The Wildebeest's guide to South Africa
Majuba Hill
Photo © Steven Herbert
Majuba Hill is the prominent feature of the landscape in the Volksrust area. It is a large flat-topped hill that dominates the skyline.
On the 27th February 1881 it was the site of a battle between the Boers and British during the First Boer War. The British forces, which numbered 405, were led by Major-General Sir George Pomeroy Colley. They occupied the top of the hill. About 450 Boer soldiers, led by Nicolas Smit, stormed the hill and achieved a remarkable victory despite having the inferior position of having to climb the hill.
The British defeat at Majuba helped to bring about an end to the First Anglo-Boer War.