Beauty meets history at KZN’s Impati Mountain
Rich in history and beauty, Impati Mountain is worth adding to your travel bucket list.
KwaZulu-Natal has no shortage of breathtaking mountains. From Champagne Castle to Monk’s Cowl, the province’s mountains stand tall.
But you can’t mention KZN’s greats without an ode to Impati Mountain.
Located near the coal mining town of Dundee, Impati, which means “leader” in isiZulu, is one of those mountains you could stare at all day.
It stands tall among its surrounding hills and is a must-see for nature lovers.
But nature lovers aren’t the only ones who would appreciate this grand mountain.
Like many KwaZulu-Natal mountains, Impati has a very interesting history.
It was the site of the Battle of Talana Hill during the Second Boer War.
Boer general, ‘Maroela’ Erasmus, and his men occupied Impati Mountain in October 1899, while General Lucas Meyer and his force occupied Talana Hill. Lt. Col. S.P.E.Trichardt’s Boer force was also nearby.
British troops are said to have spotted the men at Talana Hill as dawn broke and an exchange of gunfire ensued. The rest is history.
Impati Mountain and its surrounding areas are part of the Battlefields Route.
According to the Battlefields Route website, the route has “82 battlefields, museums, old fortifications and places of remembrance”.
The route is a great way to learn about South Africa’s history while taking in KZN’s magnificent mountains.
Families looking for a relaxing getaway will be glad to know that the route also has great attractions including highly recommended game parks.
Doctor Alden Lloyd Nature Conservation Area is another must-see. Its located close to Impati Mountain.
There are also plenty of activities for adventure junkies.
The Battlefields Route is known for having some of the best accommodation in KZN.
The Battlefields Country Lodge is not too far from Talana Museum. It is also close to several battle sites.
Visit https://www.battlefieldslodge.co.za/ for more information.
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Main image courtesy of iStock