Ncome Museum and Monument

In the early hours of the morning of 16 December 1838, a battle was fought between the Voortrekkers, under the leadership of Andries Pretorius, and the AmaZulu warriors near the Ncome (Buffalo) River. Dingane was the King of the Zulu's at the time and most historians site that his army was led by King Dingane’s generals Dambuza (Nzobo) and Ndlela kaSompisi. The AmaZulu suffered heavy fatalities, losing more than 3000 men, while the Voortrekkers reportedly suffered only three non-fatal injuries. The Ncome River became red with the blood of the slain. Hence the river became known as "Blood River".

The site is named after a nearby river known as Ncome in isiZulu and Bloedrivier in Afrikaans. To the east of this river is the Ncome Monument and Museum Complex. These monuments were erected through the years to commemorate a significant battle in South African history. The granite Jaw-bone Monument was designed by Coert Steynberg and the bronze wagon laager was built on the original site of the 1838 wagon laager. It consists of 64 replica Voortrekker wagons cast in bronze and situated just as they were on the day of the famous battle. Also on display are replicas of the three cannons that proved so decisive in halting repeated Zulu charges against the laager. The museum offers a re-interpretation of the 1838 battle and Zulu culture in general. The rich symbolism of the Zulu language is captured through items on display. In the Museum grounds are a Zulu war horn formation display, isisivivane (cairn) and a reed ‘garden’. The museum is surrounded by a historical landscape directly relating to the 1838 battle. The Ncome-Blood River Heritage Site is located 43 km from Dundee, 24 from Nquthu and 72 km from Vryheid.