Natal Battlefields

The Natal Battlefields of KwaZulu Natal is the collective name for an area of rural cattle country that witnessed an enduring story of courage and self-sacrifice, bloodshed and tragedy.

Overview

The Natal Battlefields are a beautiful, yet eerie, place. The name is a collective one referring to an area of rural cattle country in KwaZulu Natal. This was the scene of many of the epic Anglo-Zulu and Anglo-Boer battles in the 19th century. This is an enduring story of courage and self-sacrifice, bloodshed, and tragedy.

We believe that a 2 or3 night stay here is a must for anyone interested in history and culture. (There are some great walks on offer as well.)

To give you a unique perspective on the Natal Battlefields’ passionate history, we recommend at least two nights and preferably three nights in the area.  You can enjoy fascinating guided tours to sites such as Isandlwana and Rorke’s Drift. (Beleive me, you’ll get very little from just visiting the sites independently. As it is through the telling of the stories that the battles come alive.) The battlefield guides are consummate storytellers!  Older children of around 10 years and upwards may be equally captivated by the tours. And several Natal Battlefield lodges in the region are family-friendly.

However, there is more to this area than Zulu battlefields. Some of the lodges offer guided horse trails and guided hiking. If you stay at lodges close to the Drakensberg, such as Three Tree Hill lodge, you'll be able to visit the Drakensberg amphitheatre for the day as well.

Natal Battlefields - Fugitives Drift crossing

Similarly the Namibiti game reserve lies close-by so it is very easy to combine walking in the Drakensberg, the Natal Battlefields and game-viewing on a Big Five safari.

Features

Why you may love it

  • Guided horse trails and guided hiking on offer.
  • Guided Battlefields tours to Isandlwana and Rorkes's Drift.
  • Family-friendly lodges.

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Did you know
  • Bravery11 Victoria Crosses awarded to soldiers at Rorke's Drift
  • HistoryOver 80 years, several wars raged between the Zulus, Afrikaners & British