In 1879, with Britain at the height of her imperial power, Lord Chelmsford’s three columns invaded Zululand to teach the Zulu King Cetwayo a lesson. Two professional armies with proven traditions met and fought with startling results. At Isandlwana the Zulus inflicted on the British the greatest defeat of the Victorian era; yet hours later the small number of defenders at Rorke’s Drift drove off repeated Zulu attacks. In the end technical superiority triumphed over bare courage.

It is a story of arrogance, determination, traditions and innovations but above all amazing individual bravery. The old Zulu nation was destroyed and British prestige badly dented.

After many years we believe we now have the definitive Zulu War tour and in Ian Knight we have the ideal guide. He has written a number of superb books on the war and on Zulu culture and has been walking the ground for more than 30 years. He is an enthusiastic communicator and very good company. We spend 2 nights at a charming Guest House with wonderful food, on the beach facing the Indian Ocean; 2 nights at Shakaland; 3 nights at the Itala Game Reserve; and 4 nights at the superb Isandlwana Lodge where all the rooms overlook the battlefield and mountain.

ITINERARY
Day 1 (Tuesday): Overnight flight from London to Johannesburg.
Day 2: Fly to Durban. Lunch at a restaurant by the harbour. We then visit the Old Fort, built in early days of the Natal settlement. Drive up the coast to The Old Boat House, Ballito.
Day 3: The Southern column: We visit the Ultimatum Tree and Fort Pearson, high above the Tugela River. Lunch in Ballito and free time to swim or walk on the beach.
Day 4: Today we visit the battlefields of Gingindlovu and Inyezane, and drive up to the mission station at Eshowe, converted to a fort by the men of Pearson’s column. Overnight at Shakaland with Zulu dancing after dinner.
Day 5: We drive deep into Zulu country to visit Cetshwayo’s grave. After lunch we are introduced to the culture and customs of the Zulu people.
Day 6: To Ulundi, the final battle of the Zulu War, and the royal homestead at Ondini. Then drive north to Itala Game Reserve
Day 7: This morning we visit Ntombi Spruit, scene of the destruction of the supply column.
After lunch we join Wood’s column at Hlobane to hear about the confusion and tragedy on the mountain.
Day 8: If you are fit enough you can make an early start and walk right across Hlobane mountain and down the Devils Pass. Or have free time at Itala. There will be an early evening Game Drive.
Day 9: We explore the battlefield of Kambula and contrast the success there with the shambles of Hlobane.
Day 10: Travel by way of Blood River to the memorial to the death of the Prince Imperial. and on to Isandlwana Lodge.
Days 11 & 12: During these two days we hear the full story of the battle of Isandlwana, including the Ngwebeni Valley and the spur where the Zulu commander controlled his regiments’ attacks. The outpost line and the memorial to the artillery; Black’s Koppie, Younghusband’s plateau and Durnford’s Donga. We drive out to the hills where Lord Chelsmford took half his force to look for the Zulu army, You can follow the Fugitive’s Trail if you are fit enough and the river is not too high, or hear the story from the heights above the river at Fugitives Drift.
Day 13: This is a full day at Rorkes Drft. Down at the Buffalo river crossing, and at the mission station the great story will be enthrallingly told by Ian as the great climax to the dramatic events of 1879.
Day 14: Return to Johnnesburg with lunch en route. Overnight return flight to London
Day 15: Early morning arrival at London Heathrow.