Boston the hub of paragliding and gateway to the Southern Drakensberg

Boston is a small town situated in the Mkhomazi and Elands River valley of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Boston is especially renowned for the spectacular paragliding avaialable. Boston has joined Bulwer and promotes tourism through the Boston-Bulwer Beat an exciting little tourist route that is just over an hour’s drive from Durban in the foothills of the Drakensberg Mountains. The Boston Bulwer Beat links Boston, Bulwer and parts of the Dargle Valley. The main attractions include hiking, walking, fishing, rafting, birding and para and hangliding

Following the lead of the Midlands Meander, the folk of the Boston and Polela districts have combined to create the Boston Bulwer Beat, a visitor friendly initiative on the R617 between Howick and Underberg. It’s an adventure exploration that beats with a strong heart, and is putting the area of Boston, Impendle. Hlanganani and Bulwer on the tourist map. The route has two hubs, the village of Bulwer and the hamlet of Boston, with an emphasis on the natural rather than pure Arts and Crafts. This has traditionally been a dairy and timber farming area. It is also home to a wealth of talented and imaginative people who find it a tranquil and unspoilt place in which to live and work. They are warm and welcoming, and bed and breakfast hosts open their doors with welcoming smiles.

GENERAL INFORMATION

How to get there

Turn off the N3 freeway between Durban and Johannesburg, Exit 99 (Merrivale / Bulwer) on the road R617. Continue for 35 km.

ATTRACTIONS

The Pickle Pot

Well known for it’s exclusive range of products which can be bought on the premises. Ten kilometers on the Bulwer side of Boston, the Pot also serves country breakfasts, teas and lunches. An enchanting and rustic chapel in a nearby forest is used for outdoor weddings.

The Trading Post

An outlet for local handmade goods, it’s stocked with country crafts and produce. Six kilometers on the Bulwer side of Boston, the Post is open every day except Tuesdays from 09:00 – 17:00.

The Yellowwood Church

This unique experience can be enjoyed alongside the original wagon road from Pietermaritzburg to Himeville. Built from hand sawn yellowwood by one William Colville for the sum of 25 pounds. Services are held at 11:15 on the first Sunday of each month.

Magwaqa Mountain

(2085 m) (Zulu for ‘the frowning one’). Stands guard over Bulwer. The mountain is conserved by the Bulwer Biosphere and provides one of the best hang and paragliding sites in southern Africa. The mountain also offers walks and views amidst unspoilt flora and fauna.

ACTIVITIES

Outdoors

A number of hiking trails with overnight camps have been established. Game Viewing, cycling, and tubing can be organized, and there are 4 x 4 and mountain bike trails.

Accommodation in and around Southern Drakensberg