Ulundi

Ulundi was at one time the capital of Zululand in South Afri

Ulundi was at one time the capital of Zululand in South Africa, and later the capital of the Bantustan of KwaZulu. It is now a part of KwaZulu-Natal Province and from 1994 to 2004 took turns at being the capital with Pietermaritzburg. Ulundi has an airport, a five-star hotel, and some museums. Estimated population: 11,102 (1991).

Ulundi History

When Cetshwayo became king of the Zulus on 1 September 1873, he created, as was customary, a new capital for the nation and named it uluNdi (the high place). On 4 July 1879 the British army captured the royal kraal and razed it to the ground, in the Battle of Ulundi - the final battle of the Anglo-Zulu War. Nearby is Ondini, the site of king Mpandes kraal, Cetshwayos father.Mpandes kraal is a big Zulu hut

Zululand witnessed one of the greatest challenges to the supremacy of the once mighty British Empire during the tragic but heroic days of the Anglo-Zulu War. Ulundi was the scene of the final throes of the Anglo-Boer War in 1879, after which it fell under British Rule.

Ulundi Attractions

• Battlesites
  The famous 1879 Battle of Ulundi took place northwest of the town. The Ulundi Battle Monument commemorates the event.
• Mpandes Grave
  The grave of Chief Mpane, father of Cetshwayo, can be visited north of the town.
• Ondini Kraal
  Built in 1873 by Cetshwayo near the Ulundi kraal of his father, Mpande. A fascinating insight into an intact African culture can be gained at the KwaZulu Cultural Museum.

This area, and the Makhosini Valley 20 km east of Ulundi, has been the birthplace and stronghold of many Zulu kings over the years. Ulundi was the capital of the Kwazulu Homeland, and boasts one of the most modern and sophisticated legislative complexes in South Africa, built at a cost of R51 million. Although the town itself offers little to see, the area boasts a number of important historical sites.

GENERAL INFORMATION

How to get there - Melmoth 53 km, Empangeni 126 km

HISTORICAL VIEW

Fort Nolela

Fort Nolela overlooks the Nolela drift over the Mfolozi River. It was here that the British forves under Lord Chelmsford camped prior to engaging the Zulu in battle on 4 July 1879. The stone walled redoubt can still be seen and access to the site is signposted from the R66.

KwaGqokli Hill

This hill was the site of King Shaka’s victorious battle over Zwide, leader of the Ndwandwe, in 1818. The site is indicated by a lay by on the R66 road to Ulundi.

Kwazulu Legislative Assembly Building

The new Legislative Assembly Building can be visited by arrangement. The historical tapestry series and statue of King Shaka are of particular interest.

KwaNodwengu

KwaNodwengu served as the ikhanda (royal capital) of King Mpande KaSenzangakhona until his death in 1872. Surprisingly, he chose to build his military headquarters across the Mfolozi River rather than in the adjacent eMakhosini Valley, known as the Valley of the Kings. On his death, King Mpande was buried in the upper part of the ikhanda between the cattle byre and the isiGodlo (royal enclosure). Unfortunately no archaeological remains have been uncovered. Mpande seized power from Dingane after the disaster at Blood River in which the Voortrekkers defeated the Zulu army. The memorial park contains the grave of King Mpande and a small museum in the shape of a traditional ndlunkulu (great hut) in his memory.

Mthonjaneni

(Dingane’s Spring)

Located on the Mthonjaneni Heights, the water from this spring was for the exclusive use of King Dingane.

Ondini Historic Complex

The Ondini Royal Residence

Ordini, the royal residence of King Cetshwayo kaMpande served as the judicial and legislative capital of the Zulu Kingdom from 1873 to 1879. It was burnt to the gound by British forces after the battle of Ulundi on 4 July 1879, the final and decisive battle of Ulundi on 4 July 1879, the final and decisive battle of the Anglo Zulu War. In 1980 the Kwazulu Monuments Council initiated an archaeological investigation of the site aimed at trying to ascertain the former capital’s size and layout. Excavations proved very successful and an in depth study of the site was launched. To date, only the Royal Enclosure (Isigodlo) of Ondini has been reconstructed. This has been undertaken largely on the basis of the archaeological evidence forthcoming from the excavations. Using the self guided trail pamphlets obtainable in the site museum you can walk through the reconstruction and discover the fascinating layout and history of Ondini. ‘The High Place’.

