uMgungundlovu - King Dingane's Royal Kraal

King Dingaan's Royal Kraal located just south of the White Umfolozi River in the eMakhosini valley against Lion hill. Dingane murdered Shaka his half brother at Dukuza presently known as Stanger. Dingane decided to build a huge kraal on the slope of the Ntonjaneni hills, known as the Royal kraal. The location of the kraal was well chosen because it offered excellent views for miles and there constant water supply. Seven meanings has been given to Umgungundlovu to name a couple 'the secret meeting of the king', 'place of the large elephant'.

“The name uMgungundlovu is derived from the Zulu phrase "ungungu we ndlovu," which means "the secret conclave of the elephant," with the elephant referring to the king.It is located in in the Amakhosini Valley in what is called Northern KwaZulu Natal today.UMgungundlovu was the royal kraal and capital of the Zulu King Dingane, established in 1829 after he murdered his half-brother Shaka. The name translates to "the secret conclave of the elephant" or "secret meeting place of the elephant," with "elephant" referring to the king. It was a significant site, known for its large huts and cattle kraal, and later became infamous for the execution of Voortrekker leader Piet Retief and his men. (Tsidi Mzansi Historian)” - Chris Smit, 2025/05/12

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