The Valley of the Kings (known in Zulu as Emakhosini) - on the R34 beyond Melmoth - was the home of several clans who played a significant role in the formation of the Zulu kingdom.
Valley of the Kings
The Valley of the Kings|
Visit one of several excellent Zulu cultural villages - Shakaland in Nkwaleni valley, Simunye Zulu Lodge in the Melmoth area or Umuzi Bushcamp outside Ulundi. Hire a guide to take them to the cultural sites of the region, or Take a self-guided excursion of the various heritage sites listed below. |
|
The beautiful and fascinating royal residences of King Dingane at uMgungundlovu and of King Cetshwayo at Ondini have been partially reconstructed and include major site museums. They give a wealth of information about the secluded life in the Royal palaces of the kings and are both highly recommended. |
 |
| King Dingane's spring at Mthonjaneni is a good starting point for a trip to the Valley of the Kings. Young maidens walked daily to the spring to collect water at the spring which was reserved for the exclusive use of King Dingane. |
Highlights of the Valley
Highlights of the Valley
The Spirit of Emakhosini is a memorial with panoramic views of the valley. There is a guide on hand to point out the different points of interest in the landscape. The reconstructed capital and museum of Mgungundlovu. The mass grave of Piet Retief and his followers. The site of the Battle of Gqokli Hill. Shaka's dominance over the region was sealed by the defeat of the Ndwandwe clan in this valley in April 1818. More than 7 000 Nwandwe members and about 2 000 of Shaka's Zulu clan were killed in this battle and it became the defining battle of his reign. |