Visiting the Valley of Kings
If it’s a cultural experience like no other you’re after, then you might want to give the Emakhosini Ophathe Heritage Museum a visit.
Situated in the Emakhosini Ophathe Heritage Park and known as the “Valley of the Kings” – Emakhosini is considered a sacred place. Besides the historical sites and museums, the area is also home to the burial sites of a number of early Zulu Kings and the “Spirit of Emakhosini” monument. The Spirit of eMakhosini monument is highly recommended, and you should consider using an on-site guide to meet and accompany you to the monument, to ensure you get the most out of the visit.
Visit the museum and make sure you visit the orientation centre with an audio-visual display where you can learn about the history of the region and the Zulu nation. You can also visit Mgungundlovu, the Royal residence of King Dingane, as well as kwaMatiwane, the historic place where Voortrekker leader Piet Retief and his men were killed and buried.
The eMakhosini valley is also home to a few exciting historical finds; archaeologists discovered tools from the Stone-Age as well as evidence of the interaction between bushmen and settlers dating back 1,500 years.
While the museum offers much to learn, the beauty of the park itself and the awe-inspiring nature it offers is a sight to behold. Set on 24,000 hectares of protected land, you can expect to see a wide array of vegetation like valley bush veld, mist belt grasslands, wetland, woodland, ngongoni grassland, and riparian in the park.
The Ophathe Game Reserve was established in 1991 along the White Mfolozi River. Expect ample game viewing opportunities including animals like leopards, impala, black rhinoceros, white rhinoceros, buffalo, giraffe, nyala, blue wildebeest, buffalo, waterbuck, zebra, hyena, and others.
The park also draws many bird watching enthusiasts who are keen to spot species like the blue crane, the secretary bird, vultures, the black eagle, and ground hornbills.
This cultural, historical, and ecological haven is a must-visit for adults and children alike.
For more KZN Travels articles read below:
- Interesting facts about Umkhosi WoMhlanga – the famous Zulu Reed Dance
- The rich cultural history of Fort Nongqayi
- Enjoy amazing views during a boat trip with the KZN Sharks Board
- Fun in the Sun! Things to do on Durban’s Golden Mile
- Microlight Tours: Enjoy a bird's-eye view of the North Coast of KwaZulu-Natal
Main image courtesy of Tourism KwaZulu-Natal