The battlefields beckon

The amazing thing about the KwaZulu-Natal Battlefields in South Africa is that even people without the faintest interest in military history, are surprised and amazed at how moving and enjoyable a Battlefield experience can be with the right guide, in the right setting.

Often approached with preconceived ideas or even a touch of indifference - a Battlefield tour ends up being the highlight of many a holiday in KwaZulu-Natal!

BASES FROM WHICH TO EXPLORE THE BATTLEFIELDS:

ISANDLWANA LODGE

Isandlwana Lodge offers twelve luxury en-suite rooms that have been tastefully decorated with private balconies for maximum enjoyment of the unparalleled views over the historic and scenically beautiful Isandlwana plain with a view of the mount Isandlwana. The Lodge itself is carved into the iNyoni rock formation on top of which the Zulu commander stood during the battle of Isandlwana on 22 January 1879.

The main highlight here is obviously the Anglo Zulu battles as told by historian, Rob Gerrard, author and Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society. Rob brings the stories to life, so much so, that you can almost hear the creak of the ox wagons, the crack of rifles, the chant of warriors and the smells of gunpowder as he recounts the famous battles. Afterwards, guests can unwind in the rock pool built, hone up on their history in the peaceful sanctity of the library –or just relax in the lounge or bar area.

Isandlwana Lodge also offers some of the best food you will find anywhere in KwaZulu-Natal. Other activities on offer include unforgettable horseback trails and the rural Zulu village tour is unforgettable and highly recommended. Isandlwana.co.za

FUGITIVES DRIFT LODGE & GUEST HOUSE

Fugitives’ Drift is world famous for its Battlefield Tours, escorted by knowledgeable and highly-qualified lecturers, steeped in the history of the region and telling the tale as they were taught to tell it by the renowned historian, the late David Rattray. The lodge is set in the 2 000-hectare Fugitives’ Drift Game Reservewhich is home to giraffe, zebra and numerous species of antelope and birds.

The Lodge houses a veritable museum of memorabilia, artefacts and relics, with its accommodation in 8 spacious luxurious ensuite rooms, each with a private verandah. Its secluded swimming pool is set on the lip of the Buffalo River Gorge. Friendly, personal service and excellent food create a relaxed atmosphere. Fugitives’ Drift is a Natural Heritage Site and also offers game viewing, walks, horse rides and fly-fishing.

Its 15-mile river frontage on the spectacular Buffalo River Gorge includes the monument and graves of Lieutenants Melvill VC and Coghill VC who lost their lives saving the Queen’s Colour. The Fugitive Trail follows the route along which the handful of survivors fled from Isandlwana to Fugitives Drift.

The original farmhouse forms a charming sitting and dining room for the separate Guest House, which is set away from the Lodge. The Guest House has six large en-suite bedrooms, all with private verandahs. The rooms and swimming pool have sweeping views over the reserve to the surrounding battlefields. Fugitives-drift-lodge.com

THREE TREES AT SPIONKOP

Three Trees at Spionkop, also known as Three Tree Hill Lodge, is a great base from which to explore the Battlefields. New proprietors Simon and Cheryl Blackburn have taken over the property from the previous owners Andrew Ardington, and the late David Rattray - continuing their vision and offering guests warm hospitality.

This family-run lodge consists of six twin cottages with private verandahs, with magnificent views of Spionkop - even from the ensuite bath. Three full meals and teas offer delicious, varied and elegant fare. Weather permitting, these are served on the cool wide verandahs of the main lodge. A viewing deck, swimming pool, wonderful walks and library offer complete relaxation.

Three Tree Hill Lodge adjoins the Spioenkop Nature Reserve, which contains white rhino, giraffe, zebra, eland, kudu, numerous smaller antelope and 270 recorded bird species. The lodge specialises in the history of the 2nd Anglo-Boer War from (1899 – 1902) with the Battle of Spioenkop, when 13 500 British soldiers and 8 000 civilians were besieged in Ladysmith by Boer forces, being the focal point.

One cannot however hope to understand this watershed event (not just for South Africa – it was ‘the longest, the costliest, the bloodiest and most humiliating war that Britain fought in between 1815 and 1914’) without studying what caused one of the smallest countries in the world to declare war on the world’s greatest empire of the time. Louis Botha, Deneys Reitz, Winston Churchill and Mohandas Ghandi all played a part in this fascinating and moving story. Threetreehill.co.za

ISIBINDI ZULU LODGE

Isibindi Zulu Lodge is situated in a private game reserve in the ruggedly beautiful Zululand. An architectural celebration of the Zulu nation, the lodge, with its unique beehive huts, offers a combination of luxurious accommodation, game viewing, Battlefields and Zulu cultural experiences.

This 12-bed luxury lodge is a stone's throw away from the historically momentous Anglo-Zulu battlefields and guided tours are available. The lodge boasts a homely lounge with a large fireplace, a library, a unique bar carved out of a Wait-a-Bit Thorn Tree, a swimming pool with a view and spacious verandah. The lodge also offers a choice of authentic Zulu cultural experiences – allowing the rare opportunity of learning about the Zulu culture and traditions as they remain in Zululand today.

