Four days fully guided tour of the KwaZulu-Natal Battlefields in the company of a graduate historian, based in a private house overlooking historic Ladysmith.

Day 1: Met by your guide in Durban and head North through the valley of 100 Hills following the original rail and road routes from the coast; join the N3 and optional coffee stop at Mooi River Remount Stables; visit the place of Churchill’s capture in 1899; lunch at Colenso Hotel; presentation of Battle of Colenso where the first repulse of General Buller’s Army was a foretaste of the difficulties of crossing the Tugela Line which was held by the Boer Forces. Arrive in Ladysmith at Cove Crescent in time for tea in the garden overlooking the Town. Short walk to Kings Post and the adjacent Game Reserve if time allows. Stay in this private house with its own pool, air-conditioning and generous space for three nights.

Day 2: Leisurely start and then a 45min drive to the summit of Spionkop, the most poignant and moving Battlefield where bravery and ambition were sacrificed in a moving precursor of 20thC warfare. The presentation will sketch the experiences of future international leaders Churchill, Botha and Ghandi who all were present. Lunch at Spionkop Lodge and options in the afternoon of viewing game (riding is possible here), visiting Mount Alice which was General Buller’s HQ, or returning to Ladysmith and visiting the excellent museum. Return to the peace of Cove Crescent

Day 3: This is your 1879 Zulu War day and we will go first to the Battlefield of Isandlwana where the Zulu Army lured Lord Chelmsford from his undefended camp and then overran it with huge losses on both sides, effectively defeating the invading British Army who then withdrew from Zululand. The drama of the subsequent defence of Rorkes Drift will hold you enthralled in the afternoon. Both actions are presented with moving vignettes of personal bravery and the sense of honour that was the base of discipline on both sides.
Drive back to Ladysmith passing through Dundee which witnessed the retreat of British forces from the invading Boers in 1899 as they headed for Ladysmith, where you will return for a final night at Cove Crescent.

Day 4: There will be time this morning for some quick excursions in the Town before visiting the Thukela Heights Battlefield which was the series of continuous engagements that allowed the Natal Field Force under General Buller to break the Tugela Line and relieve Ladysmith from its 118-day siege. We drive south to visit Pietermarizburg planning lunch at the Royal Hotel with its history and allowing your perspective of the history of Natal to be completed, from 1836 to the present day. Drive on to Durban for onward travel or to accommodation of your choice.

which includes transport, attendance of a guide at all times and all meals.

2005 Prices are gross with 25% included as STO Commission.

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