|
 Blood River Monument, Kwa-Zulu Natal © SATOUR Zululand, ancestral home of the Zulu people and site of many a
bloody battle between the British, the Boers and the Zulus during
the 19th century, abounds in significant towns, memorials and
battle sites that form part of the historic Battlefields Route.
This land once encompassed the Zulu kingdom led by legendary Shaka
Zulu, and then by his half-brother Dingaan, who clashed with both
the English and Afrikaaner settlers in what are today recorded as
some of the most important battles in South African history.
Over a period of about 70 years, the plains, rolling hills and
river valleys saw numerous brutal, blood-soaked conflicts over land
ownership, political independence and the desire for colonial
domination. The first major battle, and one of the most terrible,
took place in 1838 between the Voortrekkers and the Zulus in what
became known as the Battle of Blood River. Then followed the
Anglo-Zulu War in 1879 in response to British dissatisfaction
regarding the increasing strength of the Zulus, and the battles
that took place at Isandlwana Hill and Rorke's Drift are remarkable
for their tales of heroism and brutality. In 1880 and again in
1889, anti-British sentiment among the disgruntled Voortrekkers, as
well as a desire for Afrikaaner independence, led to the two
Anglo-Boer wars that captured the attention of the world and
resulted in heavy loss of life among both the Boers and the
British. The devastating siege of Ladysmith and the Battle of
Spioenkop are among the most famous battles that took place during
the second Anglo-Boer War from 1889 to 1902.
The Battlefields Route covers 14 historical towns, including
Ladysmith and Dundee, numerous national monuments and informative
museums, and over 50 battlefields in the surrounding countryside,
which are best explored as a self-drive adventure or as part of a
tour. Every town on the route has a story to tell or an event to
commemorate and tourism offices throughout the region provide maps
and guides to assist visitors in making the most of the history,
culture, scenery and wildlife.
Attractions
|
Blood River/Ncome Heritage Site
Following the treacherous murder of Piet Retief and his men at
the hands of Dingaan, the Zulu chief, the Voortrekkers, led by
Andries Pretorius, prepared for battle against the Zulu kingdom on
the banks of the Ncome River on 16 December 1838. They formed an
impenetrable laager (a defensive camp encircled with their
ox-wagons) and fought the 15,000-strong impi attack until the Zulus
finally fled, leaving thousands dead and the river red with blood.
The violent encounter became known as the Battle of Blood River.
The Blood River/Ncome Heritage Site commemorates this significant
battle with monuments and museums to both the Voortrekkers and the
Zulus on either side of the river, so giving the visitor a more
complete perspective of events. On one side is the Ncome Monument
and Museum Complex, dedicated to the fallen Zulu warriors, while
the Blood River Monument and Museum is located on the west bank and
features a life-size replica of the Boer wagon laager.
|
Address: The site is 30 miles (48km) east of Dundee, off the R33;
Telephone: 034 271 8121;
Website: www.ncomemuseum.co.za or www.voortrekkermon.org.za;
Opening time: Ncome Monument and Museum, daily from 9am to 4pm. Voortrekker Monument daily from 8am to 5pm/6pm in Summer;
Admission: R30 (adults), R8 (children). Ncome Monument and Museum free
|
| |
|
Isandlwana Hill
The battle at Isandlwana Hill on 22 January 1879 stunned the
British Empire in what was to be the worst defeat in the history of
their imperial warfare. The news that an entire battalion of
British troops had been wiped out by a 'native' army was
unbelievable. The Zulu kingdom, under the leadership of King
Cetshwayo, had been gaining strength and was perceived to be a
threat to the British colonists, refusing to submit to British
rule. British troops were ordered to invade Zululand, but grossly
underestimated the Zulu warriors, and the surprise attack on the
British camp on the slopes of Isandlwana Hill left thousands dead.
Today the battlefield is dotted with memorials, and mounds of white
stones that mark the British mass graves.
|
Address: The battlefield is 50 miles (80km) south east of Dundee off the R68;
Telephone: 034 271 0634;
Opening time: Daily 8am to 5pm
|
| |
|
Ladysmith Siege Museum
During the Anglo-Boer War, Ladysmith was besieged for 118 days,
when thousands died, either during battle, or from the lack of food
and water. The museum is considered to be one of the best
Anglo-Boer War museums in the country, with a collection of
artefacts, documents, firearms and uniforms on display, as well as
a series of excellent photographs, which vividly tells the story of
the siege of Ladysmith that involved numerous battles between the
Boer and British forces.
|
Address: Murchison Street, Ladysmith;
Telephone: 036 637 2992;
Opening time: Monday to Friday 9am to 4pm, Saturday until 1pm, Sundays by appointment only;
Admission: R2
|
| |
|
Rorke’s Drift
Fought on the same day as the nearby battle at Isandlwana Hill,
the Battle of Rorke's Drift is remembered as one of the most famous
sieges of the Anglo-Zulu War. Survivors from Isandlwana fled to the
Swedish mission station that was used as a British field hospital
and storehouse, and sounded the alarm. Inside, the 139 men, many of
them seriously ill or wounded, barricaded themselves in and
prepared for the onslaught of 4,000 Zulu warriors. The Battle
Museum dramatically tells the tale of the 'Heroic Hundred' who
desperately defended the station for 12 hours, until the Zulus
finally retreated with a heavy loss of life. Eleven Victoria
Crosses were awarded to the defenders, the most ever given at any
other battle in British history.
|
Address: The site is 26 miles (42km) from Dundee, off the R68;
Telephone: 034 642 1687;
Opening time: Daily 8am to 5pm;
Admission: R10 adults, concessions available
|
| |
|
|
|
 Guerba are a specialist tour operator, with over 26 years
experience, offering small group adventure and discovery holidays,
including safaris, treks, cultural adventures and overland journeys
throughout Africa.
 iExplore designs made-to-order, privately-guided adventure
safaris to South Africa and adventures in over 200 other world
wonders. Come Back Different!
 With G.A.P Adventures you'll experience South Africa's natural
highlights and get face to face with the real Africa.
 The leading specialist in arranging tailor-made travel, safaris
and flights to South Africa. Let us share our Africa with you.
Travel Agents!
Subscribe to Word Travels Professional: Email and print off customised travel guides for your clients.
Brand this guide with your logo and contact details.
Word Travels includes authorative and reliable information on thousands of destinations.
More info Apply for a free trial
|
|
|
|
