Zulu Heartland - Dingane's Kraal

A visit to Dingane's Kraal, 85km/53mi from Eshowe, is an experience not to be missed. Leave Eshowe on R 68 and, 5km/3mi beyond Melmotte, turn into R 34, signposted to Vryheid. From this road, 5km/3mi beyond the intersection with R 66, a road goes off on the left to Dingane's Kraal. Here, at Umungundlovo, Dingane, Shaka's half-brother and successor, established his royal kraal in 1828. It consisted of more than 2,000 huts, accommodating up to 20,000 warriors.

Here in 1838 the Boer leader Piet Retief met Dingane to conclude a treaty but was murdered on Dingane's orders along with 70 of his men. Some of the huts have been reconstructed, and there is a small museum and a monument commemorating the murdered Boers. At least as rewarding for visitors is the magnificent scenery in this area.