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Anglo Zulu War
16 October - 27 October 2004
In 1879, with Britain at the peak of her Imperial power, Lord Chelmsford's three columns invaded Zululand to teach King Cetshwayo a lesson. Two professional armies with proven traditions, met and fought with startling results. At Islandlwana the Zulus inflicted upon the British the greatest defeat of theVictorian era; yet hours later the 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, tradition and innovations but above all, amazing individual bravery. The old Zulu nation was destroyed and British prestige badly dented. Walking the mainly unchanged ground is a memorable experience. The scenery is beautiful and we stand on these evocative battlefields where there are many stirring stories to be told, battle tactics and problems to be discussed and poignant cemeteries and memorials to be visited. The hospitality is outstanding and the wildlife enchanting.
Our guest speaker is Ian Knight, author of many superbly researched books on the campaign - among them the National Army Museum Book of the Zulu War - and a key contributor to TV's Timewatch and Secrets of the Dead. Having walked the battlefields over many years, he is the ideal guide to this fascinating period of Colonial history with extensive knowledge of the armies and cultures of both sides. Ian is a fellow of the Royal Geographical Society, an honorary Research Associate of the Natal Museum, and Vice-President of the Anglo-Zulu War Historical Society.
| Itinerary |
Day 1 (Saturday):
Fly London-Heathrow - Johannesburg- Durban.
Day 2:
Arrive Durban. Visit the Old Fort. Drive north along the coast to Shaka's Grave. Dinner and overnight Shortens Guest House.
Day 3:
Fort Pearson, the Ultimatuk Tree. The battle of Inyezane and Ginginlovu. The fory and military cemetery at Eshowe. Fort Nongqayi. Dinner, Zulu dancing and overnight, Shakaland.
Day 4:
An introduction to Zulu Culture. TO the Ulundi battlefield and Dingaan's Kroal. To Itala Game Reserve for dinner and overnight (3 nights).
Day 5:
Hlobane battlefield and Ntombi Spruit.
Day 6:
At leisure and game viewing
Day 7:
Kambula battlefield. Nqwebeni Valley. To the superb Islandlwana Lodge for dinner and overnight (4 nights).
Day 8:
The Battle of Isandlwana and Fugitive's Drift.
Day 9:
The Fugitive's Trail. The defence of Rorke's Drift.
Day 10:
The Prince Imperial's memorial. Blood River Museums. The Mangeni Falls.
Day 11:
To Johannesburg, via Majuba, for overnight return flight to London
Day 12:
Arrive London-Heathrow, early am.
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