Ondini Historical Reserve, and Durban, South Africa


From the battlefields of Islandlwana and Rorke’s Drift, one last stop to the Ondini Historical Reserve. King Getshwayo chose to build his military capital, Ondini, not far from his father’s capital, KwaNodwengu. Short version – Ondini was burned by the British after the battle of Ulundi and King Getshwayo taken into exile.

An archaeological investigation of Ondini uncovered the remains and the Royal area of the site has been reconstructed and declared a historical reserve and monument. The Royal Quarters includes “beehive-style” houses (isigodlo) for the Royal family, and there is also an interpretative center, stadium, picnic sites, tourist accommodation and a cultural museum in the complex. The houses are usually laid out in a circle, constructed of thatch covering a wooden strips framework and were both roomy and cool inside.

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Isigodlo houses at Ondini Historical Reserve, South Africa
 

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Babanango Zulu Country Map, South Africa

One last charter flight to George via Durban with only a few hours in the sparking white and clean city of Durban. A fast lunch and walk along Durban’s “Golden Mile” sea promenade before heading into the Garden Route of South Africa. The Golden Mile is a long stretch of beach that is perfect for enjoying the sun, swimming and surfing in the Indian Ocean. Most of these beaches are protected by lifeguards and shark nets.

Durban (pop: 3.5 million) is the largest city in KwaZulu-Natal and the busiest port in Africa. A large tourist destination for people on holiday from Johannesburg. There really isn’t much “to see” in Durban and the small planes then continued on to George followed by a short drive from George to Knysna, known for its oysters.

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Durban, South Africa

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