The Battlefields - Legends of the Zulu Kingdom

A brief introduction to the Battlefields of KwaZulu-Natal

Witness to decisive events in the annals of three imperious, yet vastly disparate nations, our Kingdom of the Zulu's easily accessible Battlefields exude power and unmistakable presence...infusing the visitor with an inescapable sense of momentous occasion.

zoom Rorkes Drift Museum the site of the hospital where the famous battle took place.

It was among the picturesque hills and rock formations of this sweeping landscape that fearless, spear-wielding footsoldiers of the all-conquering Zulu kings first encountered the rampant British Empire's sophisticated fire- power... and where each faced the unfamiliar guerilla-warfare tactics of the Boer - descendants of the west European settlers who five generations earlier had claimed divine right to this 'Promised Land'.

Prophetically, the Zulu also believed the bountiful terrain between fabled Drakensberg Mountains and golden Indian Ocean beaches to be their own 'Heaven on Earth'.

Seventy years of bitter and merciless head-on confrontation proved as pivotal to South Africa's geo-political evolution as the wars that forged modern Europe and established the freedom, identity and boundaries of North America.

zoom One of the two Howitzers that served Ladysmith with distinction during the 118 day siege, stands proudly in front of the Ladysmith Town Hall.

Perhaps the most influential British leader of all time first came to public attention amid the heat of battle on KwaZulu-Natal soil... while ambush dealt a fatal blow to the continuation of an historic west European dynasty.

The legacy of our Zulu Kingdom's critical, blood-soaked conflicts today lives peacefully-reconciled in this fascinating region's myriad Battlefield Sites, Historic Towns, National Monuments and Museums - and in HQs of the British regiments that make 'pilgrimage' to these fields of bravery and supreme sacrifice.

While knowledgeable, friendly and accredited local guides guarantee hour upon hour of captivating company, it is possible to 'escape' the clutches of history - hunting, fishing, game drives and the entire gamut of adventure sports are but a handful of the exciting 'diversions' equally guaranteed to catapult you back into the 'here and now'.

All at the Battlefields Route Association welcome you to our slice of the inimitable Kingdom of the Zulu, and look forward to sharing with you our insights, enthusiasm and know-how... plus a truly memorable South African experience!

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