Average rating South African Battlefield Tour

Combining impressive scenery and historical facts, this battlefield tour takes you back in time to trace the steps of the British, Zulu and Boer forces as they fought for control of South Africa. Centred in the province of KwaZulu-Natal, this part safari, part history lesson, part nature walk will help you understand how modern South Africa evolved.

South Africa's history is well, complicated, featuring, among others, the Dutch, British, French, German, Zulu and Khoikhoi people. Much of this history can be re-visited in the province of KwaZulu-Natal, which hugs South Africa's northeast coast. Even the province's name depicts the diversity of the area, as it is a combination of the monikers given to it by both the Portuguese and the Zulu nation, who still inhabit the area. The province itself, situated in the north east of South Africa, is also geographically diverse, with the Indian Ocean to the East, the imposing Drakensberg Mountains to the west, and shares borders with three other African countries; Mozambique, Lesotho and Swaziland.

The five day, four night battlefield tour starts in Durban and follows the route the British troops took during the bloody Anglo Zulu war of 1879. Knowledgeable guides will explain this complicated war on the actual battlefields in the towns of Eshowe and Melmoth and walk you through the famous skirmishes of Isandlwana and Rorkes Drift. From there you will learn about the Boer War and visit the city of Ladysmith where British troops were surrounded by the Boer army for an incredible 118 days. Next the Drakensberg Mountains, Tugela River and Spioenkop Mountain serve as the backdrop for more British-Boer battlefields. You will also be brought to where a young reporter named Winston Churchill was captured and briefly taken prisoner. The tour ends with a trip to Spioenkop Game Park, where you may run into zebra, antelope, giraffe, rhino and over 270 species of birds. By the time they take you back to Durban not only will you have seen South Africa's natural beauty, you'll also understand how the modern country came to be.

If your only aim when you visit South Africa is to see lots of elephants, than this tour probably is not for you. The tour is best suited to history buffs and those who love the outdoors. Though there is no strenuous hiking or even camping, a lot of the tour is spent outside on the battlefields. At least a bit of an interest in the origins of modern South Africa, British history or colonial wars would be best, but past participants have said that the guides are so talented in their storytelling that anyone is bound to get sucked into the fascinating war stories. If you would like to get a better picture of how South Africa's complicated society evolved, or if you'd just like something a bit different than the usual safari, then this is the tour for you.

Getting there

The tour begins in Durban, which has an airport. If you are coming from the UK, you will need to fly via Johannesburg or Cape Town.

Price includes

Prices include all accommodation, transfers, professional guide and applicable entry fees. These costs are per person per day sharing and may increase or decrease on the type of accommodation and tour requested.

Available

Jan—Dec

Typical Duration

5 days

Comfort level

Refined (boutique or luxury accommodation and food)

Experience required

A reasonable interest is all that is needed

Travellers should bring

Sunscreen, hats, sturdy walking shoes and comfortable clothing. A warm jacket as it can get cold especially in the winter months. A camera and a love of adventure, history and the outdoors!