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Dundee, situated midway between Johannesburg and Durban is one of the centresof northern KwaZulu-Natal. The town started life as a private farm on which British soldiers fighting the Zulu War of 1879 camped. After the soldiers left, the owner of the farm recognized its fortunate location and planned a town.
It was named after a town back in his home country by a Scottish coal miner called Peter Smith. The town was proclaimed by Smith and several others, including his son -in law who was reputed to be one of the last men to escape from Isandlwana alive.
Dundee is surrounded by a number of coal mines which once earned it the title of Coalopolis. However, much of the surrounding farming activity is centred around dairy farming.
Many of the local farmers have combined to encourage wildlife to return to their farms and to promote tourism in the area by providing hiking trails, accommodation and working farm holidays. The town has a population of some 30,000 and a mild climate with bracing winters and warm summers.
On the 20th October 1899, the first shots of the Boer War were fired at Talana adjacent to the town (Zulu for Little Shelf because of the small, flat top of the hill). It was also the first time that British soldiers wore khaki instead of their usual redcoats and here therefore that the celebrations of the Centennial of the Boer War will start. The British were forced to retreat to Ladysmith whereupon the Boers renamed the town 'Meyersdorp' for the seven months of their occupation.
Dundee is very central to the battlefields of Rorkes Drift, Isandlwana, Blood River, the Prince Imperial, Fugitives' Drift and Elandslaagte.
The Talana museum on the battle site houses memorabilia as well as displays covering the growth of the Dundee area in general. The museum occupies a 20 acre site and ten different buildings, some dating back to pioneer times. There are also interesting displays from local industry (The Consol Glass Collection, a Chamber of Mines Coal Mine museum and the Corobrick Heritage display), agriculture and domestic life. There are also displays depicting the lives of the early settlers - the Zulus and the Bushmen (San).
A self guided trail is available for the Talana Battlefield and audio cassette tours are provided for the nearby Isandlwana and Rorkes Drift Battlefields. The Talana Trail follows the advance of the British troops up the hill to the two British forts on the top. Allow two hours for the return trip.
Delicious food is available from the museum's Miner's Rest Restaurant and curios that complement both the museum and ethnic art from the Talana Craft Market.
The museum will also on request readily organize the services of an experienced guide who will bring this historic area alive with fascinating tales. Set aside at least a couple of hours to fully absorb Talana Museum and its attractions.
On the other side of Talana Hill is Thornley Farm which was used by the Boer forces as HQ, hospital and mortuary during the battle of Talana. The buildings are on a private farm but visitors are most welcome.
Nearby is the Mahyeno Mission and Smith's Cottage, both of which were used as hospitals during the battle of Talana, the latter also now containing the Barn Shop.
The Talana Museum also plays host to a biannual cultural event - Cultural Festival where there is a display of music, dance, arts and crafts.
Talana Museum P/Bag 2024, Dundee, 3000 08.00 - 16.00 Sats. 10.00 - 16.00 0341 22654 22376fx
In the town, the MOTH (Memorable Order of Tin Hats) Museum is home to a unique collection of memorabilia dating from the Anglo/Zulu War of 1879 to the present. The caretaker lives in the adjacent cottage.
Dundee is the most convenient town to use as a base for exploring the battlefields of Rorke's Drift, Isandlwana, the site of the death of the Prince Imperial and Fugitives' Drift. On the first Sunday of September each year, there is an annual walk that follows the route taken by the survivors of the battle.
Fugitive's Drift Lodge (03425 843) nearby is situated on a 2000ha Heritage Park and offers twin bedded rooms with views. There is a large library and a lounge packed with relics of the Anglo/Zulu War.
Several hiking trails wind around the surrounding attractive countryside:
The Mpati Hiking Trial comprises three sections of one or two days duration and starts from the Dundee Caravan Park with an overnight stop at the top of Mpati mountain(0341) 22121 ext. 247.
The Spring Marsh Trail follows open grassland (0341) 22968.
The Cannibal Trail takes ramblers to cannibal caves through countryside with prolific wildlife and historic sites. Start at the Penny Farthing Guest Farm.034 6421925.
The Black Eagle Trail encompasses two picturesque valleys with abundant reedbuck, impala and Kudu. Start at the Penny Farthing Guest Farm. The Isandlwana Trail is a one day trail following the route taken by survivors of Isandlwana 0341 22121.
The Oribi and Monks Trails start from Balbrogie Guest Farm with an overnight stop.
The Isibindi Eco Reserve is close to Rorke's Drift. Traditional Zulu dancing and meals can be arranged as well as white water rafting. 03425 620.
The Consol Glass Factory in the town is the oldest glass factory in South Africa. Tours can be arranged on request (0341 21151).
The Izemfene Trail is a two day trail through historical sites and Voortrekker farms with an overnight in a mountain hut 012 3463550.
Near Dundee is the Valley of the Cannibals - so named for the persecuted tribes that took refuge in the area and resorted to cannibalism to survive (Paul Garner: guide 0341 21931). There are also San rock painting sites and iron age smelting sites nearby.
On the banks of the Tom Worthington Dam is the Farmers' Brewery where traditional German beers are brewed. Each October, there is a traditional Oktoberfest. On the first Saturday in June, a fair is held at nearby Elandskraal where traditional German food and entertainment is enjoyed.
Self Guided Battlefields Tours from Dundee:Tour 1 -
The Red Soldier
Isandlwana, Fugitives Drift, Rorkes Drift, Helpmekaar
Tour 2 -
Route du Prince Imperial
The Prince Imperial, the only son and heir of Napoleon III joined Lord Chelmsford's staff as an extra Aide de Camp after the defeat at Isandlwana. He was an excellent scout and was given the responsibility of scouting for an overnight camp on the march to Ulundi. His small group was ambushed and he was killed. He fought bravely and died with 17 assegai stab wounds on June 1st 1879.
Tour 3 -
Remember Majuba!
Fort Amiel Museum, Schuinshoogte, O'Neil's Cottage, Majuba, Laing's Nek, Volksrust.
Tour 4 -The First Battles 1899
Talana, Elandslaagte, Ladysmith
Tour 5 - Siege of Ladysmith
Ladysmith, Willowgrange, Estcourt, Chieveley, Colenso, Ladysmith, Spioenkop
Tour 6 - Battles of 1879
Vryheid, Hlobane, Kambula, Ntombe.
Tour 7 - In Voortrekker Footsteps
Estcourt, Saailager, Blaauwkrantz, Wasbank, Blood River, Dingaanstat. The following are registered battlefields tour guides:
Paul Garner
0341 21931
Edelgaard Hashke
0341 81844
Steve Kotze
0341 6421620
Jeremy Krone
0341 81893
Pam McFadden
082 4626 132
Mark Nebbe
034 6421 741
Pat Rundgren
082 690 7812
Foy Vermaak
034 6421925
Neville Worthington
0341 21347
Geoff Banks
0386 71957
Maureen Richards
0361 22231
David Rattray
03425 843
Walk 'n Talk Battlefield Tape Tours
0341 22654
Isibindi (), 9kms from Rorke's Drift is a scenic 1100ha game farm. There is a traditional Zulu village and guided battlefield tours are available.
'ELC' () at Rorke's Drift produce superb pottery and carpets made by the local people. Close to the town is the Framer's Brewery that brews traditional German beers. There is also a restaurant and conference facilities ( 0341 81735).
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Talana Museum
The MOTH Museum
Outdoors
Isibindi and ELC
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