In my early 20’s I was given a book to read; the “Washing of the Spears” by Donald R Morris. Without wanting to be too dramatic, it changed my life. Up until I read this book, South African history was boring to me, I much preferred the history of other Read more…
Many events have occurred throughout the history of South Africa that can be considered pivotal events; moments that have shaped the path the country has followed. It is my personal opinion, that one of the most important events, fell on the 22nd January 1879 when the Zulu army struck the British army a surprising and devastating blow – this was the Battle of Isandlwana.
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I first come across the name Rorkes Drift while in high school in the 80’s. Back then though, during the apartheid era, the Zulu victory at Isandlwana was glossed over and the focus was all on the events at Rorkes Drift. It wasn’t until much later in life, well into Read more…
In 1879 the Zulu people under the leadership of King Cetswayo kaMpanda found themselves the victim of British politics and subsequently at war, facing the might of the British army under their commander, Frederic Augustus Thesiger, later the 2nd Baron Chelmsford. It was believed by the British that the Anglo Read more…
On the 22nd of January in 1879, a unprepared British force of about 1600 men were surprised and over-run by a force of 25,000 Zulu warriors. The British were an invading force, and the Zulu’s were defending their homelands. The battle was short and sharp, and by the end of Read more…
Today’s tour update may seem a strange one. Yesterday I took two really nice visitors to the battlefields of Isandlwana and Rorkes Drift. This was a bucket lis trip for them and was really great to see how excited they were to visit. I really enjoy my visits out to Read more…
Visiting the battlefields of the Anglo Zulu War today is always an awe-inspiring event; and not just for me, but for many of my guests as well. Over the last few months I’ve been so blesses to show not only visiting professional historian the sites of Isandlwana and Rorkes Drift, Read more…
Reaching the battlefields from Durban in a day is doable, though to be honest it is a long day. We start off at 6am from Durban, and usually only get back at about 6pm; so a full 12 hours. But having said that, it’s probably one of the best experiences for fans of battlefields especially if you have limited time. The Anglo Zulu War Day Tour has proven to be really popular in spite of the long day, for those that watched Michael Caine portray Bromhead and Stanley Baker Chard in the film “Zulu” there is nothing quite like standing on the very ground depicted in the film Zulu.
The makeshift hospital at Rorkes Drift
A few days ago I was booked for a day tour to Isandwlana and Rorkes Drift. Lately we’ve had some extraordinarily warn weather, the temperature at Isandlwana reached 40 degrees Celsius (104 F). And although this is hotter than usual, the British would have had a similar heat during the Anglo Zulu war campaign!
The site of Durnford’s Last Stand with Isandlwana in the background
The last few months have been non-stop with tours. It’s the season for cruise ships so I’ve been running a number of Durban Day Tours and of course Safari’s. It’s so much fun, and I do enjoy my time with clients. We here in Durban have such an interesting city, and too think we’re no further than 45min away from wildlife preserves in all directions must make us pretty unique.
African Painted Wild Dog spotted on the last day of our expedition to find Wild Dog.