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KwaZulu Natal Battlefields

The Battlefields area of KwaZulu Natal, named after some of the fierce and gory battles that were fought here between Zulu, Boer and British, captures the history of more than 200 turbulent years of South African history.

It was in this area that the powerful British Army was defeated by the mighty Zulu nation and also where the Voortrekkers were confronted by Zulu armies. The Battlefields area is also famed for the successful resistance of the Afrikaner people to the threat of British Imperial Colonisation during the Anglo-Boer Wars. 

Every Battlefields town, each historic building, and war memorial in the Battlefields area has an intriguing tale to tell. The region is full of poignant memories and commemorates moving and often bloody events such as the Battle of Spioenkop where the early morning mist and a number of sad miscalculations cost many their lives, the Battle of Isandlwana where Great Britain probably suffered its greatest defeat against indigenous army in its military history, and the Battle of Rorke’s Drift where the most Victoria Cross medals for bravery were awarded.

The feelings visitors experience at some of the battlefields are quite real and most unnerving, bringing to life tales of exceptional bravery, extreme heroism and acute courage.

Both Isandlwana Lodge and Fugitives Drift Lodge and Guest House on the Battlefields have resident specialist historians who will keep visitors riveted with their chilling battle tales.