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.
Established by the British when they annexed Zululand in 1887
and named after Sir Melmoth Osborn, the resident commissioner
- the area 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 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.
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The
mystical Mfule River valley.
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The Simunye
Zulu Lodge offers an authentic experience of rural life
and a gentle mix of tradition, hospitality and leisure.
From Melmoth it is an easy excursion to the restored Royal residences
of King Dingane
at Mgungundlovu
and King Cetshwayo
at Ondini.
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 Ophathe
Game Reserve on the banks of the White Mfolozi River - less
than 50kms from Melmoth - was recently proclaimed as a sanctuary
for the endangered Black Rhino. |
Visitors
get a taste of the Biyela clan's best brew at
Simunye Zulu Lodge
outside Melmoth. |
The
source of royal water.
Mthonjaneni
-
Place of the little fountain
On a high ridge outside Melmoth is a spring
where maidens gathered every day to collect fresh water supplies
and then transported it in clay pots balanced on their heads
for 8kms down into the valley known as Emakhosini
where King Dingane
built his capital Mgungundlovu.
Water resources closer to the palace would be polluted quickly
by the large number of soldiers and cattle residing around
the royal capital and the clean water of the Mthonjaneni spring
was used exclusively by King Dingane to quench his thirst
and for his ablutions.
Nearby is the site of Fort Victoria where the British army
built a garrison following the defeat of King
Cethswayo at Ulundi.
• In the grounds of the Mtonjaneni Lodge adjacent to
site of the fort is Mtonjaneni Zulu Historical Museum which
houses an excellent private collection of memorabilia and
artefacts relating to the Anglo-Zulu
War of 1879. The displays are done according to what has
been collected on each battlefield and includes weapons, carbine
bullets, snuff containers, dagga pipes and uniforms. Enquiries:
035 450 0904. |
Mtonjaneni Historical Museum houses an
excellent collection of memorabilia and artefacts from the Ango-Zulu
War. |
