Using Dundee as a base, any of the one day or half day tours may be combined to suit your personal requirements. Tailor made tours can also be designed for your specific requirements.

Guides with wide ranging and specific knowledge of events in this area conduct tours that bring our past alive.

Come and experience our beautiful country, our unique and varied military history and aspects of Zulu culture that haven’t changed much over the past century.
As you travel around with us, you will discover interesting cameos of a land rich in history, traditional culture and a quality of friendship that you never expected.

We offer 3 levels of tours:

  • For school groups
  • For those with a general interest who would like to visit the sites and hear the stories
  • For the military history specialist who would like to have lots of specific detail

Tours are offered in English, Afrikaans, Zulu and French.

When to visit

Any time of the year, but note that summer’s can be very hot.
You may wish to coincide a visit with some of the annual events that happen in the battlefields region.

Travel to Dundee the day before. Remember to wear suitable clothes and shoes for the terrain, a hat and sun protection. Carry water to drink.
You may wish to combine other tours to battle sites or places of interest in the area.

Why hire a guide? Although you can enjoy our area by yourselves you will benefit by hiring a professional guide to bring the history to life for you. Professional specialist guides will enhance your experience and share a wealth of local information with you that you might otherwise never experience.

All tours depart from and return to Talana Museum, unless otherwise indicated. There is secure, under cover parking for vehicles.

Special exclusive tours

We offer a very different view

Come and experience our beautiful country, our unique and varied military history and aspects of Zulu culture that haven’t changed much over the past century. As you travel with us you will discover interesting cameos of a land rich in history, traditional culture and a quality of friendship you never expected. Tours to the battlefields of the Anglo Zulu war of 1879 & Anglo Boer Wars 1899-1902 will create a lasting memories.

Our tours will take you on a journey of names and places that echo through history Isandlwana, Rorkes’ Drift, Majuba, Talana , Elandslaagte, Ladysmith, Spioenkop, Winston Churchill, Mahatma Gandhi, Louis Botha, Jan Smuts and many more. Join us on fully inclusive guided tours that include the battlefields, Zulu culture, game drives in reserves, moonlight tours, magnificent architecture and annual battle re-enactments. Sample our local cuisine and make life long friends. The limited numbers of our groups ensure personal, individual attention and also allow access to sites not possible in large vehicles.

All our tours depart from Dundee and we use superb and unique local accommodation. Transfers from Johannesburg or Durban airports can be arranged. Gazing out over the peaceful countryside today, let your imagination wander as our specialist and extremely knowledgeable guides bring the events of the past alive, right in front of your eyes. Come and see where your ancestors fought. These tranquil hills and rolling grasslands were once the scene of shattering conflicts that raged across this area. 68 battlefields and numerous cemeteries and memorials are testament to the “Gallant soldiers who endured incredible hardships, often only to perish on these sun drenched and blood stained lands.”

Dates to be advised

17:15 meet at Talana Museum. Drive to Ingudlane Lodge. Refreshments and snacks overlooking the battlefield of Talana. Here the story will start as you have a unique experience that is only available by special arrangement for access to this property. After this wonderful experience move on to Talana Museum and battlefield.

There is a very different atmosphere to the museum at night – and yes the ghosts do walk here. View the Anglo Zulu and Anglo Boer exhibits with commentary by your guide. Ann Smith will welcome you to her home on the slopes of Talana Hill, as will join her in the Edwardian drawing room of her home. Hear her tales of life on the frontier and how her family coped with the battle that raged across the farm.

Move out under the full moon on to the battlefield and experience unforgettable tales of this first battle of the Anglo Boer War of 1899-1902.
A delicious meal reminiscent of the bygone era will be enjoyed in the museum grounds (includes wine in your personalised commemorative glass), before departing to your local B&B.

Numbers are limited on this tour due to access into the Smith cottage drawing room—this is a special concession for this tour only as visitors normally view the room from the doorway. Minimum persons for tour to operate: 6

You may wish to add to this tour by making a weekend of it. Add any of the day tours in this brochure. Or you may wish to coincide this with other activities in the district. See the page of annual events, which highlight the cultural, sporting and historical heritage of our area.

