Talana Museum

South Africa’s Best Country Museum

The Talana Museum, built on the actual Talana Battlefield just outside Dundee, lies at the base of a hill with the same name, set on a 20-acre Heritage Park.

Talana, which in Zulu means ‘the shelf where precious items are stored’, is an apt name for the museum. There are no less than 23 buildings dedicated to various topics from agriculture, mining and the history of Dundee to the history of the Anglo-Boer  War and the many battlefields in the area.

The museum has recently been upgraded to a Grade 1 listed site which is no surprise considering that some of the buildings in which the museum is housed date back to pioneer times. There are displays that outline what the daily lives of early settlers to the area must have been like, as well as displays of the Zulus and the Bushmen in the area. Local industry too has contributed with displays from the Consol Glass Collection, and a Corobrick heritage display.

Most appealing is the chance to take a self-guided trail on the Talana battlefield itself, with audio cassette tours available for neighbouring Isandlwana and Rorke's Drift. Here you can immerse yourself in the battles that took place at your own leisure. Experienced guides are also available from the museum on request.

An incredible amount of information is housed in the various buildings of the museum and a quick visit will take at least half a day, so expect to stay awhile!

Just over Talana Hill lies Thornley Farm, which was the former Boer forces HQ, hospital and mortuary during the battle of Talana. Although on private property, one is allowed to visit the buildings.

Things to see and do

  • Talana Battlefield
  • Historical Hiking Trail
  • Talana Hill British Fort
  • Memorial Wall of Peace & Reconciliation
  • Military Museum
  • Mining Exhibit
  • The Great War 1914 – 1918 Exhibit
  • Agricultural Exhibit
  • Talana Cemetery
  • Smith’s Cottage
  • Gandhi Museum & Memorial
  • Heritage Dundee Exhibit
  • Kwakunje Cultural Village
  • Events & Functions
  • Museum Shop
  • Coffee Shop & Restaurant

Admission

Adults Entrance Fee only, R35

Scholars over 6yrs Entrance Fee only, R5

Prices are subject to change, please confirm with the museum.

Please contact the Museum directly to confirm entrance fees and for guided tour bookings

No facilities for credit or debit cards for entrance fee

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