Rorkes Drift and Isandlwana continue to attract large numbers of British visitors.

Campaign Trails now offers the thrilling experience of hiking the Fugitives Trail between Isandlwana and the Buffalo River at Fugitives Drift. This is the route followed by men fleeing the dreadful carnage of the battlefield to the border of Natal. Walkers are accompanied by a specialist battlefield guide and the virtually unchanged bush trail is an unforgettable experience as walkers imagine the desperation and terror of the fugitives.

2 Days / 1 Night

Day One

We drive via Greytown to Helpmekaar, following in the boot-prints of Lord Chelmsford’s army in 1879. Background to the conflict is given in the museum garden in Greytown. Visit the remote graveyard in Helpmekaar, where the British army were entrenched prior to the expiry of the Ultimatum. Descend the Knoustroppe Pass, as did the red coated soldiers, outspanning for picnic lunch at the original ford (drift) over the Buffalo River to listen to stories of the past. Afternoon at the Battle of Rorkes Drift and then sundowners in the old cottage lodge at Fugitives Drift, that is our accommodation for the night. There is no walking this day.

Day Two

Early breakfast before driving to Isandlwana Mountain and the start of the trail. There will be time for a brief account of the battle before setting off over the rough country towards the Buffalo River. The terrain is steep and broken, requiring a certain level of fitness from participants. The walk takes about 4 hours at a comfortable pace. Your vehicle awaits you on the other side of the river and, after a damp crossing, we eat a late lunch at the hunting lodge before driving back
to Durban.

6 Days / 5 Nights Departing from Durban

Day One:

Collect at Durban Airport and drive to warmly hospitable accommodation near a remote mission station close to the borders of Historic Zululand. Presentation on the background to the Anglo-Zulu War of 1879.

Day Two (Anglo-Zulu War):

Walk the path of G Coy 24th from their base at Helpmekaar down to Rorke’s Drift on 24th January 1879 following the old wagon track. Stop for lunch and a breather at the lodge at the foot of the plateau and continue to the mission station at Rorke’s Drift for an account of the famous defence of the military depot there by a handful of British soldiers against several thousand Zulu warriors. Accommodation as last night.

Walking time 1 and 1/2 hours, distance approx 6 km, altitude drop 1400m - 1220m. Terrain down hill, uneven.

Day Three (Anglo-Zulu War):

Follow, on foot, the route taken by Lord Chelmsford, Commander in Chief of the British army, and the central British column as they entered Zululand to crush the might of Cetswayo, king of the Zulus. The route followed is again the old wagon track, this time crossing the Buffalo River at Rorke's Drift and continuing on to Isandlwana where you will be met by the tour vehicle. After listening to and account of the battle of Isandlwanan, you will be driven back to the mission station. Accommodation as last night.

Walking time 4 and 1/2hours, distance approx 14 km, altitude rise 1100 m - 1220m. Terrain undulating, worn foot paths. Shallow river crossing

Day four (Anglo-Boer War):

Drive to Talana Museum, Dundee, for an introduction to Anglo-Boer War of 1899 - 1902, followed by a short walk up the Talana Hill for an account of the first set piece battle of that war. Drive to Ladysmith for lunch, the town that held world attention for 118 days while it was under siege by the Boer forces. Afternoon spent at the Siege Museum and on Wagon Hill. Drive to a colonial style lodge with views overlooking nearby game reserve. Evening talk about the Anglo Boer war

Walking time 45 minutes, steep stony path to the summit of Talana Hill.

Day five (Anglo-Boer War):

Follow the route taken by the British soldiers for the night attack on the Boer positions on Spioenkop on 23 Jan 1900. We enjoy a picnic lunch on the summit followed by an account of the action on that day. Return to the lodge in the vehicle, by different route. Accommodation as previous night.

Walking time 4 hours. Distance approx. 10 km. Altitude change 1200m - 1465m - 1040m

Day six

Drive back to Durban, visiting the site of the capture of Winston Churchill and stopping for lunch in the Midlands.