  • Weekend closest to 22 January Battle re-enactment at Isandlwana
  • Weekend closest to end February Battle of Majuba re-enactment
  • Battle of Talana re-enactment: Talana Live 18 – 20 October

Full day tours

Three battlefields in 1 day

It will be my pleasure to take you the following Tours:

Full day tour – 1 to 10 persons R3300.00

Should you wish to travel with me, add R800.00 to be driven in the lovely new Renault Duster.
The battlefields are the following: Blood River, Isandlwana and Rorkes’ Drift.

As I am French je parle le Français.

Contact me for your personalised tour:

Elisabeth Durham

+27 342121014/ +27 72 779 5949
Email : dundee1@telkomsa.net


Starting from the museum at 8:30 you will hear accounts of the battle as you cross the lawns and walk up the face of Talana hill, following in the footsteps of the British soldiers. On top of the hill visit the Boer schanzes, the British fort built in August 1900 to defend Dundee against Louis Botha’s second invasion. Returning down the hill you will be able to see the museum exhibits relating to the battle as well as other exhibits in this multi faceted museum. After lunch in the Miners Rest travel 42km to visit the battle of Blood river site. By 1836 relations between the British rulers in the Cape and the Dutch settlers had reached an all- time low. They decided to pack-up their worldly goods load them onto covered wagons and head into the largely unknown interior of South Africa. Thus began in 1836 the exodus that would be recorded by history as ‘The Great Trek’! The north, west and eastward movement of this exodus of Trekkers, who became known as Voortrekkers inevitably led to conflict with the indigenous peoples who inhabited the hinterland.

Trek leader Piet Retief and his party were killed at King Dingane’s capital of Mgungundlovu in February 1838. In December of that year Andries Pretorius led a commando consisting of 464 men to a strategic site on the banks of the Ncome (‘Praiseworthy’) river. The commando formed a defensive position with their 64 wagons (known as a laager) and awaited the Zulu onslaught. The Zulu army attacked across the Ncome River their strength estimated to be between 12,000 and 15,000. This battle took place on Sunday 16th December 1838. In the ensuing struggle approximately 3000 brave Zulu warriors perished. So many died it is said that the river ran red with blood, hence the modern day name – Blood River! The Boer commando suffered no dead, only a small number of wounded. Today visitors can view a replica laager, with 64 life-size ox- wagons cast in bronze at the site of the Blood River/Ncome Battlefield.

Across the river is the Ncome memorial to the Zulu warriors who died in the battle. The Ncome Museum is a unique building, taking its shape from the Zulu battle formation, known as the ‘Horns of the Beast’, initiated by King Shaka Battle of Talana Starting from the museum at 8:30 you will go back into Dundee to visit sites associated with the battle. The position of the British camp, the mission station used as a British hospital, the cottage hospital, the positions of the artillery guns, St James Anglican church where Gen Sir William Penn Symons, who died of his wounds in the battle lies buried, the Anton von Wouw memorial to the Boer forces on the clock tower of the Dutch Reformed Church. You will also travel up to the top of Mpati mountain to experience the view that the Boer forces under Gen “Maroela” Erasmus had over the battlefield, and the probable position of the “Long Tom” cannon that the Boers brought down from Pretoria. From this vantage point the route which the British troops followed on their retreat to Ladysmith 2 days after the battle will be pointed out.

Return to the museum and hear further accounts of the battle as you cross the lawns and walk up the face of Talana hill, following in the footsteps of the British soldiers. On top of the hill visit the Boer schanzes, the British fort built in August 1900 to defend Dundee against Louis Botha’s second invasion. Returning down the hill you will be able to see the museum exhibits relating to the battle as well as other exhibits in this multifaceted museum. Tour finishes at 16:30.

Depart Dundee 8:15 Accompanied by experienced and knowledgeable guides from Dundee visit Talana Museum and battlefield on the outskirts of Dundee. Feel the atmosphere and experience history come alive as you follow your guide in the footsteps of the British soldiers across this blood drenched battlefield and up the walking trail on Talana hill. The battle of Talana was the first battle of the Anglo Boer War 1899-1902 and the battlefield, hill and British soldiers cemetery are all part of the heritage park. The museum set at the base of Talana hill has 27 buildings with a number of different exhibits ranging from the battle of Talana and the Anglo Boer War, Anglo Zulu war of 1879, the early San inhabitants of the area and their rock art, the national coal mining museum, a magnificent glass gallery and bead gallery. The Smith cottage is the home of one of the founders of the town, Peter Smith and the museum is on his original farm. Exhibits on the Great War 1914- 1918 and the Dundee and South African involvement, the 1913 Passive Resistance Movement, agriculture, a superb clothing collection and evocative Zulu cultural village, as well as the Smith family, pioneer and military cemetery are some of the experiences of this unique and fascinating museum.

