Isandlwana, Rorkes Drift and Fugitives Drift Battlefields Day Tour from Durban
Description
This 14-hour tour takes you back into South African history, with a journey to the Isandlwana Battlefields. We will take you through the sites and regale you with the fascinating details of the greatest defeat in the history of British Colonial occupation in South Africa.
Tour Options
Itinerary
The tour progresses to the Battle of Rorke's Drift, also known as the Defence of Rorke's Drift,. The defence of the mission station of Rorke's Drift immediately followed the British Army's defeat at the Battle of Isandlwana on 22 January 1879, and continued into the following day. The last stop is Fugitives Drift and the Queens Colours memorial before we make the journey back to Durban.
The Battle of Isandlwana on 22 January 1879 was the first major encounter in the Anglo–Zulu War between the British Empire and the Zulu Kingdom. Eleven days after the British commenced their invasion of Zululand in South Africa, a Zulu force of some 20,000 warriors attacked a portion of the British main column consisting of about 1,800 British, colonial and native troops and perhaps 400 civilians.
The last stop is Fugitives Drift and the Queens Colours memorial before we make the journey back to Durban
Highlights
What's included
Pickup Locations & Times
Meeting point at Tropicana Hotel. Should your hotel be more than 5km away from our meeting point radius, a fee is applicable.
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- 06:00 AM
- 07:00 PM
- You are looking for Battlefield Site Tour.
- You want to experience and learn about the Battlefields of KwaZulu-Natal.
- German and Polish languages can be requested (on request)
- If you are using a wheelchair, please contact the local partner for type of disability and size of wheelchair
Reviews(37)
This was a great tour. Fortune my guide was very knowledgeable, friendly and chatty. He did try to give an answer/explanation to all my questions. He also played a tape which explained the history and the sequence of the battles prior to arriving to each Battlefield. It was very informative and helped understanding the displays in the museums easier. Really recommend this tour. It’s a long day but worth it and if you get Fortune as your guide. You are very lucky.
This was a wonderful day for anyone interested, or studying, the Anglo-Zulu Wars. Fortune, our excellent driver, collected us from our hotel, in Durban, at 6 am. The journey to Isandlwana was long but included two stops for coffee, snacks and the Rest Room. Fortune was very knowledgeable and able to explain the Zulu aspects of the battle, which were new to us. There is a small, but beautifully designed museum, containing some unique artefacts. Fortune drove us to Rorke's Drift, crossing the Buffalo River, where we visited the museum. Although none of the original buildings survive, the setting, in the hills, was dramatic and it was easy to imagine the battle. We had the museum to ourselves but there is a self-guided tour accessible by mobile phone. The memorial to the Zulus was particularly impressive. A small cafe provided a welcome coffee and snack. There is also a craft shop, selling beautiful pottery and hand-made, fabric gifts. Fugitive's Drift was accessed through a wildlife reserve, where, much to our surprise, we saw giraffes, zebra and impala. On rare occasions, leopards can be seen there, too. Altogether, this was a very worthwhile excursion and we cannot thank Fortune enough for his knowledge, care and attention.
This was a 70th Birthday present holiday for my husband and this tour was the highlight of the holiday. What a thought provoking and poignant visit. You felt like you were walking on sacred ground. Our guide Zamani Shelembe a Zulu himself, gave us a warmth and depth knowledge of these incredible battles and we felt privileged to have such a friendly guide helping us to enjoy this tour to the best experience. Would definitely recommend both Zamani and this tour operator.
Our driver Zamani was outside the hotel nice and early. For the 6am start. It takes around 3.5 hours to get there. After a stop about half way fuel and cold drinks. Zamani walked round the battle field with us pointing out and telling all the important things that we wouldn't no. Rorke's Drift. Isandiwana tour brilliant. Thanks to the team who put the trip together for us. A special thank you to Zamani . For a wonderful day. Rob &Sue Thomson
very good tour, its a long way from durban but well worth doing if you are interested in the battle. We had a good lunch and stopped in a few interesting places
Long journey from Durban (about 4 hours) on some very rough and uneven roads but if military history, beautiful scenery and some wild animals are your thing then this tour is perfect!
Absolutely fantastic tour - Fortune was a real pleasure to have as a tour guide - informative, fun - nothing was too much - an all round great trip that exceeded my expectations
If you are into British historical events then this is a must see place. Our guide/driver was well informed and provided heaps of information including listening to a audiobook of the events pre/post the battles and the battles themselves. The trip out from Durbin took four hours there and fours back on poor sealed and unsealed roads although the scenery was quite picturesque. Bringing a packed lunch and drinks is essential.
I had an amazing day travelling from Durban to the Zulu battlefields. The tour driver and director was called Fortune, a very knowledgeable and patient person. He made my day amazing by his insight, understanding and perfect customer service delivery and his company should mark this man out as the best tourist ambassador they have. Thanks for the memories Fortune and good luck my friend.
We are so grateful to have Fortune on our team and we are happy that he meet you expectations and hope to host you again, next time you are in Durban
Excellent private tour with Fortune. It was great being able to go at my own pace and stop when I wanted. Would recommend!
Thanks for booking with us and hope to take care of you next time you visit Durban
