5 Days / 4 Nights

Zulu culture, Anglo Zulu war, spectacular scenery, Anglo-Boer war
Departing from Durban.

This is a tour of great variety and scope, revealing the soul of South Africa as we spend 5 unforgettable days tracing the origins of the "rainbow nation".

Day One

Clients are collected in touring vehicle and driven by their specialist, historian guide up the north coast road, following the historic movement of British troops into Zululand at the start of the Anglo Zulu war. On the banks of the Tugela River, border between Natal and Zululand, refreshments are served while the origins of the conflict between Zulu, British and Boer in South Africa are presented. Herein lay the roots of the present political situation. Later today comes a talk on the origins and culture of the proud Zulu nation. The drive through rolling hills to Eshowe and Melmoth is breathtaking and the entry over the Nqutu plateau to our boutique hotel perched in the cliff face is equally dramatic. Overnight at Isandlwana Lodge.
(L, D)

Day Two

The morning is devoted to the battles of Isandlwana and Rorke's Drift, the latter made famous in the epic film "Zulu". Lunch is impeccably served at Fugitive's Drift Lodge, and is followed by an account of the saving of the Queen's Colour, delivered on the cliffs above the Buffalo River. Overnight at Isandlwana Lodge.
(B, L, D)

Day Three

The third strand enters the rope of history that we are weaving as we depart the lodge and drive north into the arena of the Boer war, 20 years on. An explanation of how and why it all began is given at Talana, site of an excellent museum. From there we progress to Ladysmith, the town made famous by its 118 day besiegement. This entertaining small town boasts a comfortable lunch venue, a good museum relating to the siege and a hill overlooking the town that offers a spectacular viewpoint, where the talk is given. Our overnight stop is Three Tree Hill Lodge; each guest has his own chalet with viewing platform where game in the adjoining game park may be enjoyed, over sundowners. Dinner is a communal meal in a spacious, colonial style dining room and discussion is always lively and interesting. Overnight at Three Tree Hill Lodge.
(B, L, D)

Day Four

After breakfast we make a moderately early start for the site of the armoured train disaster where Winston Churchill was captured by the Boers, an incident which catapulted the young Churchill into the public eye. From there we drive to Colenso, on the south bank of the Tugela River. It was here that the Irish Brigade received such a mauling at the hands of the Boer forces, while attempting, unsuccessfully, to break through the Boer line and to relieve Ladysmith. We return to the lodge for lunch and in the afternoon drive up onto the summit of Spioenkop, the second and very bloody attempt by the British to reach Ladysmith. Return to the lodge in time for pre-dinner drinks. Overnight at Three Tree Hill.
(B, L, D)

Day Five

A more leisurely start this morning gives us time to enjoy the many attractions of Three Tree Hill Lodge, including the walks, birds and wildlife.
We drive the scenic road back to Durban, visiting places of interest en route, as many as we have time for.
(B, L)