After lunch in the 1912 Miner’s Rest restaurant travel to Elandslaagte – the second battlefield of the Anglo Boer War.
Just some of the interesting facts about these 2 battlefields that you will hear is that they are the only ones in which the British soldiers wore flashes on their helmets. As the coloured flash became a target for Boer sharpshooters they were removed, as were the metal officers insignia (which reflected in the sun and made officers a target). At Elandslaagte the Scottish troops covered their sporrans with khaki cloth to prevent them reflecting the sunlight and becoming a target for the Boers.
Stand on the hills at Elandslaagte, look out over the battlefield and allow your imagination to recreate the tremendous late afternoon storm, lightning, thunder, British troops attacking the hills, the Boer retreat and the charge of the British lancers into the ranks of the retreating Boers.
These tales and local stories related to these sites bring them alive as never before. Return to Dundee by 17:30.

As you are at Elandslaagte and the Memorial gate entrance to Nambiti Game Reserve you may wish to arrange an evening game drive before returning to Dundee. This needs to be arranged in advance.

Depart Dundee at 8:15 accompanied by an experienced and knowledgeable guide. Travel via Malonjeni and the site of the First World War soldier settlement scheme, to Nqutu and then view Isandlwana battlefield from the Nqutu heights. This is the commanding position from where the Zulu commanders controlled the battle. At St Vincent’s Mission visit the museum and then proceed onto the battlefield. Feel the atmosphere and experience history come alive as you follow your guide across this blood drenched battlefield. Travel on to Rorke’s Drift, en route hearing the tale of the skirmish at Sihayo’s kraal on 11 January and the story of Henry Harford and his beetle. Crossing the Buffalo river allow your imagination to travel back in time and see the soldiers crossing on the pont where you are in your vehicle. Lunch at Rorke’s Drift cafe.

Rorke’s Drift – the name echoes down through history. Relive this epic battle as your guide walks and talks you around the battlefield, the walled British cemetery and the Zulu mass burial sites. Your return to Dundee will enthral you with more tales as you travel either up the Helpmekaar heights or past St Augustines’ church (a superb missionary church), with time for a quick visit.

Discuss your options with the guide on booking whether you wish to visit Mangeni Falls or Fugitives Drift (this is only because 4
of time constraints) and your return route.

All these sites have amazing stories and atmosphere. Hear not only the history but the local traditions related to these sites. Return to Dundee by 17:30.

This tour includes either Kambula or Ntombi Drift. Please indicate at time of booking which option you prefer.
Depart from Dundee at 8:00am. In the early hours of 28 March 1879 two British columns mounted an attack on the abaQulusi stronghold on Hlobane Mountain. Their advance was observed by the abaQulusi and their allies who attacked the one section of the British force on the summit, forcing the British to retreat down a mass of enormous boulders now known as “Devil’s Pass”. While the battle was in progress, the main Zulu army appeared while en route to attack the British camp at Khambula and a section was detached to join the battle. They advanced up Ntshenteka Nek and attacked another section of the British force, which suffered heavy casualties.

On the 29 March 1879 some 22 000 Zulu warriors attacked the fortified British position at Khambula. The Battle started at 13:30 and ended around 17:30 when Zulus were driven off and pursued by horsemen until dark. The Zulus suffered heavy casualties in the battle, which basically broke the willpower of the Zulu Army to attack the British in force again until the Battle of Ulundi.

At Myer’s Drift on the eNtombe River, in the very early hours in the morning a Zulu force led by Chief Mbelini attacked a military convoy encamped on the banks of the river en route to Lüneburg. The convoy was overrun and most of the men and wagon drivers massacred with only a handful of men lead by Sgt Booth fighting their way out. Return to Dundee by 17:00

