Ulundi lies within the Valley of the Kings, the name of which is officially promoted as Emakhosini Ophathe Heritage Park. The area is of great significance to the Zulu. The great makhosi (chiefs) Nkhosinkulu, Senzangakhona (father of Shaka, Dingaan and Mpande) and Dinizulu are buried here. The park itself can be confusing (some sites are advertised but aren’t fully functioning). A local guide can help you make sense of all of the sites.
Lonely Planet's must-see attractions
0.66 MILES
This monument comprises a massive bronze Zulu beer pot, surrounded by 18 bronze reliefs depicting Zulu life, and seven large horns symbolising the seven…
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28.81 MILES
Located next to a rocky cliff face, this waterhole is a particularly picturesque place to view wildlife, especially elephants, giraffe, buffalo and…
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11.25 MILES
Established as Cetshwayo’s capital in 1873, Ondini was razed by British troops after the Battle of Ulundi (July 1879), the final engagement of the Anglo…
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2.7 MILES
The military settlement of Mgungundlovu (Ungungundhlovu), Dingaan’s capital from 1829 to 1838, is southwest of Ulundi on Rte 34 (the road linking Vryheid…
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26.93 MILES
Created as a set for the telemovie Shaka Zulu, the slightly Disney-fied Shakaland beats up a touristy blend of perma-grin performance and informative…
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KwaZulu Cultural-Historical Museum
11.26 MILES
This museum, located within Ondini, has excellent exhibits on Zulu history and culture. It also has one of the country’s best collections of beadwork on…
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10.91 MILES
Opposite the large former Legislative Assembly building is the site of King Mpande’s iKhanda (palace), KwaNodwengu. Mpande won control from Dingaan after…
Nearby KwaZulu-Natal attractions
1. Spirit of Emakhosini Monument
0.66 MILES
This monument comprises a massive bronze Zulu beer pot, surrounded by 18 bronze reliefs depicting Zulu life, and seven large horns symbolising the seven…
2.7 MILES
The military settlement of Mgungundlovu (Ungungundhlovu), Dingaan’s capital from 1829 to 1838, is southwest of Ulundi on Rte 34 (the road linking Vryheid…
10.91 MILES
Opposite the large former Legislative Assembly building is the site of King Mpande’s iKhanda (palace), KwaNodwengu. Mpande won control from Dingaan after…
11.25 MILES
Established as Cetshwayo’s capital in 1873, Ondini was razed by British troops after the Battle of Ulundi (July 1879), the final engagement of the Anglo…
5. KwaZulu Cultural-Historical Museum
11.26 MILES
This museum, located within Ondini, has excellent exhibits on Zulu history and culture. It also has one of the country’s best collections of beadwork on…
26.93 MILES
Created as a set for the telemovie Shaka Zulu, the slightly Disney-fied Shakaland beats up a touristy blend of perma-grin performance and informative…
28.81 MILES
Located next to a rocky cliff face, this waterhole is a particularly picturesque place to view wildlife, especially elephants, giraffe, buffalo and…