Battlefields

Significant battles that have shaped the history of the African sub-continent have been fought in a relatively small area of the Zulu Kingdom know as the Battlefields. The first of these was in 1838 between the Boers and the Zulus, then in 1869 between the British and the Zulus and finally 1899-1902 relating to the Anglo-Boer, or South African War. Let knowledgeable guides relate stories of battles and personalities such as General Buller, Mohandas (Mahatma) Ghandi, Winston Churchill, Lord Chelmsford, the Prince Imperial and General Louis Botha.

Ncome River - near Dundee, the scene of the River of Blood River. Two monuments stand where a fierce battle between the Boers and the Zulus took place in 1838. The Laager made of wagons assisted the Boers in repelling a formidable Zulu attack, and paved the way for the establishment of the Boer Republic of Natalia, with its capital city of Pietermaritzburg. 
Isandlwana and Rorke's Drift - The most significant battle sites of the Anglo-Zulu are found at Isandlwana, where the British forces suffered their most humiliating defeat at the hands of an indigenous army throughout the entire Empire. The interpretive centre at the nearby Rorke's Drift offers interesting displays. 
Ladysmith - wander around the Ladysmith Siege Museum and look for the shells that the Boers fired at the British on Christmas Day - loaded with Christmas puddings.  
Dundee - visit the Talana Museum, situated on the grounds of the original farm where the very first battle of the Anglo-Boer War took place.  
Spioenkop - this imposing hill was the scene of fierce fighting, with the Boer forces entrenched on its summit. Let a local guide relate the unfolding actions of this battle.