Dundee, South Africa

Nestling in a valley of the Biggarsberg mountains in South Africa, Dundee was originally a farm owned by Peter Smith, who in 1882 named it after his Scottish hometown. Surrounded by evocatively-titled peaks - Indumeni (Where the thunder rolls), Mpati (Place of good waters) and Talana (Shelf for precious items) rich coal deposits attracted merchants and fortune hunters.

The Dundee battlefield Isandlwana Smith floated the Dundee Coal Company on the London Stock Exchange in 1899, and Dundee soon emerged as a boomtown graced with stately homes and the first theatre north of Port Natal-Durban. Pioneer traders from the Indian sub- continent settled here during the following decade, when Dundee became the meeting place of seven roads into the hinterland and coast of Africa. It remains a convenient central base for exploration of this corner of KwaZulu- Natal.

Only one of the mines in Dundee is open nowadays, but there is an interesting museum, dedicated entirely to coal. Mining areas are not always the most attractive, but Dundee at least retains a green and pleasant environment.

Accommodation in Dundee

Accommodation in Dundee The best website for accommodation in South Africa available.

Places of Interest in Dundee

Talana Museum The museum is open daily Tel: (0341) 22654. Fax: (0341) 22376
Moth Museum (Memorable Order of Tin Hats)
Historic Buildings - Dundee has a large number of architecturally noted worthy buildings which are worth viewing. Many are declared National Monuments.
Chernova Potteries Tel : (0341) 22094
Baskets from Africa Tel (0341) 23240
Hindu Temple - For information contact Mr Steve Govender, Tel: (0341) 23419 (after hours)
Mosque - For information contact mr Ahmed Moola, Tel (0341) 21796
"Izinto" - a small shop selling "crafty things" Tel: (0431) 21321
Cenotaph - This is a memorial to the men of the town and disctrict, who died in the First and Second World Wars.
Factory Tours:- Consol; NLK Feed factory; Orange Grove Dairy: For bookings or more information Tel (0341) 21144
Isibindi Eco Reserve :- For more information Tel (03425) 620
Farmers Brewery :- For more information Tel (0341) 81735

Places of Interest around Dundee

Blood River Battlefield - A replica laager of 64 wagons has been erected on the site, where on 16 December 1838, the Voortrekkers defeated a Zulu army. 48km from Dundee. Open daily. Entrance fee payable. Refreshments and toilets available.
Isandlwana Battlefield - On this site on 22 January 1879 an entire British army was annihilated by a force of 25 000 Zulu warriors. White cairns scattered across the battlefield mark the positions of buried British soldiers. 80km from Dundee. Open daily. Entrance fee payable. Interpretation centre. Toilets.
Rorkes Drift Battlefield - 100 British soldiers defended this position against 4 000 Zulu warriors in a 12 hour engagement. A record number of 11 Victoria Crosses were awarded to the defenders. 42km from Dundee. Open daily, Interpretation center, Museum on the site.
Rorkes Drift Craft Center - On the same site as the battlefield, Hand woven carpets, wall hangings, pottery, printed fabrics. 0pen Monday to Saturday.
Fugitives Drift - On this lonely hillside the two men responsible for saving the colours from the Isandlwana camp were killed and are buried. 15km beyond Rorkes Drift. The fugitives Trail follows the route along which the handful of survivors fled from Isandlwana to Fugitives Drift. Experienced professional guides are available to lead groups along the trail. An annual walk is held on the first Sunday in September. Contact the Dundee Publicity Association for details.
Site of the death of the Prince Imperial - A memorial marks the spot where Lois Napoleon, the Prince Imperial of France was killed on 1 June 1879. His body was returned to England for burial. The site is just over an hour's drive from Dundee. Obtain travelling directions from the Talana Museum. Open daily.
Helpmekaar - This tiny village was the site of the British camp in 1878/9. It was here that the Queen's Colour, which had been recovered from the Buffalo river, was returned to the regiment. Today there are no remains of the Star Fort. However, the cemetery is a stark reminder of the loss of life in war. Helpmekaar was also the break through battle of Gen. Buller in May 1900, to recapture Dundee. There are remains of Boer fortifications on the top of the hill.
Isibindi Eco Reserve. - Just beyond Rorkes Drift is Isibindi Eco Reserve. This private game farm offers visitors a myriad of experiences. A traditional Zulu village, where visitors can experience and understand the traditions of Zulu life and enjoy a typical meal; white water rafting with accommodation in magical Zulu style chalets; conference facilities and delicious meals. Tel (03425) 620 for details and reservations.
Fort Pine - Fort Pine, on the farm Sheepridge, was built by the Royal Engineers in 1878/9. It was designed to protect the civilian population after the battle of Isandlwana. Today the stone fort still stands roof high. Although on private property, visits can be arranged through the Talana Museum.
Bushman (San) Paintings - The San people lived in this area 2 000 - 4 000 years ago. Evidence of their life here is found on rock shelters and in caves, where their art has remained to this day. Tourist guides or local farmers are available to show interested visitors these sites.
Iron Age Smelting Site. - Iron age smelting sites exist in the Dundee area. Should visitors be interested in viewing these sites, arrangements can be made with the farmers on whose property they occur, to visit them.