Dundee, at the foot of the Biggarsberg Mountains, is one of the most historic towns on the Battlefields Route in KwaZulu-Natal. It was one of the major centres where British forces were concentrated during the Anglo-Zulu war. The first shot fired during this war was fired on a hill just outside of Dundee called Talana. Today, the Talana Museum in Dundee commemorates the war, as well as the history of coal mining in Dundee.
During the late 1800’s the town boomed on the back of the the rich coal mines and a number of beautiful colonial mansions and a theatre were built by the wealthy mine owners. Today these houses have been turned into hospitality establishments.
Dundee is also an agricultural centre of KwaZulu-Natal. It was originally a farm owned by a Scotsman, Peter Smith, who named it after his home town. After placing his Dundee Coal Company on the London Stock Exchange in 1899, the town enjoyed a boom that gave rise to the development of beautiful, classic homes and a theatre, all of which are still there today.
Apart from being an important farming area, Dundee is also a craft and art centre. A number of artists have relocated to the town
Getting there: from Durban, take the N3 to Ladysmith. Here, take the R602 to Dundee.
For the ultimate guide to Durban visit ShowMe Durban
