The Legends of the KwaZulu Natal Battlegrounds

For practically the whole of the 19th century, several of the most ferocious struggles in history were conducted among Zulu, Briton and Boer for the possession of the territory and sovereignty. Typically these were concentrated in an immense battlefield that extends from the Drakensberg Mountains, north to Volksrust and east into Zululand, embracing plains of amazing natural beauty that offer far more than merely renowned battlefield places to the visitor.

It is really difficult to fully grasp that this scenic and now peaceful land once rang with the bitter conflict. Rather, the hills, valleys and ridges now echo with the call of wildlife, an renowned selection of birdlife or are simply just breathtakingly tranquil, permitting sightseers to emerse themselves in the undeniable ambiance.

From straightforward, comfortable campgrounds to exclusive private game ranches, accommodation is obtainable to suit every taste, standard and budget, combined with numerous pursuits as wide as the plains for which the place is well-known. White water rafting, mountain biking, abseiling, 4×4 trails, horse riding and hiking are some of the possible choices available to the more adventurous, whereas those searching for other pastimes can enjoy a few holes of golf at various 9 and 18-hole courses, casino thrills or the opportunity to test their fishing skills.

The rugged magnificence of the terrain is marked with reminders of the violent history, which include haunting memorials on the field of Isandlwana, where the Zulu army defeated over 1,000 British soldiers, gravestones at Fort Pearson and the monument at Spion Kop, certainly one of the most fiercely fought struggles of the Anglo-Boer War.

The location of the infamous Battle of Blood River amongst Voortrekker and Zulu is home to the Ncome Museum, where the historical past of the Zulu people is documented. The museum and authentic laager reconstruction memorial provide you with an amazing alternative interpretation of the battle, in both their accounts recorded and in the style by which they commemorate those who fought here. The location of the Battle of Rorke’s Drift among the British and Zulu is much unchanged since that bloody battle with stone walls constructed to shield the British still virtually intact.

A number of monuments and well-preserved artifacts present the best backdrop to an place where re-enactments of the Colonial-era wars involving British troops and Zulu warriors, permit modern day tourists to live through the bloody dramas with pretty much frightening reality. Trained guides bring their own personal touch in terms of detail, emotion and historical interest to the encounters in contrast to the often stark visual landscape.