TAILOR MADE HISTORICAL BATTLEFIELDS EXPERIENCE
Whether you are historically connected to South Africa yourself or not, at some stage of your life and learning’s it is quite likely that you came across one or more of the many great battles of our region. Names like Shaka Zulu, Rorke’s Drift and Churchill may ring bells and spark an interest in either a specialised Battlefield holiday or at least including it while visiting South Africa.
Here’s a sample of a specialised battlefield trip, highlighting some of South Africa’s famous battles:
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‘LOOKING TO THE PAST’ BATTLEFIELDS EXCURSION (10 Days)
Highlights:
- Detailed and truly interesting tours and tails of famous battles in South Africa: Isandlwana, Rorke’s Drift and tales of the Frontier wars that shaped our heritage
- Remarkable story-tellers and guides who leave you with the sense of having experienced the battles yourself
- Wonderful natural beauty and stunning settings with a host of other activities and attractions to offer
Day 1
Arrive at Durban Airport, via Johannesburg. Collect your hired car and begin your journey to the past with a leisurely drive to the famous battlefields region of Rorke’s Drift. Spend 3 nights at the late David Rattray’s home and lodge, Fugitive’s Drift.
FUGITIVE’S DRIFT LODGE
Set on a hillside, overlooking the Buffalo River Gorge, known as The Fugitive’s Drift after the famous Isandlwana battle in 1879, lies this wonderful lodge. Home to the Rattray family and their warm, welcoming staff, your visit to Fugitives will feel like visiting old friends. Besides the gripping tours of the battlefields, other attractions include beautiful scenery, wildlife roaming the reserve and horse-riding.
Day 2 & 3
The resident guides will enthrall you on the Battlefields tours (included in your stay) to Rorke’s Drift and Isandlwana. Listen to the tales of these great and famous battles:
Isandlwana, 22nd January 1879:
Sit on the battlefield, mesmerised by the remarkable story of this fantastic Zulu victory. One of the earlier encounters between the great Zulu warriors and the British Empire, this battle remains the worst military defeat for Britain at the hands of a colonial force. It was on the other hand, a great tactical victory for the Zulu nation.
Rorke’s Drift, 22nd January 1879:
Listen at sunset to the famous story of Rorke’s Drift, where 139 British soldiers were attacked by 4,000 Zulu warriors, winning more Victoria Crosses than in any other battle in history.
Day 4
After breakfast, say farewell to your hosts and check out of the lodge. Continue your historical path through ancient battlegrounds, following the path that leads you forward in time from the Anglo-Zulu wars of Rorke’s Drift and Isandlwana, to the Anglo-Boer war at Spionkop. Using the lovely Three Tree Hill Lodge as your base, soak up the history of this great region:
THREE TREE HILL
Three Tree Hill lodge is a fabulous, down-to-earth, owner-managed lodge. Made out of predominantly corrugated iron and open rafters, the lodge has a rustic and charming appeal. The chalets are located a little further down the footpath from the main lodge area and each have fabulous views overlooking Spionkop hill from the patios.
Day 4 & 5
During your stay at Three Tree Hill, enjoy a guided, full day Flagship Tour of the three main battles, which occurred in this area:
-Battle of Spionkop, 24th January 1900. Romantically situated on top of a hill with views that redefine ‘big sky country’, the tour tells of the bloodiest day of the war, played out by a cast seldom challenged. On that hill were Louis Botha (the 1st Prime Minister of the Union of South Africa), Winston Churchill (voted the most famous Briton of the 20th century) and Mohandas Ghandi (the future Mahatma). The result of this battle confirmed that those early disasters of ‘Black Week’ were not merely beginners luck on behalf of the Boers – Spionkop is arguably the most famous of all battles between the British and the Boers.
-Battle of Colenso is where General Sir Redvers Buller suffered his first defeat in his attempt to relieve Ladysmith. For this battle, 7 Victoria Crosses were awarded.
-Churchill’s Capture site is where the Boer forces took him prisoner. This event propelled him onto the political stage in Britain.
Day 6
Enjoy a leisurely morning having a breakfast with your hosts on the patio of the main lodge. When you’re ready, pack up and check out. Today you take a break from the bloody battlefields, with a 2-nights stay in the Drakensberg region. Hartford house, also steeped in its own family history, is a hidden gem not to be missed:
HARTFORD HOUSE
Hartford House has been in the Moor family since the early 1870’s and is certainly not unfamiliar with the Anglo-Boer wars. On November 22, 1899, this tranquil and beautiful landscape was ravaged by the war and Generals Piet Jouberg and Louis Botha even camped on the estate. There are tales of the Moor’s prized racehorses being commandeered by Boer Generals, later thankfully being returned and thus the family’s passion for horses continues today. The homestead today, stands grand and steady in its lush surroundings. Luxurious, plush accommodation invites you to a tranquil night’s rest and exquisite gardens lead you to the fresh swimming pool and in-house spa.
Day 6 & 7
Spend your days at leisure. Stroll around the expansive, lush green grounds of the estate, take a tour of the beautiful stud farm and resident, famous stallions or take a drive to see the majestic Drakensberg Mountains nearby. Unwind at the lodge, enjoy spa treatments or simply laze at the poolside reading a book.
Day 8
Check out of Hartford after breakfast. Make your way to Durban Airport, drop off the hired car and check in for the short flight to Port Elizabeth. On arrival, you will be met by a representative from 7 Worcester Street guesthouse, who will escort you to Grahamstown. Spend your last 2 days discovering the Frontier battlefields, with award-winning guide Alan Weyer.
7 WORCESTER STREET & SPIRITS OF THE PAST
This grand house stands proudly in the heart of the historical town of Grahamstown. Understated luxury and truly homely atmosphere make 7 Worcester Street a wonderful destination to use as your base while exploring the region. Local historian and guide Alan Weyer will host you on a ‘Sprits of the Past’ tour of the Frontier battlefields:
Frontier Battles, 1800’s:
This is a story that must be heard - of frontier wars, pioneering spirits and heroic people bound together by indomitable determination and gritty humour. During the 1800’s the intrepid British Settlers, German immigrants, Dutch entrepreneurs and European explorers left their shores to begin a new life on the Southern most region of the African continent – region of the spiritual San people and mighty AmaXhosa. What awaited them in this region of wide horizons eclipsed their wildest imaginings.
Day 10
After a full day and a half’s battlefield tours, it is time now to say good-bye to Alan and your hosts at 7 Worcester Street. You will be transferred to Port Elizabeth in time for your flight home (via Johannesburg or Cape Town).
PRICE: From R28,000 per person sharing
The price shown above is based on the sample itinerary, accommodation on a B&B basis (or more where stated), flights, transfers and activities specific to this trip (excl international flights to and from South Africa). Where prices fluctuate throughout the year, the price is based on low season rates and where various room types are available on the most affordable option. We would be delighted to put together a current and 100% accurate quotation based on your specific travel requirements, so please contact us to assist you with your specific tailored battlefields holiday.
TAILORED TO SUIT YOU!
Our speciality lies in tailoring each holiday itinerary to suit specifically you, so you can enjoy the holiday exactly how you want it, exactly when you want it, and for exactly as long as you want it. We have exceptional first-hand knowledge of these and many other wonderful destinations to suggest for you and we are on hand to help you design a very special trip.
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