The traditional dances and their role in Zulu history and culture is explained amid the energetic displays. A Zulu Homestead Visit gives guests a rare chance to experience the life of a rural Zulu family that has remained largely unchanged over the past hundred years since Shaka Zulu forged this mighty nation. Isibindiafrica.co.za

SPIONKOP LODGE

Britain marched into the South African war in the spring of 1899, confident that it "would all be over by Christmas!" The war lasted three years and was to become the most costly Britain had ever fought.

Spionkop Lodge offers warm hospitality, set in indigenous tranquil grounds. Guests recall the history on specialised trips to Battlefields, which are brought alive by Raymond Heron, a talented raconteur. The site was General Buller’s headquarters during the Anglo-Boer War (1899 to 1902) and also Winston Churchill’s camp site.

The dining room offers magnificent views and good wholesome fare. The lodge boasts a fascinating library and has a swimming pool. Boat cruises, game viewing, horse riding and birding can be enjoyed in the nature reserve. Spionkop.co.za

BABANANGO VALLEY LODGE

A gracious country lodge surrounded by beautiful indigenous gardens in the stunning Babanango Valley. Guests can relax around the sparkling pool, with its stunning view or participate in the many activities on offer from the Lodge - from picnics to horse riding, bird watching, wildlife and guided walks in the surrounding nature reserve.

Guided historical tours cover the battles of Isandlwana and Rorke's Drift, Hlobane and Khambula, the Prince Imperial Monument and Blood River, the Route of British 2nd Invasion along the line of Forts and a combination Battle of Ulundi and Zulu Historical Sites. They also offer cultural tours, including a visit to a partially reconstructed Zulu homestead and emaKhosini - Valley of the Kings.

The gentle candlelight, silver and crystal in the elegant dining room, compliments the exquisitely presented cuisine. The inviting lounge, with its crackling log fire in winter is the gathering point for a pre-dinner drink. The nine en-suite bedrooms are tastefully appointed. Babanangovalley.co.za

RORKES DRIFT LODGE

Rorke's Drift Lodge is a small, intimate property situated 5km from Rorke's Drift on the edge of the Biggarsberg escarpment with stunning views over the battlefield plains. The lodge boasts three secluded luxuriously furnished en-suite rooms tastefully decorated in a Contemporary African style.

The Kune (meaning 4 in Zulu) suite has 2 inter-leading rooms for families. The deck is on the same level as the leaves of the giant natal fig tree -great for bird-watching! The 1000 acres of lands that surround the Lodge afford the guest the opportunity to take walks and view the plentiful bird life.

Regular sightings of ground hornbills, martial and black eagles, duiker, kudu, and warthogs. At nights the owls and bats come out to play. Guests can watch DVD’s on the battles of Rorke's Drift and Isandlwana in the evenings, or read up on them in the comprehensive library. Guided tours of the battlefields can be arranged and are highly recommended for adding maximum value to your visit. Rorkesdriftlodge.com

GHOST MOUNTAIN INN

This 4-star Country Inn and Spa with its relaxed, friendly atmosphere and good food boasts air-conditioned bedrooms with beautiful private patios looking out onto the surrounding gardens. Explore the cultural and ecological wonders of Maputaland and nearby Tshaneni Battlefield. On this site in 1884 the Usutu under Dinizulu, aided by 300 mounted Boers, defeated the Mandlakazi under Zibhebhu.

Hundreds of warriors died and the slopes of Tshaneni were littered with bones for many years. It is also the mysterious gravesite of the old Gasa (Shangaan) kings, whose bodies were carried here from Mozambique for burial. Rangers are available for game drives, boat cruises, tiger fishing, cultural excursions and acclaimed bird watching. Ghostmountaininn.co.za

ZULU WINGS

Exclusive accommodation on a 100 ha private nature reserve close to the Isandlwana, Rorke's Drift and Blood River Battlefield sites as well as the Talana Museum in Dundee. Guided tours are available with a Zulu historian. The lodge comprises six en-suite rooms, leading to a separate bar/lounge area with pool table, swimming pool and braai (BBQ) area.

Homestyle wholesome meals are served in the "Round Table" Dining room. Walk across the Buffalo River and wonder through a piece of unchanged Zululand, meeting the different Zulu families who still live incredibly traditional lifestyles. Rich game & birdlife provides great photographic opportunities which can be enjoyed on foot or on horseback. Zuluwings.co.za

And now for something different…

THE SWARTKOP CHALLENGE

Various re-enactment weekends are held in KwaZulu-Natal throughout the year to commemorate the various Battles. One of the most popular is the Swartkop Challenge, the core of the Ladysmith Siege Weekend which, this year will be held from 5-6th April 2008, and will be honouring the ORIGINS OF NAVAL FIELD GUN. The feat of arms is being honoured by the Town of Ladysmith by the award of its Freedom to the Royal Navy on 4th April 2008.

Representing the Royal Navy will be Devonport Naval Base with a team to compete in the Ladysmith Swartkop Challenge – a competition to draw an original 1300kg field gun up a 1:1 slope against the clock. Competing for the perpetual trophy will be teams from the Irish Guards whose origins also stem from the Town and service teams from the South African Army, Police and Prison Services. Swartkopchallenge.com

For more information, visit Zulu.org.za.