There are several places of historical interest at, and en rout to, Babanango Valley. Guests are encouraged to stop off at these sites as it provides valuable insight into the local history, making ones stay with, and journey to, Babanango Valley far more interesting.

At Babanango Valley

The old copper mine with its workings and associated ruins, was mined between about 1900 and 1910. Here one can see the remnants of the water furrow, the position of the water wheel, the area where the higher grade ore was extracted, the channeling of the stream, some of the shafts and what we assume was the site for the storage of explosives and the ruins of many old buildings.

The ruins of the mine managers house. The dwelling was later partly torn down by a "bywoner" (tenant) to construct two rondavels.

Wagon tracks cut into a sandstone ridge between the mine house and Monkey Kop. The route was used for the removal of ore from the mine.

An isiVivane, a cairn of stones developed as a result of superstition by Zulu travelers of old. Any traveler passing by would spit on a small round stone and throw it onto the pile to avert the wrath of the spirits or misfortune and so secure safe passage.

A cave in the cliffs which was probably inhabited circa 1800-1860. Some pottery shards and bone fragments were found in them. The person who first entered (a visitor) initially removed three pieces of pottery but the pieces have been kept in the display cabinet in the lounge.

Stone age sites (dated 150 000 to 50 000 BC) have been discovered. Some artifacts from these are also in the display cabinet.

Rock art. These have only just been discovered (31 August 1998) by Geordie Gartrell. The location is Monkeykop. They are not very clear but nonetheless there!

From Durban

Shakaland offers a Zulu cultural experience, with programmes starting at 11:30 am and 1:30 pm. These tours include a tour of a Zulu Village and Zulu dancing. For further information and confirmation of times, contact Shakaland on + 27 (35) 460 0912.

Visit the Ultimatum Tree, where the British handed the Zulu army the ultimatum before the war and Fort Pearson, which was the British base camp for the coastal column along the banks of the Tugela during the war.

The Zululand Historical Museum in Eshowe, where you can see Fort Nongqai and interesting historical displays on the area.

From Johannesburg

The Talana Museum in Dundee offers a convenient stop on the site of the opening battle of the Anglo-Boer War. The museum has a composite exhibition including historical, traditional coal and glass displays. There is a small coffee shop and good clean toilets as well as shady trees under which to enjoy a packed lunch. An entrance fee is charged.  Call +27 (34) 212 2654 for more information.

The Blood River Monument, with its sixty-four bronze wagons, is a memorial to a spectacular Zulu-Boer battle. There is also a new museum to see. The direct link road between Blood River and Nqutu has been completed and is now suitable for cars, mini busses and busses. It reduces by nearly half (from 160 to 90 km) the distance from Blood River to Babanango Valley. Please phone for latest details.