Battlefields
The densest concentration of battlefield sites in South Africa, and guides who tell it properly.
About Battlefields
Northern KwaZulu-Natal is where the Anglo-Zulu War of 1879 and much of the Anglo-Boer War were fought. Isandlwana, Rorke’s Drift, Blood River, Spioenkop and Talana are all within a couple of hours of one another. What makes the region extraordinary is not the fields themselves but the guiding tradition — local storytellers here are among the best in the world at what they do.
Things to do here
- Isandlwana battlefield and the memorial cairns
- Rorke’s Drift mission station and museum
- Blood River and Ncome — both sides of the story
- Talana Museum, Dundee
- Spioenkop battlefield and nature reserve
- Fugitives’ Drift
- Ladysmith Siege Museum
- Registered local battlefield guides
Where you can stay
Historic country guesthouses and lodges around Dundee, Ladysmith and Isandlwana — several run by battlefield-guiding families.
Battlefields packages
Battlefields Heritage Trail
Isandlwana, Rorke’s Drift, Blood River and Spioenkop.
Isandlwana & Rorke’s Drift Overnight
One night, two battlefields, one extraordinary day in 1879.
Want Battlefields your way?
Build your own trip — pick your nights, your travel party and what you actually want to do. We will come back with the best fit and a firm price.