Ulundi

Ulundi was once the capital of Zululand and from 1994 to 2004 it alternated with Pietermaritzburg as the capital of the entire province of KwaZulu-Natal . It is often recognized as representing the core of the Zulu culture as it has a long history going back to Cetshwaya who became king of the Zulus in 1874. He made it the capital of Zululand but, in the final battle in the Anglo-Zulu War, it was burnt to the ground.

King Cetshwayo’s original royal kraal was at nearby Ondini and it has been partially restored to its original state. There is a museum on the site. The eMakhosini Ophate Heritage Park near Ulundi on the road to Melmoth, was opened by King Zweletini in 2003. As well as being a game reserve it is the burial site of a number of Zulu kings and is home to the Spirit of eMakhosini Memorial.

Today, Ulundi, is also the centre of a vast farming area within the 4185 sq. km. Ulundi Municipality.