TRIP
TO EMAKHOSINI, ULUNDI AND MTONJANENI |
 George, Bryan, Louis, Bornwell, Norman, Anthony, Lis, Evan, Ron, Dave. |
 "Now listen hear you lot! If you cannot behave I am going to leave you on the roadside!" Anthony giving the group stick! |
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On Saturday 18th April a party of Guides accepted Wilfred Mchunu's invitation to visit the above areas, and what a terrific trip it was! Anthony Coleman, who lived in the area many years, lead the way out of Dundee with Bryan van Schaik at the wheel of Bushbaby's Quantum. On route Anthony regaled us with many of his stories of the area along with some historical facts which were very interesting, particularly the story of the tall plains grass and its part in the "disputed territories issue". Anyone wanting to know more about this little known fact should contact Anthony. But the tale he obviously liked, and repeated several times to make sure we knew all about it, was the one of Baden-Powell losing his way in Zululand because he could not read a compass! On arrival
at Mgungundlovu we were met by Wilfred and Rex Duke and from here Wilfred
took over. We were shown: |
 Senzangakhona's Grave, Note there is a new gravel road to the site but as yet no sign at the turn off from the road to Mgungundlovu. |
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 KwaMatiwane and the monument and graves of Piet Retief and the Trekkers. |
 Spirit of Emakhosini. Here we were met by the curator Isabel Dlamini who explained the whole complex story to us. She is excellent doesn’t miss a beat and her diction is perfectly clear. (Guides are strongly recommended to contact Isabel 0738502649 before going to the site so that she can meet you and your group and give the same service) |
 Mthonjaneni Cultural Museum at Mthonjaneni Lodge. Also very interesting. You can arrange lunches or teas and refreshments at the Lodge for your group on request tel: Nico on 035 450 0904/5. The view across the valley is spectacular. www.mtonjanenilodge.co.za |
 Dingaan’s Spring. Situated just outside the Lodge to the right as you turn out just at the side of the tarred road there is a sign board and a sign giving the details then you follow a path down to the spring which unfortunately hardly runs these days. |
 The KwaZulu Legislature Building. Here we were taken into the council chamber but unfortunately because of theft they have had to remove the tapestries. I do not believe this is open to the general public and one would have to arrange with Wilfred (:073 983 3036) if you wished to visit this site. |
 Mpande’s Grave and the Great Hut. This appears to be open daily and there does not appear to be a charge. The site, which is in the centre of Ulundi, contains a memorial column, his grave and the large hut which includes some well displayed information on Mpande and the Zulu nation. |
 The Battlefield of Ulundi. Situated almost in the centre of Ulundi, the site has a barbed wire fence around and a gate. The gate was unlocked and there was no one asking a fee. There is a board near the entrance that supplies some information on the battle, then there is the memorial arch and at the end of the site is the little British cemetery. Perhaps a bit disappointing with all the houses all around. |
 The Zulu Cultural Museum at Ondini. This was indeed a pleasant surprise as it has recently been completely renovated and is superb. The curator Mrs Eibi Ntuli showed us around and explained everything so well and so clearly that we advise Guides to contact her (035) 870 2050 before your arrival so that she can show your group around. The entry fee is R20 per person, see below, and the museum is open 8 to 4 in the week and 9 to 4 at weekends. |
 The Royal Kraal at Ondini. As at Mgungundlovu new huts are under construction. This is on the same site as the museum. |
The Royal Inguni Herd of Cattle, This is kept in the area and carefully nurtured. It is gathered close to the road to Mgungunlovu at 10h00 every day for counting. The
site of the Battle of Gqokli Hill.
Although there is a lay by and an interpretation board on the side of
the road the site is so overgrown with bush that there is nothing really
to see unfortunately. uMuzi Bush
Camp Ondini Big Thanks
must go to Wilfred Mchunu especially for organising and conducting the
tour so well, Rex Duke and his wife, Nico and Rina at Mtonjaneni Lodge,
Gustav Rohrs and Mbeki from Zululand Municipality, Anthony Coleman and
finally Bushbaby Safaris www.bushbaby.co.za |