Depart from Dundee at 8:15 for Isandlwana battlefield via Nqutu. Look down on the battlefield as you drive down the Nqutu heights – the same view the Zulu commanders would have had on the day of the battle. Visit St Vincent’s mission church, view the museum at the interpretation centre and then move on to the battlefield itself. On the site hear the amazing story of this battle fought under an eclipse of the sun. View the many memorials to the Zulu forces, British and colonial troops. From the nek walk in the footsteps of the British soldiers who survived this battle along the route known as the Fugitives Trail. As you walk down to the Manyanzama river, you will stop and hear the story of the men who fought the Last Stand and acknowledge their bravery next to the cairns that mark their final resting place, you will see the site where the British guns were captured, then turn and follow the river to the cairn that marks the spot where 4 men of the Royal Engineers lost their lives. From here you will travel up to the Isandlwana Lodge for lunch – and the magnificent view over the battlefield. Here you will hear tales of the Zulu commanders and Zulu aspects of the battle. En route back to Dundee you will visit the Mangeni Falls and hear this fascinating story – not only related to the battle but the traditional Zulu tale of how the falls got their name. Return to Dundee by 17:00
Depart Dundee at 8:15 via the Isibindi Falls and the lookout over the Rorke’s Drift valley to Isandlwana at Helpmekaar. Then proceed down the Hoehoek Pass to Rorke’s Drift. This pass was so named as in the days of wagon transport, drivers had to hold fast to the reins so that the animals did not go too fast. You will understand why as you proceed down this pass. Along the way you will hear the tales of the cannibals who lived in this area in the early 1800’s as well as the tales of the widow of Piet Retief, the Voortrekker leader, who built her home here.

At Rorke’s Drift you will visit the many places associated with the battle (Zulu cemetery, British cemetery, Zulu memorial) and hear the story of this renowned battle where just over 100 British soldiers fought a 12 hour battle against an attacking force of 4000 Zulus. Fascinating and unforgettable. You will also get a chance to visit the church erected after the battle and the grave of James Rorke who gave his name to the site. How did he really die? Hear all the differing accounts.

After lunch at Rorke’s Drift visit the drift on the Buffalo river visit the site and remains of Fort Melville, the river crossing, the site of Fort Northampton and the military cemetery. Then travel via back roads, which give you an amazing view of rural Zululand to St Augustines mission church. From here on your way back to Dundee you will see Vant’s Drift on the Buffalo river (one of the crossings used in both the Anglo Zulu and Anglo Boer wars), the site of the Buffalo Border Police Post and their gun position that overlooked the river and hear the tale of this amazing local militia force. Return to Dundee 16:30.

Depart Dundee 8:15 for a visit to Rorke’s Drift and Rock Art. You will travel towards Rorke’s Drift and hear tales of the “Blue Pig”, the gold mining village at Malonjeni, and why there is an agricultural research station outside Dundee. Stop briefly near the outlook post where the Buffalo Border Guard had their gun position and then the Buffalo Border Police Post at Vant’s Drift and the actual river crossing. Turn towards Rorke’s Drift and admire the views as they open up in front of you of Shiyane “the eyebrow” or the Oskarberg, which stands guard at Rorke’s Drift and then Isandlwana proudly against the skyline in the distance.

At Rorke’s Drift you will visit the many places associated with the battle (Zulu cemetery, British cemetery, Zulu memorial) and hear the story of this renowned battle where just over 100 British soldiers fought a 12 hour battle against an attacking force of 4000 Zulus. Fascinating and unforgettable. You will also get a chance to visit the church erected after the battle and the grave of James Rorke who gave his name to the site. How did he really die? Hear all the differing accounts.

Visit Fugitives Drift, where the solitary cross marks the memorial to Lieut’s Coghill and Melvill. After lunch at Rorkes Drift hotel with its magnificent view down to the Buffalo river crossing continue to Nxala ranch for a view of Bushman/San paintings. Your guide will explain the symbolism of rock art, the daily life and culture of the San/Bushman in this area. Enjoy afternoon cream tea here before returning to Dundee. Rural Zululand After breakfast, we travel towards the rural areas of Zululand. The scenery is breath taking with spectacular views of deep valleys, high mountains and plateaus. Nature lovers will enjoy the variety of plants, trees and grasses. The flowering aloes in winter are also a “must see”. There is plenty for bird lovers too. The area boasts many bird species. Depending on your interests, we can visit paintings of the Bushmen that once roamed and hunted in the area. These painting are rarely viewed and few are known about. A visit to a rural homestead is the highlight of the day.

THIS IS NOT PRE-ARRANGED – The visit is completely informal, not at all “set up” and you see the Zulu people the way they live everyday in these rural areas. The guide will give detailed explanations of Zulu customs – handshakes, greetings, marriage etc and act as interpreter so that you may ask questions and gain an understanding of traditional rural life and customs. Remember that there are no toilets in the areas, so one must be prepared to use the bush.

