Things To Do
in Dundee
Nestled in KwaZulu-Natal's inland landscape, Dundee is a friendly town framed by rolling hills and farmland. The town is steeped in history, with battlefield sites and museums telling stories of the Zulu Kingdom and colonial era. Its compact center is walkable, offering affordable eateries, markets, and galleries.
Visitors will find a welcoming community and a gateway to the Drakensberg foothills and rural KwaZulu-Natal adventures.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a hearty breakfast at a local café before heading to the Isandlwana Battlefield. As you arrive, immerse yourself in the historical significance of the site while exploring the well-preserved monuments and memorials. A knowledgeable guide will share stories of the Zulu War, bringing the battles to life as you walk in the footsteps of history.
After a morning of exploration, enjoy a picnic lunch with views of the surrounding hills, where you can contemplate the events that unfolded here. In the afternoon, visit the nearby Rorke's Drift, another vital site of the Anglo-Zulu War, and learn about the heroic stand of the British soldiers. The fascinating museum showcases artifacts and personal stories that deepen your understanding of this pivotal moment in history.
As the sun sets, return to Dundee and dine at a local restaurant that offers traditional South African cuisine. Sample dishes like bobotie or biltong, paired with a glass of local wine, while recounting the day's experiences with fellow travelers. End the evening by taking a leisurely stroll through the town to admire its charming architecture and vibrant atmosphere.
Begin your day at the Talana Museum, which offers a rich insight into the history of Dundee and the surrounding region. Explore the various exhibitions, including displays on the Boer War, local mineralogy, and the area’s cultural heritage. Engage with friendly staff and volunteers who are eager to share stories and anecdotes about the town's past.
After a morning filled with history, head to the museum's café for a light lunch featuring local favorites. Post-lunch, take the time to wander through the museum's extensive gardens, where you can appreciate the beautiful flora of the region. Consider participating in a guided tour that focuses on the museum’s special exhibitions or historical artifacts.
As evening approaches, head back into town and explore Dundee's nightlife. Find a cozy pub or bar where you can enjoy a craft beer or a cocktail while mingling with locals. If you’re lucky, you may catch live music performances that showcase the vibrant culture of the area.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $6-12 |
| 💧Bottle of water | $0.60-1.50 |
| ☕Coffee | $1-3 |
| 🚗Taxi ride (within town) | $3-8 |
| 🏨Budget hotel per night | $25-45 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Rich history and battlefield sites
- Affordability and warm community spirit
- Gateway to Drakensberg foothills and rural KwaZulu-Natal
- Limited nightlife compared with large cities
- Public transport outside town centers can be sparse
- "Sawubona" - Hello
- "Unjani?" - How are you?
- "Ngiyabonga" - Thank you
- "Lokhu kubiza malini?" - How much does this cost?
- "Ngiyacela" - Please
- "Ngiyaxolisa" - Sorry / Excuse me
Places to Visit in Dundee
Visit one of these nice places.
Open, expansive views across the town and surrounding hills with historic monuments—great for wide landscapes and sunset shots.
Historic buildings and curated exhibits provide character-filled backdrops for architectural and documentary photography.
Early 20th-century storefronts and civic buildings offer colorful, retro urban photography moments.
A short drive away, this battlefield site provides dramatic open-country scenery and historical context.
Food in Dundee
Dundee Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A hollowed-out loaf filled with spicy curried meat and gravy, a curry-forward street food found in many KwaZulu-Natal towns.
Must-Try!
Traditional maize meal (pap) served with braaied meat (vleis) and a tomato-onion relish.
Spicy vegetable relish (chakalaka) paired with pap for a hearty vegetarian-friendly option.
Grilled sausage in a roll with toppings like onion and chutney, a popular street-food staple.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Weekly market featuring fresh produce, crafts, baked goods, and informal street food stalls.
Community market offering seasonal foods, locally made crafts, and small bites.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
A warm handshake is common; greet people with a friendly hello in isiZulu or English where appropriate.
Ask for permission before photographing people, especially in private spaces or at ceremonies.
Safety
Tipping in Dundee
Ensure a smooth experience
In restaurants, a tip of 10-15% is customary if service is not included. Rounding up at casual spots is common; tip at your discretion for excellent service.
Cash (ZAR) and card payments are widely accepted; some small stalls may prefer cash. Mobile payments and bank cards are common in town.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Hot afternoons with the possibility of afternoon thundershowers; stay hydrated and plan outdoor activities for early mornings or late afternoons.
Mild to cool days with chilly evenings; pack a warm layer for evening outings and evenings in town.
Pleasant temperatures and blooming countryside; ideal for outdoor markets, walks, and photography.
Cooler days with crisp mornings; great for hiking and exploring the surrounding hills before sunset.
Dundee at Night
Hiking in Dundee
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A short, scenic hike with views over Dundee and the surrounding countryside.
Historic trail offering expansive landscapes and battlefield memory about an hour's drive away.
Multiple hiking options within reach for day trips and weekend treks.
Airports
How to reach Dundee by plane.
Small regional airport about 60-90 minutes from Dundee.
Regional airport offering domestic flights; about 1.5-2 hours away by car.
Durban's international hub; roughly 2.5-3 hours by road from Dundee.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Largest community group with a rich cultural presence in town life.
Business, farming, and service-sector communities contribute to local dynamics.
A historic community with culinary and trading traditions.
Smaller communities add diversity and cross-cultural exchange.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Widely followed and played at school and club levels.
Seasonal matches and local leagues throughout the year.
Common in schools and community clubs; social matches on weekends.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Dundee.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Look for chakalaka, bean stews, veggie curries, and pap-based dishes; many spots are happy to adapt recipes.
Many dishes can be prepared without bread or with gluten-free grains; always confirm cross-contamination and ingredients with staff.