DUNDEE KZN: Easy get-aways and places of interest to visit during the holidays with out breaking the bank:

1. Talana Museum – easily our premium attraction.

The only museum in the country that is situated on a battlefield. Talana covers the early history of the area (from the bushmen, and cannibals) to the Anglo-Zulu and Anglo-Boer wars.

This year the World War One exhibition opened marking the centenary of the Great War. Then there is also the Old Dundee display, glass museum, bead display, brick-making museum and more. Enjoy a meal at the Miner’s Rest. Tel: 082 6555 937.

2. Gooderson Natal Spa – hot springs and leisure resort. About an hour-and-a-half drive to near Paulpietersburg on the Vryheid road. Relax in the warm thermal water, set in 80 acres of bushveld among ancient Cambrian granite boulders.

Plenty to do for the family: super tube, quad biking, BMX track, hiking, squash, tennis, fishing, horse riding, kiddies’ play area, picnic sites. Day visitors should book. Tel: 034 995 0300.

3. Maria Ratschitz Church – a historical gem about 35km from Dundee on the R602 past Glencoe. At the four-way intersection in the Wasbank valley, turn towards Collings Pass. Travel for 10m and you will see white gateposts on the right. The church, nestles under Hlatikhulu Mountain, and was founded by Trappist monks in 1886,

The church has a political history too and in the 1960s some 2000 black people in the area were forcibly removed to Limehill and other areas.

Take along a picnic and breathe in some spiritual air: Tel 034 651 1722.

4. Nambiti Game Conservancy – 40km from Dundee towards Elandslaagte, then turn left towards the old railway station and follow the signs. The Conservancy is home to the Big Five and Wonderful Seven Bush. Day drives area available – or stay over. Tel 036 631 9027.

5. Ithala Game Reserve: About 160km from Dundee, past Louwsburg. Home to elephant, buffalo, leopard as well as black and white rhino and giraffe.

Geological and ecological diversity with rugged beauty.

You can also stay over. Tel 034 983 2540.

6. Blood River Heritage Site: 45km from Dundee – the place of the historic 1838 battle between the Voortrekker and Zulus. There is a Trekker Kitchen – a traditional restaurant, a curio shop, and an interpretative centre. Limited overnight accommodation.

The bronze wagon laager is iconic and well worth a visit. And check with Anton and his wife Judean. Anton is a mean cook! Check with him to book lunch!
Entrance fee: R30 for adults, R15 for children, and R10 for cars .T: 034 632 1695 / 074 266 3025.

8. Ncome Museum – adjacent to Blood River – it is a good idea to visit both sites to obtain a ‘balanced picture of the famous battle. Ncome offers an insight into Zulu traditions and culture and boasts a first-class conference centre. Opening hours 8am to 4,30. Tel 034 271 8121.

9. Fishing plenty in the area: At Utrecht’s Balele Game Park about 45km from Dundee (034 331 4271) there is carp, bass and Natal scalie. Plenty of fishing at Donald McHardy and Tom Worthington dams at Glencoe and Hattingspruit respectively.  For more information on this and other attractions in the area contact the tourist information office at 034 22121.

10 The Gandhi Museum, old Court House, Gladstone Street, adjacent to the police station

Gandhi was tried on two occasions in this court and sentenced to serve prison sentences. The exhibits focus on his time in South Africa, Dundee, and in the context of his whole life as well as the other people involved in his Satyagraha activities.

The fact that the Great Mahatma visited Dundee in 1913, spent a night with the Soni family on McKenzie Street and even appeared in court here, has become rather ‘lost’.

In his autobiography, Gandhi says he appeared in the Dundee Court on November 11, 1913. This was because of the ‘illegal march’ he organised of Indians from Natal into the Transvaal to protest against a three-pound tax imposed on all Indian settlers.

Contact Talana Museum info@talana.co.za or 034 212 2654 to make arrangements for your visit.