The Anglo Zulu War remains one of the best known 'little wars' in the history of the later British Empire. First annexed in the Napoleonic Wars, the Cape of Good Hope's vital position on the route to India ensured that the British maintained their grip, but South Africa never rivalled India in importance to the Crown, or successive British governments. And yet the battles between Queen Victoria's red-coated battalions and the lightly-armed Zulu forces have remained in the memory of both adversaries as few other imperial events have done.

In 1879, with Britain at the height of her imperial power, Lord Chelmsford's three columns invaded Zululand to teach the Zulu King Cetshwayo 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.

Walking the largely unchanged ground is a memorable experience. The scenery is beautiful and we visit all the battle sites of the war; discussing the men and armies, the battle tactics of both sides, the problems, successes and failures.

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. His most recent book is Zulu Rising, a re-assessment of the Battle of Isandlwana.

ITINERARY
Day 1 (Monday): We take the overnight flight from London to Johannesburg.
Day 2: Internal flight to Durban. The Southern column: The Ultimatum Tree and Fort Pearson, high above the Tugela River. Dinner and overnight in Ballito on the Indian Ocean coast.
Day 3: The battlefields of Gingindlovu and Inyezane, drive up to the mission station at Eshowe, converted to a fort by the men of Pearson's column. Lunch at Fort Nongqai. Overnight at Shakaland with Zulu dancing after dinner.
Day 4: We drive deep into Zulu country to visit Cetshwayo's grave. After lunch at Shakaland we are introduced to the culture and customs of the Zulu people.
Day 5: Ulundi, the final battle of the Zulu War. The royal homestead at Ondini. Picnic lunch before moving on to Itala Game Reserve for a 4 night stay.
Day 6: Ntombi Spruit with time to walk around this little known action – wade across and explore both sides! We have a splendid home cooked lunch before we rejoin Wood's column at Hlobane to hear about the confusion and tragedy on the mountain.
Day 7: If you are fit enough you can make an early start and walk right across Hlobane mountain and down the Devil's Pass. For the less adventurous there are pleasant walks around the camp and time to relax. A game drive in the afternoon amid spectacular views.
Day 8: We explore the battlefield of Kambula and contrast the success there with the shambles of Hlobane.
Day 9: Travel by way of Blood River to the memorial to the death of the Prince Imperial. On to Isandlwana for a 4 night stay at the beautiful lodge overlooking the iconic mountain, with the battlefield spread out below you.
Days 10 & 11: 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. There is time to visit 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 Fugitives' 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 where we visit the memorial to Coghill and Melville.
Day 12: A full day at Rorke's Drift and there is much to see. 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 1897.
Day 13: Return to Johannesburg with a picnic lunch en route. Overnight return flight to London.
Day 14: Early morning arrival at London Heathrow.