The Natal Battlefield Tours: Violent battles over the abundance of minerals and precious stones found in South Africa shaped its recent history. We take a peek into particularly the KwaZulu Natal battles. Here one experiences the raw violence and heroism that became part and parcel of some of them.
Explore the battlefields of Kwa-Zulu Natal (KZN) with a tour.
These battles took place in KZN some 120 years ago and completely changed the course of South African history. Today, the echoes of the past still ring out over the quiet mountains and deep valleys as the tales of skirmishes are retold during South African battlefield tours.
The battlefields form a small part of the province, and there are 9 destinations to explore. Each of them has its own story etched into the soil. Here the British suffered some of their worst military defeats, the Boers were broken, and the proud Zulu nation met the crushing end to their dominance.
About the Battlefields of Kwa-Zulu Natal
Spread out over numerous locations, some battlefields are more significant than others. For those looking to step back into British history, Isandlwana and Rorke’s Drift are perhaps important locations to visit. The British faced the Zulus in a ferocious 2-hour battle. Armed with guns, they fought the Zulus, armed only with spears and shields, and suffered a real thrashing. The British become one of the few empires ever to be defeated by an indigenous army.
The battlefield of Spionkop should be next on your list. 3 people, who would later become famous for other reasons, were present. Mahatma Gandhi was a stretcher-bearer and Winston Churchill was a war correspondent at the time. Louis Botha, who later became the first Prime Minister of the Union of South Africa, also played a role there. While in the area, why not also visit the Blood River Monument and the Talana Museum.
When planning your trip to the Battlefields, you should consider the Natal battlefield tours, or even organise it so that it coincides with one of the re-enactments.
Many of the fascinating military forts that once dotted the area have vanished and in their place, there are a few museums and memorials. While you might not be actually seeing the conflict or the remains of the forts, the sombre feeling of each region cannot be ignored. It’s hard to believe that in such a picturesque part of South Africa, such awful conflicts have taken place. South African battlefields have become the perfect place to reflect on the past.
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South African Battlefield Tours
Our tours are designed to give each guest a unique and personal experience that will leave them enlightened and with loads of stunning photos. When you choose a South African battlefields tour with Southern Circle, you’ll find a number of exciting tour packages to choose from.
Battlefields Day-Tour
We include 12 hours exploring Isandlwana and Rorke’s Drift and visiting Chetswayo’s Kraal and Ondini if time allows. The tour leaves from Durban and returns to Durban in the evening. We suggest comfortable walking shoes as you spend most of the day on your feet.
Battlefields Tour
This two-day tour of the most famous battlefields is without a doubt the best way to take your time while enjoying two full days of touring. This historical tour will enlighten you whilst walking the battlefields and hearing the stories the guides have to tell. On day 1, we visit Spionkop, Ladysmith and Talana. On day two we travel to Rorke’s Drift, Isandlwana and Umgungundluvo, before returning to Durban.
3 Day Natal Battlefields Tour
Giving you the maximum amount of time to see the battlefields and hear the stories of the past, this 3-day tour is a must for all history enthusiasts. This tour starts and ends in Durban, and it includes trips to Spionkop, Ladysmith, Dundee, Rorke’s Drift, Isandlwana, Blood River, Babanango, Ondini, and Umgungundhlovu.
You can easily visit the battlefields yourself. However, most consider guided tours the better option. In the company of our tour guide, we will take you to the best spots while regaling history book stories. Guests should bring their cameras along for the journey as the views from the battlefields are truly beautiful. While most tours will have guests walking around each location, if you are searching for a more authentic experience, you could always look for the tour that takes you on horseback.
Book your South African Battlefields tour today and learn more about the battles that have shaped our nation.
