limited accomodation on site. The reserve is adjacent to the old Boer established town of Weenen which is worth a visit. It is also close to many of the old battle fields of the Boer War at the nearbye Colenso.