Request a packed lunch from your B&B. Return to Dundee by 17:00.

The rallying cry of British troops at the battle of Elandslaagte 17 years after this battle fought on a mountain top on the border of Natal in February 1881. From Dundee depart at 8:15 to Newcastle and a visit to Fort Amiel, built in 1876 by the 80th Stafford Volunteers. It served as a commissariat depot, transit camp, and hospital during the Anglo-Zulu War and the Transvaal War of Independence. Constructed on a knoll overlooking the original wagon drift across the Ncandu River it had a good view over the town of Newcastle. Sold in 1882 it fell into disuse. During the Anglo-Boer War it was occupied by the British who again used it as a transit camp, military hospital and commissariat. In 1979 the site was declared a National Monument, restoration begun and the museum installed.

Continue to Majuba mountain. In the mountain pass we will stop for a brief look at O’Neill’s cottage where the peace treaty was signed to end this war. At the base of the hill listen to first part of the tale of this battle and then climb the hill. As you progress so your guide will tell you further elements of this battle. On top of the hill, while you catch your breathe and admire the view, your guide will finish the tale of this battle and then walk you around various points of interest on the top of the mountain.

Please note that the climb up Majuba along the path is steep and rocky and it will take at least 3 hours to climb up, look around, and climb down. Points of interest on other mountain tops will also be pointed to give you an indication of the lines of communication, supplies etc.
After descending the mountain you will stop briefly at Mount Prospect, the site of the British camp and the cemetery. Return to Newcastle via the Schuinshoogte battlefield and cemetery and then back to Dundee.

Note that Fort Amiel museum is closed on Saturday afternoons and Sundays. You may also wish to discuss with your guide the option of not climbing Majuba mountain but hearing the tale from the base of the hill.

Depart from Dundee at 8:00. Visit Ladysmith, under siege for 118 days and described by Churchill as “famous to the uttermost ends of the earth: centre of the world’s attention, scene of famous deeds, the cause of mighty efforts”. In the fascinating Siege Museum you will be able to get an insight into what it was like living in Ladysmith, of the weapons and tactics used by both sides and of the battles fought. Visit the Soldiers Church before continuing on to Spionkop battlefield, one of the most famous and bloody of the battles. Spionkop, “the acre of massacre”, occupied by the British in the early hours of the 24th January 1900 and fought over desperately by Boer and British for all that day until nightfall. The British withdrawal left over 330 of their men dead and many more wounded in their trenches. Listen to the heartrending tales of confusion, bravery, missed opportunities, introduction of new battle tactics as you move around the battle site, inspect the monuments to Boer and British, and stand in silence at the long mass grave of the British.

From here you return to Ladysmith for lunch before visiting Platrand, a long ridge overlooking Ladysmith made up of two features, Caeser’s Camp on the east and Wagon Hill and Wagon Point on the west. These positions were the scene of a determined Boer attack in the early hours of 6th January 1900 and equally determined British defence. The battle eventually ended in a tremendous rainstorm in the late afternoon which enabled the British to finally gain control with the famous “Charge of the Devons”. You will have the chance to visit the numerous monuments to the men of both sides, inspect the remains of the British defences, Fort Manchester, the position of 42nd Battery’s guns and the gun emplacement for the “Lady Ann” on Wagon Point. This latter position is often overgrown and the access path is rough, making it difficult to reach.

Note the Ladysmith Siege Museum is closed on Saturday afternoons and Sundays and so cannot always be included in the tour. Longer time will be spent on Platrand and include a number of different sites with the tale of the desperate battle fought in a raging thunder storm in January 1900. Return to Dundee by 17:30.

Depart from Dundee at 8:00 and start your tour in the Siege Museum at Ladysmith as an orientation to the battles fought to attack, defend and relieve this town. We will also visit the Anglican Church (Soldiers Church) in Ladysmith where the walls of the nave are lined with marble plaques bearing the names of all the Imperial and Colonial soldiers that died in the Siege and battles to relieve Ladysmith. (The church is only open in the mornings by appointment)

As you drive along the modern road through the Tugela Heights visit some of the many memorials along the roadside, including the the “Gun Site” at Colenso and the cemetery at Clouston before visiting military cemetery at Chieveley (site of No4 Military hospital) where young “Freddy” Roberts is buried. Continue on to the site where the Armoured Train was ambushed and young Winston Churchill was captured. Consider the British troops climbing and marching through these hills in the height of summer 1899 and 1900. From here continue on to Winterton with a lunch stop and then on to Spioenkop battlefield. Listen to the heartrending tales of confusion, bravery, missed opportunities, introduction of new battle tactics as you move around the battle site, inspect the monuments to Boer and British, and stand in silence at the long mass grave of the British.

