The Ncome Museum Complex

The Main building of the Museum was designed to commemorate the Zulu war ‘horn’ formation, and offers visitors a re-interpretation of the Battle of Blood River/ Ncome of 16 December 1838. The rich symbolism of the Zulu language is captured through items on display.

The garden, which is home to a variety of birdlife, includes an isivivane (cairn) and a ‘reed garden’. The latter is used to explain the symbolic importance of reeds to the Zulu nation (eg Annual Reed Ceremony).

To the east of the museum is a mountain called iNtaba kaNdlela (Ndlela’s Mountain’). Ndlela was the Chief Commander of the amaZulu during the battle, and his warriors rested on this mountain before crossing the Ncome/ Blood River to iNtibane Mountain which is west of the museum. iNtibane is also known as Vegkop (Battle Hill) in Afrikaans.