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The
R66 from Eshowe goes through some of the
finest scenery and several of the most interesting
historical sites of Zululand. After an initial
descent into the fertile valley of the Mhlatuze
River - once teeming with big game and a
favourite hunting-ground of the Zulu kings
- the road joins the R34 from Empangeni
and starts to ascend the steep northern
side of the valley until it reaches Melmoth
at about 800m above sea level.
Less than 80 kms from the hot and humid
coastal plains, Melmoth is another world
of lush, misty forests and timber
plantations.
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| The
mystical Mfule River valley. |
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Experience
village life at Simunye Zulu Lodge. |
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Piet
Retief's grave at uMgungundlovu. |
Melmoth
- established by the British when they annexed
Zululand in 1887 and named after Melmoth
Osborn, the resident commissioner - is an
ideal base for travellers wishing to explore
the major battlefields of the Anglo-Zulu
War as well as the historical heart of the
Zulu Kingdom.
Visitors to Melmoth have an excellent opportunity
to experience the traditional way of life
in Zululand by spending a night with the
Biyela clan on the banks of the mystical
Mfule River.
The
Simunye
Zulu Lodge strives to give visitors
an authentic experience of rural life and
offers a gentle mix of tradition, hospitality
and leisure.
From Melmoth it is an easy excursion to
the restored Royal residences of King
Dingane at uMgungundlovu
and King
Cetshwayo at Ondini.
The KwaZulu Cultural Museum at the site
of Ondini outside Ulundi houses one of the
best collections of Zulu cultural artefacts.
Nearby is the beautiful and unusual domed
stone memorial built to honour those who
died in the final battle of the Anglo-Zulu
War at Ondini in 1879.
The other famous battlefields of Isandlwana
and Rorke's Drift are a comfortable day
excursion on the Babanango road from Melmoth.
The 9 000-hectare Opathe Game Reserve on
the banks of the White Umfolozi River -
less than 50kms from Melmoth - was recently
proclaimed as a sanctuary for the endangered
Black Rhino.
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The
White Umfolozi River meanders through
the Opathe Game Reserve.
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The Park gates are open between
05h00 and 19h00 in Summer and 06h00
and 18h00 in Winter. There are no
facilities in the park. |

The
beautiful view of the Valley of the Kings
can be enjoyed from King Dingane's spring
at Mthonjaneni.
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