The Battlefields of KwaZulu Natal
The legacy of our KwaZulu Natal’s critical, blood-soaked conflicts today lives peacefully reconciled in this fascinating region's myriad Battlefield Sites, Historic Towns, National Monuments and Museums.
The area is aptly known as the KwaZulu Natal Battlefields region.
The battlefields region has a well-established tourism infrastructure, museums, preserved battle sites and many quality accommodation establishments from Bed and Breakfasts to Luxury Lodges.
While our knowledgeable and friendly guides guarantee hour upon hour of captivating company, they look forward to sharing with you our insights, enthusiasm and know-how... plus a truly memorable South African experience!
Other interesting activities in the battlefields region include archaeology, birding, horse riding, mountain biking, photography, walking and trekking, white water rafting, game viewing and visiting cultural villages to learn more about Zulu culture and Zulu history.
Anglo Zulu War of 1879.
Set in a time when Britain was rapidly expanding her colonial interests, the Anglo-Zulu War of 1879 remains one of the most dramatic in both British and South African history, and has been immortalised in two feature films, Zulu and Zulu Dawn.
During the latter half of 1878, Lord Chelmsford, K.C.B., the Lieut. General commanding the British Forces in South Africa, transferred his headquarters from the Cape Colony to Pietermaritzburg, the capital of Natal, while steps were taken to strengthen the British forces there, including the transfer of both battalions of the 24th Regiment from the eastern frontier. In all, eight battalions of regular British troops were available, supported by several batteries of Royal Artillery and supplemented by mounted colonial volunteers, as well as blacks recruited in Natal, the latter to form what was known as the Natal Native Contingent.
When it appeared that hostilities were a distinct probability, a general plan for the invasion of Zululand was prepared and steps taken to position the troops in order to put it into action. The main objective was to occupy the Zulu royal kraal at Ulundi by advancing on it from three directions, in an operation similar to the Zulu tactic of attacking from three sides by means of the main force or chest in the centre and extended left and right horns on each side. An ultimatum was issued to the Zulus at the drift over the lower Tugela River on 11 December 1878, in effect that the Zulus were to disband their army, and if not, it was the British intention to disband it for them.
Anglo Boer War 1899-1902
One of the most significant events in the history of South Africa was the Anglo-Boer War of 1899-1902.
Although the protagonists were Britain and the two Boer Republics, those of the Free State and the Transvaal,the population of South Africa as a whole became embroiled in the war either directly or indirectly.
It started conventionally, pitting the two small Boer Republics against Britain, backed by her colonies of Natal and the Cape. Both sides anticipated victory within weeks, but battle succeeded battle and casualty lists lengthened. Colonial troops from Canada, Australia and New Zealand (for their first combat experience outside their own countries) reinforced the British Divisions. Republican sympathy brought the Boers medical assistance and fighting volunteers from America, Ireland, Germany, Italy, France and the Scandinavian countries
On 9 October 1899 the “Zuid Afrikaansche Republiek” (or Transvaal Republic) issued an ultimatum to Britain and two days later, on 11 October, the war was officially declared between Britain and the Boers.
The first phase of the war was one of set-piece battles, but from July 1900 onwards the Boers changed tactics and they conducted a very efficient guerrilla war that kept nearly 450 000 British troops occupied until 1902. The Boers were conquered in the end, but a great deal of property and lives were lost on both sides. It was the bloodiest, longest and most expensive war Britain engaged in between 1815 and 1915. It cost more than 200 million pounds and more than 22 000 men were lost to Britain. The Boers lost over 34 000 people. More than 15 000 black people were killed.
Zulu Culture
Much of the Battlefields region has to do with Zulu Culture.
The Zulu traditions and culture are as much a way of life as they are a tourist attraction. The Zulu, which means “heaven”, are a proud nation that treasure their heritage, are friendly and always hospitable; displaying an unyielding loyalty to their inkosi (traditional leader). The Zulu language is rich and expressive, very often punctuated with distinctive click sounds.
The Zulu are descended from the Nguni people, who lived in central and east Africa.
During the 16th and 17th centuries the Nguni moved south, and a small group settled in the fertile valleys of Zululand. One of these settlers was Malandela, whose wife bore him two sons, the second of which was named Zulu (Heaven). He was, by all accounts, a spirited and determined young man, and his marriage signalled the beginning of a new clan, with all their descendants proudly perpetuating the name of Zulu.
It was the emergence of the warrior King Shaka that united the amaZulu, forging feuding farmers and cattle herders into a proud and powerful nation.
The military influence of the Shaka regime is reflected in demonstrations of stick fighting (umshiza), with which the male teenagers and men settle their personal differences in a public duel; while a spirit healer (sangoma) plays a respected and meaningful role in the life of a Zulu community by using roots, herbs, bark, and other natural harvests to reveal the past, predict the future and cure ailments.
Dancing and singing is very much a part of the lifestyle of the Zulu people, and each dance formation or movement symbolizes an event or happening within the clan.
