Blood River Museum

Blood River Heritage Site is probably one of the most unique battlefields in South Africa. The site witnessed a major confrontation between the Voortrekkers and amaZulu on 16 December 1838. The Voortrekkers fought under the skilful leadership of Andries Pretorius while King Dinganes impi was led by Ndlela kaSompisi.

The Site is named after a nearby river known as Ncome in isiZulu and Bloedrivier in Afrikaans. To the east of this river is the Ncome Monument and Museum Complex. The Blood River Monument and Museum Complex is located west of the river. These monuments were erected through the years to commemorate a significant battle in South African history.

The Blood River Monument is a tribute to the battle of Blood River (1838), a focal point of the Afrikaners cultural heritage. The granite Jaw-bone Monument was designed by Coert Steynberg and the bronze wagon laager was built on the original site of the 1838 wagon laager.

It consists of 64 replica Voortrekker wagons cast in bronze and situated just as they were on the day of the famous battle. Also on display are replicas of the three cannons that proved so decisive in halting repeated Zulu charges against the laager.