Isandlwana Battlefield In South Africa

Isandlwana Battlefield

Battlefields Vacations

The perfect safari holiday in The Battlefields

Discover the historic battlefields of KwaZulu-Natal

Deep in the KwaZulu-Natal interior and, as noted by local guides themselves, “not really on the way to anywhere”, the area broadly known as The Battlefields remains one of the most enduringly popular parts of South Africa. Particularly with British visitors who come to hear the tales of the Ango-Zulu and Boer wars.

The most visited area on a luxury Battlefields holiday is around Isandlwana and Rorke’s Drift, which, on the 22nd January 1879 played host to arguably the most extraordinary day in the history of the British Army. That morning, whilst stationed on the hillside below the sphynx-shaped mountain known as Isandlwana, the Zulus inflicted the largest single defeat in Britain’s colonial history, with some 1300 red-shirted soldiers killed. But, as is often the case, a savage defeat was turned into glorious victory later that night as 150 British soldiers, many of whom were injured or sick, held off between 3,000 and 4,000 Zulu attackers at the mission station at nearby Rorke’s Drift. It is regarded as one of the most extraordinary shows of courage ever displayed in the British Army, with 11 Victoria Crosses being awarded in the aftermath. Come to hear these stories and more, including the desperate attempt of Lieutenants Melville and Coghill to save the Queen’s colour of their regiment and how the place where they were killed came to be known as the Fugitive’s Drift.

For those looking at a more in-depth insight into the area, visitors can also head to the site of the battle of Spioenkop, the most famous battle of the Boer War which took place on the 23rd and 24th January 1900. Eerily, the hill where the battle took place is often covered in a dense mist, as it was on the day of the battle, giving a feel of the conditions both sides would have experienced as they fought on the dry, rocky hillside.

For us, the way these stories are told by the guides are what really make this area so special. Day after day, these guides walk the battlefields, recounting the events of those terrible days and with each passing year they seem to become sharper and more theatrical. This is a truly remarkable experience and one not to be missed if you have even the most casual of interests in Britain’s colonial history.

A tailor made Battlefields tour is often combined with visits to the dramatic Drakensberg Mountains, the beautiful Midlands Meander, and also a safari in KwaZulu-Natal.

Trips in The Battlefields

The Battlefields Trip Inspiration

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Elizabeth Spells

I have just returned from the most amazing trip to Tanzania, booked with Far & Wild. Everything went so smoothly from the first time I spoke with them. The planning was great, the itinerary was perfect for us, and the lodges were amazing. We spent 10 nights with an amazing guide, travelling through Northern Tanzania and even got to see the migration, which was a lifetime ambition of mine. This wasn't our first safari, so we were nervous as to how it would compare, but it was spot on. We're particularly grateful that she suggested a private 'bush lunch' in the Ngorongoro Crater as the public picnic spot was very busy! I will certainly be using them again to book our next trip....we're thinking of a relaxing beach stay next time to get over the excitement of safari!

July, 2024
Orla Rhodes

Just back from another amazing F&W organised trip to Namibia with the family (8 adults). Having been there before, Alistair tailored our trip to include our favourite locations and added a new one for us, Okonjima Plains camp, which we loved.The quality of accommodation and guiding, activities, food and drinks was exceptional throughout. Although not inexpensive I felt it was good value for the level of luxury we had. Kwessi Dunes, Shipwreck lodge, Ongava, Okonjima with pit stops Windhoek (city tour recommended ), Swakopmund (Sandwich Harbour and Walvis Bay tour) and Grootberg lodge (best sundowner drive )

June, 2024
Arnhild Schia

We had a wonderful trip to São Tomé and Príncipe - a small island nation in the Gulf of Guinea with paradise (almost empty) beaches and jungle forest. It was all well organised by Far and Wild and we stayed at Omali lodge at Sao Tome, then on Roca Sundy, and Sunday Praia at Principe - a great combination of different types of resorts/hotels. Omali is close to Sao Tome town with its colonial buildings, markets, hustle and bustle. Roca Sunday gives an old plantation experience and Sundy Praia a luxury beach experience. Very friendly (from time to time a bit slow) service, great fresh food, specifically if you like fish/seafood, vegetables and fruits (almost all sourced locally). Nice temperature between 23 and 30 degrees Celsius, nice swimming conditions. We really recommend this for those who want to experience a pristine destination with few other tourists and friendly and welcoming people. The islands also feel (and I believe are) very safe. At Principe, there are no dangerous animals, snakes or whatever, and it was great to be able to hike in the jungle without being very conscious of where to put your hands and feet. Go before everyone else does!

July, 2024
Henri Papenfus

Back home again, basking in the joys of a superb safari. Every aspect you arranged for us, including linking up with Mack Air and Wild Horizons locally to transport us. The choice of camps, Camp Hwange in Zimbabwe and Muchenenje Safari Lodge in Botswana, was spot on and exactly what we had hoped for - ideally situated, comfortable, in good surroundings, and with excellent wildlife on the doorstep and throughout the wider country. The service staff in each looked after us very well, catering was excellent, and the game guides were professional, knowledgeable and helpful. The weather was, as usual for that part of the world, also good at the time of our visit. Blue skies and stunning sunsets. Warm but not too hot during the day, although quite cold at sunrise when viewing game. The viewing started. You made us happy, and we recommend you to similar safari enthusiasts with confidence.

June, 2024
AC

Far and Wild went above and beyond to make sure my trip to Zambia was special. I would definitely recommend them and their services to anyone wanting to travel to Africa.

May, 2024
Tiny

Lovely holiday at the amazing Almanara on Galu beach, a beach like no other. Far and Wild excelled themselves from beginning to end of our holiday in beautiful Kenya.... What a country!,

April, 2024
Stodge

Wow! These guys are amazing. Can’t recommend them highly enough. Friendly AND efficient! Sorted out our trip (last minute and lots of different family member needs, sorry!) in record time and everything worked like clockwork. Trip of a lifetime to the Masai Mara. Will be back (and use F&W again!)!

March, 2024
Fiona C

It was a dreamy holiday on the Kenyan Coast - Far and Wild, their efficiency and professionalism allowed us to relax and be the happiest family alive !! We cannot fault them, their care and understanding of what we wanted from a holiday ensured we had the most memorable trip. We will be booking with them again for sure!

March, 2024

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