4 days / 3 nights

Day 1

Leave Durban after breakfast and drive inland for the northern Drakensberg. We head up onto the escarpment to Kerkenberg and the statue of the Barefoot Woman. This statue, so isolated on the very edge of the Drakensberg, is a tribute to the indomitable spirit of the Boer woman, the backbone of Boer resistance throughout the Anglo-Boer War of 1899 – 1902. Here we talk about the origins of this war before making our way to our accommodation for the night, which also reflects the pioneering spirit of early settlers.

Day 2

We spend the day in Ladysmith, the town, garrisoned by the British army that was the centre of world attention as it withstood a 118 day siege. We start on Caesar's Camp and Wagon Hill with views of the town itself and then visit the Siege Museum. For the energetic and agile, we scramble up the slopes of Surprise Hill, site of the Boer howitzer that was destroyed by the British. Alternatively, we drive to Intombi, site of the British hospital camp where so many perished, situated on the outskirts of the town. We return to our lodge in time to watch the sun sink behind the Drakensberg.

Day 3

After breakfast we make a moderately early start for the site of the armoured train disaster where Winston Churchill was captured by the Boers, an incident which catapulted the young Churchill's name into the public eye. From there we drive to Colenso, on the south bank of the Tugela River. It was here that the Irish Brigade received such a mauling at the hands of the Boer forces, while attempting, unsuccessfully, to break through the Boer line and to relieve Ladysmith. We return to the lodge for lunch and in the afternoon drive up onto the summit of Spioenkop, the second and very bloody attempt by the British to reach Ladysmith. Return to the lodge in time for pre-dinner drinks.

Day 4

Depending on time, we visit either Vaalkranz or Tugela Heights, both battles related to the lifting of the siege of Ladysmith. Battle of Vaalkranz, which took place over three days, is reputed to have been the heaviest artillery bombardment throughout the entire war. Battle of Tugela Heights marked the break through the Boer lines and the relief of Ladysmith. We then head back to Durban.

4 days / 3 nights

Day 1

Leave Durban after an early breakfast and drive north to Rorke's Drift, following the old wagon track along which the central column of the British army would have marched in 1879. Stop at Greytown for a cup of coffee before continuing to Rorke's Drift. Lunch and then an account of the stirring defense of the military depot, where 11 Victoria Crosses were awarded to members of the British forces for conspicuous bravery. Overnight on the edge of the battlefield of Isandlwana.
(L,D)

Day 2

Today we cover the battle of Isandlwana as we stand surrounded by the graves of the hundreds of men who lost their lives here. Although a Zulu victory, this battle, it cost the Zulu nation dearly, as members of the 1st 24th fought back to back until the bitter end. From there it's on to Fugitives' Drift, were a number of men managed to cross back into colonial Natal. Here we visit the graves of the two men whose names are so closely linked with the Queen's Colour of the 1st 24th. Lunch at Fugitives' Drift Lodge before driving on to Vryheid where we spend the night.
(B,L,D)

Day 3

We follow the fortunes of the fourth column of the British army as it engages the abaQulusi, allies of the Zulu, at Hlobane. This necessitates a rugged drive up onto the plateau of Hlobane and a picnic lunch as we sit on the rocks at the top of the infamous Devil's Pass, were Major Buller’s gallantry earned him a Victoria Cross. From Hlobane we proceed to Kambula, the battle that was in reality the turning point of the Anglo-Zulu War and broke the Zulu army. We return to our lodgings of the night before.
(B,L,D)

Day 4

We return to Durban, taking in en route either the site of the death of Louis Napoleon, Prince Imperial or Ulundi, site of the final battle of the Anglo-Zulu War. Each site poignant in its own way.
(B,L)