Spionkop, “the acre of massacre”, occupied by the British in the early hours of the 24th January 1900 and fought over desperately by Boer and British for all that day until nightfall. The British withdrawal left over 330 of their men dead and many more wounded in their trenches. The Boer forces had also withdrawn, but climbed the mountain again during the night, found it empty of living men and so claimed victory.

Return to Dundee late afternoon.

Half Day Tours

Three battlefields in 1 day

It will be my pleasure to take you the following Tours:

Half a day tour – 1 to 10 persons R2800.00

Should you wish to travel with me, add R800.00 to be driven in the lovely new Renault Duster.
The battlefields are the following: Blood River, Isandlwana and Rorkes’ Drift.

As I am French je parle le Français.

Contact me for your personalised tour:

Elisabeth Durham

+27 342121014/ +27 72 779 5949
Email : dundee1@telkomsa.net


Depart Dundee at 8:15 via Nquthu. Visit the site where the young Prince Impérial, Louis Napoléon of France met his untimely fate on I June 1879, in the closing stages of the Anglo-Zulu War of 1879. His poignant monument in the picturesque countryside is also the place where his mother (the Empress Eugénie) spent a solitary night on the anniversary of his death a year later. For details of the French Presence/Prince Imperial brochure, the Prince Imperial rose, the Prince Imperial wine and for further revelations about the other French Presences (the French Presence of the Anglo-Boer War, the French missionary order of the Oblates of Mary Immaculate, the French Augustinian Sisters) and the project’s accompanying community outreaches along the N3, consult: www.princeimperial.co.za

This half day tour from Dundee may be combined with either the Talana Museum and battlefield or Ncome/Blood River.

Talana Museum is situated on the outskirts of the town of Dundee, on the Talana Battlefield, site of the original farmstead of Peter Smith. The town of Dundee was named by Peter Smith one of the founders who came from a small village near Dundee, Scotland. The Smith Cottage has been restored and furnished with period accuracy. Talana House, built in 1894, exhibits artefacts from the earliest inhabitants of the area, as well as the military history of the Voortrekkers in the Endumeni valley and the Anglo-Zulu and Anglo-Boer Wars, with emphasis on the battle of Talana. The combined Museum complex which also incorporates within its precincts the Kwakunje Cultural Village is a living vibrant place that gives a whole new meaning to the commonly held view and concept of ‘Museum’! The red brick Henderson Hall contains a magnificent glass and bead collection, the Chamber of Mines Coal Museum and the Iscor Hall of Mining. A typical coalminer’s home of the 1920’s was relocated to the museum from the Ballengeich Colliery, and now houses the Miner’s Rest Restaurant. Exhibits on the “Great War” and the 1913 Passive Resistance Movement put the people and role of Dundee in the context of major world events. The Museum Shop sells many items produced by local crafters as well as a comprehensive stock of books on the history of the area. Open weekdays 8:00-16:30. Weekends and public holidays 9:00-16:30. You may hire a guide for your visit, which will enhance the exhibits and battlefield experience or you may do the museum as a self guided visit.

Allow at least 3-4 hours.

Special Tours

A one day trip to visit local Zulu’s in their homes, buy or admire Zulu crafts, enjoy magnificent scenery and learn about the culture and lifestyle of the Zulu people. This day is very flexible and can be adjusted to suit your requirements.

Contact Pat Rundgren

034 212 4560 / 072 803 2885
gunners@trustnet.co.za

A tour to the sites of the burial of 5 Zulu kings and Queen Nandi – King Shaka’s mother.