The Ondini Museum

The small site museum, located adjacent to the royal residence, provides further insight into the life in 19^th century Zululand. Displays here deal with characters and events leading to the rise of the Zulu Kingdom, as well as offering insight into the Anglo Zulu War of 1879, the Battle of Ulundi and the eventual demise of Ondini and the Zulu Kingdom.

Traditional Garden

Near the site museum is a ‘garden’ (insimu) where traditional crops are cultivated. Depending on the season, grain crops (maize, sorghum and millet), vegetables such as pumpkins and melons, spinach and various legumes are grown. Fields such as these would have been cultivated around Ondini by the various regiments to provide the royal household with a variety of seasonal foodstuffs.

The Kwazulu Cultural Museum

A visit to the museum is well recommended. Opened in 1984, it houses a number of interesting displays on regional history, culture and art. Various audio visual programmes are also available on request. Time spent lingering over some of these displays will give you a wide ranging idea of the life ways of the people, both past and present, of this beautiful region of Northern Kwazulu Natal.

Umuzi Tourist Facility

Your visit to Ondini does not necessarily have to end with your exploration of the sites. You can capture the essence of rural life by spending a night in the Umuzi tourist facility located on the eastern side of the complex. Here you can enjoy the unique experience of sleeping in a traditional Zulu homestead while having the luxury of a modern kitchen and ablution facilities at your disposal. If you have not already experienced a night in rural, traditional Zululand, ask at the museum for a brochure on the Umuzi. The Ondini Historic Complex is situated on 700 hectares of valley bottom thornveld. Feel free to walk around and enjoy the landscape. Ondini is host to numerous small animals and a wide variety of birds. All yours to enjoy.

The Craft Market

The Kwazulu Monuments Council has provided a venue where local crafts people can market their handywork. This is a community self help project which relies on your support.

Ondini III

Not more than 500 m from the Ondini Historic Complex is a monument to King Cetshawayo. This stands on the site of his homestead built on his return from exile in 1883. During a skirmish with the King’s uncle, Zubhebhu, in the civil war which raged in Zululand after the Anglo Zulu War of 1879, Ondini III was burnt to the ground. The wounded king fled to Eshowe, where he died soon afterwards. A memorial to Dr Peter Becker, a champion of the Zulu cause and author of numerous historical novels, stands adjacent to the monument.

Ulundi Battlefield

On 4 July 1879, the last battle of the Anglo Zulu War took place. The Ulundi Battlefield markd the position where the British took up position to attack the Zulu forces that rallied in defence of their capital. The British fought from a classic infantry square and were supported by artillery as well as two Gattling guns. Despite brave attacks on the square, the Zulu forces were routed, and the British were able to march on Ondini and destroy the royal capital. The monument which stands on the site of the British square honours the fallen on both sides.

uMgungundlovu

The eMakhosini or ‘Valley of the Kings’ is where most of the ancestors of the Zulu royal lineage lived and were buried. At Umgungundlovu, King Dingane’s capital from 1828 to 1839, a site museum interprets the ongoing excavations at the site, as well as the significance of the eMakhpsini Valley in the course of regional history. The grave of the Voortrekker leader Piet Retief, and his commando members, who were assassinated here in 1838, is situated close to the museum.

eMakhosini Valley

‘The Valley of the King’s’, is another site of great importance in the area. Buried here are the great makhosi (chiefs), Nkhosinkulu (Zulu), Senzangakhona (father of Shaka, Dingane and Mpande) and Dinizulu. Guided tours can be arranged through the Curator of the uMgungundlovu Provincial Museum.

UMDLOTI

The Mdloti River takes it’s name from a species of wild tobacco which grows on it’s banks. At the river mouth is a spacious lagoon and the resort town of Umdloti Beach, offering a lovely shark protected beach, ideal for family holidays. A large rock enclosed tidal pool is one of Umdloti’s main attractions, while the lagoon offers excellent opportunities for water sports and birdwatching.

WHERE TO STAY

Carpe Diem Holidays

Your dream holiday on the sub tropical east coast. Enjoy the quiet uncrowded beach and safety of Umdloti. Feel the sun on your skin and look up to a starlit sky at night. Experience the sea on your doorstep. Swim, fish or go snorkeling in front of your cottage. If you need the thrill of night life, Durban is only 15 minutes away.

Accommodation in and around Ulundi