Welcome to the Endumeni Municipal area that derives its name from the spectacular peak of Indumeni Mountain that towers over the picturesque and historically significant towns of Glencoe, Wasbank and Dundee. Situated in the centre of northern KwaZulu-Natal, Dundee has long connections with coal mining, military conflict and a rich and varied history. The area is noted for its agricultural industry, particularly dairy, beef and game ranching. The coal mining industry, which sustained the area economically for over a century, is not as vibrant as it once was but coal is still mined here.
Equidistant from both Johannesburg and Durban, the region is the geographic and administrative centre of Northern KwaZulu Natal, and is particularly noted for its battlefields and associated military history. There are 68 battle and skirmish sites within a two-hour drive of Dundee.
The town is characterised by numerous historical buildings with historical connections that date back over 100 years. Named by Peter Smith in memory of his links with Scotland, the town and area still echoes a number of those links, borne out in the names of farms, villages and mountains.
Tours specialising in the military history, Zulu culture, game viewing, “hunting, birding and fishing”, hiking and horse trails, are all on offer. This is where the Anglo Boer War of 1899-1902 began and the Talana Museum, Heritage Park and Battlefield has superb exhibits on the battles of the area.
It is also the home to the Coal Mine Museums of South Africa, an exquisite glass collection, Peter Smith’s home and farm steading and much more.
Names such as Isandlwana, Rorke’s Drift, Blood River and Talana, have echoed through the centuries as testimony to the courage and ultimate futility of war. Zulus, Boers and British; all have shed their life-blood for causes in which they believed. Their epic stories, woven together with the rich tapestry of Zulu culture, draw thousands of tourists from all over the world. The military and cultural history of the area is admirably displayed in the Talana Museum, a multi-cultural centre just 2km outside Dundee. An ideal stop over, with excellent facilities, curio shop and restaurant, Talana is a must. But that’s not all that we’re famous for! Not by a long shot!
Dundee is also equidistant from the Berg Resorts in the west and Ithala Game Reserve in the east, thus making Dundee a good base from which to visit these attractions.
Apart from tours specializing in our military history and Zulu culture, one can indulge in adventure sports (hiking and horse trails), game viewing, hunting and some of the best birding and fishing in the province.
An 18-hole golf course, tennis courts, squash courts, bowling greens, hockey, cricket, football and rugby are available for the sportsman.
There is excellent infrastructure in place to assist you. Our accommodation establishments range from exclusive lodges to backpacker’s hostel with everything in between.
Skilled craftsmen and women produce exquisite curios, basketwork, beadwork, carpets and carvings. Our weather is usually hot and sunny. During the summer, rainy season, from October to March, we experience some heavy afternoon showers. Sunscreen, hats and a raincoat are essential. The “winter” months of May to July are bracing and cool — bring a jacket for early mornings and evenings. We are in a non-malaria area, so you don’t have to worry about the mosquitoes.
Spend a couple of days in the area absorbing the atmosphere, rich traditions, culture and history that come alive with tales by local tour guides. Visit game lodges, stay on a game farm, enjoy superb meals and make new and long lasting friends.
And you are probably still wondering why Dundee is a city?
Well there are 2 definitions for a city – one is population and yes we definitely do not qualify. The other is if the town has a cathedral which is the centre of the bishopric (an ancient English definition no longer in use). Well Dundee has a cathedral and it is the centre of the bishopric – so are we a city?