San Safaris Southern Africa

Cell: 084 555 9600

www.sansafaris.co.za

A good tour for a morning, includes Talana or Mpati Hill, the Oaks Dam and possibly Cotswold. The area boasts many bird species and awesome scenery. Remember to wear suitable clothes and shoes for the terrain, a hat and sun protection. There are no toilets in the areas, so one must be prepared to use the bush. Don’t forget your binoculars and birding books to tick the box.
Dundee and the surrounding area is rich in history and numerous historical buildings and sites are a testament to our past heritage. If only these buildings could talk – but your guide can and will keep you enthralled with the stories and the people associated with the buildings. Departs Monday to Saturday from in front of the Royal hotel at 17:15. There are a number of other heritage trails in and around the town. These need vehicle access. The heritage trail brochure is available from the Tourism Office or Talana Museum.
Drive through the Wasbank valley to the magnificent site of Maria Ratschitz mission at the base of Hlatikulu mountain. Established in 1882 this out station of Marianhill, has a wonderful history. The cathedral-like church has decorated interior walls, which have been restored to their original magnificence. This peaceful place nestled in the foothills of the Biggarsberg Mountains was founded and built by the Trappists under the leadership of Abbot Francis Pfanner, in 1890. The community around the mission flourished and many skills were imparted – farming, carpentry, metal work and general building. In 1892 a primary, senior and boarding school were established. The children received an excellent education.

As a consequence of forced removals in 1968 the entire complex ceased to function and went into decline. The uninhabited buildings turned slowly into ruins. The majestic church also deteriorated. In 1996 after receiving a large anonymous donation from Germany for the specific purpose of restoring the church and mission, the Diocese of Dundee embarked on the restoration of Maria Ratschitz. In the year 2000 the work was completed and today the visitor can truly enjoy the peace and solitude of this special place. The gardens are lovingly cared for and many have described this oasis in the wilderness as a little piece of paradise! The restoration of the buildings and site have been remarkable over the past 20 years.

Depart Dundee 8:30 for Elandskraal. On route stop at lookout over Isibindi Falls. Then travel to the viewpoint overlooking the Elandskraal and Rorke’s Drift valley. Hear the stories of Helpmekaar, just behind you – from both 1879 and 1899 and the San/Bushman people who lived in this area. Drive into Helpmekaar village and visit the 1879 cemetery. From here drive along the road towards Elandskraal. Visit Itshe lamazimu, the cannibal rock, where “people were kept until needed for the cooking pot”. Moving down the pass visit Wezandla handcrafts and see local people making wire work baskets and beadwork. This project is a success story has created beautiful items and created numerous jobs, providing income into an impoverished area. Leaving Wezandla you will hear further tales of cannibals in the area in the early 1800’s. At Elandskraal village, the centre of German missionaries from the mid 19th century, has a superb church, interesting cemetery and a trading store that echoes time past, particularly on month ends with the pension pay outs. Here you will see local people in their traditional dress, watch maize being ground and donkeys emerge from the white cloud laden with sacks of flour. The trading store is an eye opening view into life in rural areas.

Continue on to Nazareth church, another of the German mission churches in the valley. Heading towards Rorke’s Drift we will stop on a private farm to see one of the sites where Zulu warriors sharpened their assegais. If you are lucky you might see the otter who lives in this stream.

Our lunch stop will be at Rorkes Drift. After lunch and a visit to the battle site we return to Dundee. The return route takes us past the position where the Buffalo Border Guard had their guns overlooking Vants Drift, the vanished gold mining village at Malonjeni, and the reasons for the establishment of the Dundee research station.

Driving back into Dundee you approach from the east side of Talana hill. Hear a brief account of the battle as you see the hills and mountains that played a pivotal role in the battle. You will be back in Dundee by 16:30.

Visit selected churches and military cemeteries in the region. This can be tailor made to suit your specific interest relating to military regiments, family connections or any other reason. Victoria Cross tour Visit the battlefields where brave men won the highest award for bravery – the Victoria Cross. Instituted by Queen Victoria at the time of the Crimean War, this is still the highest award for bravery in the British armed forces. The battlefields of Elandslaagte and Wagon hill at Ladysmith, hold the memory of acts of unbelievable bravery, where men laid down their lives to protect their fellow soldiers.

Game drives in the reserve at Ingudlane (Dundee) and Nambiti (between Ladysmith and Dundee) are available.

Contact Ingudlane Lodge for further information and bookings.
TEL: 034 218 5094 | CELL: 082 879 7734 | E-MAIL: info@ingudlane.co.za | www.ingudlane.co.za

Contact Springbok Lodge in Nambiti reserve.
Tel: 036 637 9604 | Cell: 083 321 0375 | reservations@thespringboklodge.co.za | www.thespringboklodge.co.za