Ulundi

Description:

In the centre of Zululand is the Zulu town of Ulundi situated in the majestic hills and the rugged valleys of the White Umfolozi River and form part of the Route 66, between Nongoma and Melmoth.


Ulundi area seen the final chapter of the Anglo-Boer War when the Battle of Ulundi, in 1879, witnessed the Zulu army's finally defeat just north west of the town.

King Cetshwayo's royal residence has been partially reconstructed at Ondini, just outside Ulundi and has a small museum that is worth a visit. Ulundi is the Zulu word for ‘the heights' and was originally named by King Cetshwayo.


Here the Valley of the Kings - eMakhosini - is on the R34 at Melmoth the home of several Zulu clans. It has a valley that is part of the eMakhosini/Ophate Heritage Park which is a protected area with magnificent scenery, in which the Spirit of eMakhosini memorial has recently been erected in honour of the Zulu Kings whose graves lie here.

Also here is the 26 000 ha eMakhosini/Ophate Heritage Park which has ntroduced game into the area and is dedicated to the survival of the threatened Oribi species of grassland antelope.


On the outskirts of Ulundi in the Heritage Park, are caves, virtually hidden on the side of the Ntaba Ntuzuma Mountains. It was left in peace for years but they have recently drawn much attention. There are signs that these caves were inhabited by the Ngobese clan more than 200 years ago. It is now planned to include the caves for tourist attractions. Artfacts already found include grinding stones, wooden spoons and other items, which convinced researchers that their ancestors were brewers of beer. These items have been given to the Dundee museum for display.