The story of Monteseel as related in 1950 A.D.

The following information has been taken from a pamphlet that was published in 1950 when the Monteseel township was proclaimed. The age of Cycads is very difficult to determine and so it is now thought that the Cycad is between 200 and 500 years old. Our climate has changed since then too.

Monteseel was proclaimed a township in 1950 A.D. In the dim dark ages of 3000 years ago, that is 1000 B.C. a tree began to grow. It just lives on and on while history rolls by. Oh! If only it could speak, what a tale it would tell! This tree is living at Monteseel, is vigorous and still bearing fruit!
What better proof can you have of an ideal and steady climate for living conditions? A perfect balance between: –

  • Heat and Cold

  • Drought and Rain

  • Calm and Storm

  • Humidity and Dryness

As if this were not enough, throughout the ages a scenic setting, described by the National Geographic Magazine of America as one of the Seven Wonders of Southern Africa, has been molded by nature right round Monteseel. This vista of panoramic beauty, including the Valley of the Thousand Hills, is the pride of Monteseel, queen of residential townships.-

A further endowment of nature is abundance of water, an absolute essential for household requirements and beautiful gardens. Monteseel is 2700 feet above sea level, and on clear days you can see the Indian Ocean. In winter the snow on the Drakensberg is visible.

Vegetables thrive at Monteseel summer and winter. With the absence of frost, luscious tomatoes, etc. can be grown throughout winter. All sub-tropical fruits do well. Beautiful flowers grow all the year round. The soil is rich, loose and well drained.

As far as you are concerned this would be Utopia, but with man’s contribution in building centres of business and culture within easy reach of Monteseel, in constructing macadamized roads from such centres to Monteseel and in laying electric current to Monteseel, this Utopia has become a reality.

Should you wish to see the original article, please click here.  The Story of Monteseel

We are searching for more history related to Monteseel, so check back in a while.

There is a lovely article on the Facts about Durban website, sharing memories about the halfway point in Drummond. If you are interested take a look here. Facts About Durban

Throughout the years, our commitment to local initiatives has been steadfast. Here, we proudly showcase select projects that have earned recognition and acknowledgment.

We were awarded the Certificate of Appreciation in 2012 for our Conservancies Open Day

Monteseel Conservancy registered with Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife in 2011.

Hilltop News article –  Friday, 3 Decmeber 2010