Eshowe is a town located in Zululand, South Africa. It holds the distinction of being the oldest town of European settlement within the region and has been historically referred to by several names, including Eziqwaqweni, Ekowe, or kwaMondi.
The town's name is believed to be inspired by the sound of wind moving through the Dlinza Forest, which covers more than 4 km2. This forest serves as the most significant and striking geographical feature of the area. Alternatively, the name may be derived from the Zulu word for Xysmalobium shrubs, known as showe or shongwe.