A contemporary sketch showing the battle on the summit of the hill. On the left, British troops were in retreat. Majuba Mountain is an extinct volcano a kilometer and a half around the base and rising sharply some 700 meters from the surrounding countryside. The top is saucer-like in shape. The slopes are made up of horizontal strata of shale and limestone, deep ravines, and masses of rocks. The sides are covered with scrub. Majuba means 'Hill of Doves'but for the British it was no peaceful haven.