Discover the legacy of the Zulus in Ulundi. The town is set in the Valley of the Kings and was once a stronghold for the Zulu Kingdom. Visit a fascinating archaeological site and view Zulu tombs in an open-air heritage park. Ulundi is also a gateway to Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Park, where you can tick off the famous Big Five.
Things to do in Ulundi
Stroll around Ondini Historical Reserve and enjoy sweeping views over the valley. The archaeological site is dotted with the remains of Zulu buildings with mud floors. Don’t miss the stunning collection of beadwork on display at the KwaZulu Cultural-Historical Museum located within the reserve. Pair your visit with a trip to the Ulundi Battlefield Memorial, as the enormous stone memorial commemorates the Battle of Ulundi, which saw the British Army defeat the Zulus in 1879.
Hire a local guide and spend a few hours in Emakhosini Ophathe Heritage Park. The park is in the Valley of the Kings and is the final resting place of several Zulu chiefs. Guides bring the experience to life with engaging stories about the Zulu legacy.
Climb into a safari truck and explore Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Park, one of the oldest nature reserves in Africa. Discover almost 1,000 square kilometres of hilly terrain and spot iconic African wildlife, including lions, elephants, rhinos and buffalo. Boat tours take you onto the waterways, where you can see enormous hippos and crocodiles.
Fill up on hearty South African fare at restaurants in the town centre. Try local specialties like “biltong” dry cured meat and “boerewors” sausages spiced with coriander seeds. Save room for a slab of spongey “malva” pudding topped with a cream sauce.
Getting around Ulundi
Parts of Ulundi are easy to get around on foot, while taxis and shared minibuses are a good option for longer distances. Ulundi is in KwaZulu-Natal Province, a three-hour drive from Durban. Ulundi Airport is a 10-minute drive away.