Battlefields of KwaZulu-Natal – Day Tour

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Battlefields of KwaZulu-Natal

Isandlwana and Rorke’s Drift

R 2 990 per person based on a minimum of 2 Clients.
R 5 500 Solo Traveler rate

OVERVIEW

Over the years there have been many battles for control over land and people. These Wars in KwaZulu-Natal took place between the British, Boers and Zulus just a few hours outside of Durban. Two of the most famous battles being the Battle of Isandlwana (between the British and the Zulu’s) the Zulu’s annihilating the British and, the Battle of Rorke’s Drift (between the British and the Zulu’s), the British annihilating the Zulu Warriors. Both these Battles took place on the same day, the 22nd of January 1879.

It is a look back into history. You can feel the spirits on the Battlefield and you know that something major happened on the Sacred ground you stand upon!

On a Day Tour of the Battlefields of KwaZulu-Natal we visit two major battle sights which are of huge interest namely Isandlwana and Rorkes Drift.

WHY WE THINK YOU’LL LOVE IT

✓ Passionate guide with in-depth knowledge of the Battlefields able to recreate the great battle.

✓ Stepping on the ground where battle was fought and graves lay is emotive.

✓ Being walked through the chilling events that shaped South Africa’s future.

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ITINERARY

6.30 AM: Transportation

It’s an early start to our Anglo-Zulu Battlefields day tour as we collect clients from their accommodation in or around Durban at 6:30am. The drive to the battlefields is about 4 hours through some of the most picturesque countryside in South Africa! And to help speed things along your knowledgeable guide will chat to you about the history of South Africa, the Boers and Zulu’s as well as the English. Our first destination is Isandlwana to which we’ll travel along the route that the Coastal Column took during the Anglo-Zulu War. Your guide will point out such sites as the “Ultimatum Tree”, “Fort Pearson”, the “Battle of Gingindlovu” site as well as “Fort Eshowe”. We’ll also travel within site of Ulundi, the capital of Zululand and home to Cetswayo, the Zulu King during the Anglo-Zulu war, and gaze on the heights of the Mtonjaneni range overlooking the Valley of the Kings… Emakhosini.

10.30 AM: Isandlwana

We arrive at our destination Isandlwana at 10:30am, where over refreshments your guide will discuss the battle of the day. We’ll travel over to the battlefield itself where visitors will have an opportunity to walk in the very footsteps of the brave Zulu and British combatants.

12.30 PM: Rorke’s Drift

At 12:30pm we’ll depart Isandlwana and make our way to Rorke’s Drift for lunch. At this little trading post the actions of a few men against a great many saw the pride of the British resurrected after the humbling drubbing the British received at the hands of the Zulu’s at Isandlwana. We’ll explore the very building where “Hook the cook”, and the William’s and Jones’ (fine Welsh boys) made their stand, some 150 against 4000, and over 12 hours pulled off what can only be described as a miracle, defending their small little supply depo successfully against the Zulus.

6.30 PM: Arrive Home

Finally we depart for Durban, following the central columns route through Helpmekaar, Tugela Ferry and Pietermaritzburg, arriving at approximately 6:30pm.

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HISTORY

The Battle of Isandlwana

The name Isandlwana comes from the Zulu word “Isandla” which means hand and refers to the shape of the “koppie” or Hill which the Battle was fought upon.

At Isandlwana approximately 22 000 Zulu Impis(warriors) killed 1350 British Soldiers who were supposedly unarmed as their firearms and ammunition had not yet arrived from Rorkes drift due to the Zulus cutting it off! This particular Battle is world renowned as the worst defeat the British army had ever suffered at the hands of a native force.

There is now a monument commemorating the battle of Isandlwana as you enter the battlefield.

The Battle of Rorkes Drift

The battle of Rorkes Drift took place 30 km away from Isandlwana. It is this battle that the British are famous for as they won this battle with just approximately 150 soldiers against 3000 – 4000 Zulu Impis (warriors). This battle became so well-known due to the fact that the British Queen handed out 11 Victorian crosses, the most at any battle fought against a Native army.

Next to this little Mission Station was a Small hospital and the British Soldiers used Biscuit boxes to create a barrier between the two. It was this idea, and the weapons, which won them this battle.

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PLEASE NOTE

Group Rates are available on request.

INCLUSIONS

Entrance Fees
Listed Activities
Transport – Pick-up and Drop-off
Guide
Bottled Water (We only supply a limited number of bottles per day, should you require additional, this will be for your own account)

EXCLUSIONS

Items of Personal Nature
Lunch
Beverages: Beer; Wine; Cold Drinks
Gratuities
Any other items not listed in the Inclusion