The Anglo Zulu War 1879
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15 - 28 April 2008 |
| The Anglo Zulu War of 1879 remains one of the best known 'little wars' in the history of the later British Empire. First annexed during the Napoleonic Wars, the Cape of Good Hope's vital position on the route to India ensured that the British maintained their grip but it 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.
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| In early 1879, with Britain at the peak 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 upon 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. |
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Walking the largely unchanged ground of the Anglo Zulu War is a memorable experience. The scenery is beautiful and we visit all the battle sites of the war, discussing the men and armies, study the battle tactics of both sides including the defence of Rorke's Drift, 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. We spend 2 nights at a charming guest house with wonderful food, on the beach facing the Indian Ocean; 4 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: We begin with Titan's VIP Home Departure Service™ to the airport. Fly London-Johannesburg. |
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| Day 2 |
We arrive at Johannesburg early in the morning and fly on to Durban. Our first visit is to the Old Fort where we consider the early days of the Natal settlement. We then drive north up the coast to Ballito where will be staying for 2 nights. |
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| Day 3 |
To Stanger, where King Shaka was killed We visit his memorial and learn about the early relations between the British settlers and the Zulus. Then on to Fort Pearson, high above the Tugela River, the boundary in 1879 between Natal and Zululand, before visiting the site of the Ultimatum Tree on the Natal bank of the Tugela. We will drive back to Ballito for lunch and you will then have time for a swim, a walk on the beach or just chill out until dinner.
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| Day 4 |
Today visit the battlefields of Gingindlovu and Inyezane and then drive up to the mission station at Eshowe, converted to a fort by the men of Pearson’s column. We will see the remains of the Fort, visit the small, sad cemetery and hear the story of the siege and relief. We will have lunch at Fort Nongqai and visit the small museum. We will spend the night at Shakaland where we have an introduction to Zulu culture and a dancing display after dinner.
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| Day 5 |
The battle of Ulundi was the final confrontation of the war and there is a small memorial park where we will hear details of the battle which led to the destruction of the great Zulu kingdom. Ondini was the Royal homestead during the campaign and we visit the recreation of part of it and the small museum. We will have a picnic lunch on our way north to the Itala Game Reserve where we stay for 4 nights.
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| Day 6 |
This morning we examine what happened at Hlobane, placing this battle in context as another disaster for the British. We will have lunch back at Itala before taking a Game Drive though this beautiful area.
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| Day 7 |
Today you will have the chance to walk right across Hlobane mountain and down the Devil's Leap. Alternatively you are free to take one of the walks around the camp, another game drive or just relax.
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| Day 8 |
Today we study two contrasting actions; the small tragic attack on the wagons at Ntombe Spruit and the battle at Kambula where the humiliation of Hlobane was avenged.
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| Day 9 |
As we drive towards the best known battlefields of the Zulu War, we hear the story of the Great Trek, standing in the wagon lager at Blood River. We then visit the lonely memorial to the Prince Imperial, killed on patrol as Lord Chelmsford’s column marched towards Ulundi. We will receive a warm welcome at the beautiful Isandlwana Lodge, a wonderful setting for the last 4 nights of our journey. |
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| Day 10 and 11 |
During these two days we hear the full story of the battle of Isandlwana. First, the Ngwebeni Valley and the spur where the Zulu commander controlled his regiments’ attacks and where you get a marvellous overview of the whole battle area. 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, and you will be free to walk the area of the camp with its many poignant cairns and memorials. You can follow the Fugitive’s Trail if you are fit enough and we will all see the crossing point of the Buffalo River at Fugitives Drfit and visit the memorial to Coghill and Melville.
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| Day 12 |
This is 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 enthralling, told by Ian as the great climax to the dramatic events of 1879.
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| Day 13 |
We drive back to Durban; discuss the Bambatha rebellion and visit the memorial. Fly Durban Johannesburg, then Johannesburg - London.
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| Day 14 |
On arrival in London Titan staff will greet you and transfer you to your Titan VIP Home Departure Service™ for your return journey home to your front door.
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