ISANDLWANA AND RORKE ’ S DRIFT BATTLEFIELDS
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ISANDLWANA AND RORKE ’ S DRIFT BATTLEFIELDS
By Ann Anglesea of Delmar World
Whilst reflecting on my recent visit to South Africa trying to decide what part was the highlight of the 3 week adventure . I considered that it could be exploring the outstanding Grootbos Nature Reserve overlooking the beautiful rugged coast of Walkers Bay where the Southern Right Whales can be seen from the shore .
But then the sheer indulgent Luxury of the Rovos Rail journey from Cape Town to Pretoria was amazing ! So too was the incredible Mont Rochelle Hotel in Franschoek where the food and wine-tasting experiences were outstanding …… In the end though , I knew it had to be my stay at Fugitive ’ s Drift Lodge , a very special place set in 5000 acre Natural Heritage Site , overlooking both Isandlwana and Rorke ’ s Drift , and includes the site where Lieutenants Melvill and Coghill lost their lives attempting to save the Queen ’ s Colour of their regiment .
On our first day , we headed out to Isandlwana in a Range Rover with our knowledgeable guide , who felt more like a family friend . He drove into the World Heritage Site and set up 3 chairs in the shade of a tree . We sat with a mug of coffee and some homemade biscuits from the Lodge for over an hour ( maybe two ) whilst he told us all about the battle and how it unfolded . We were mesmerised by the remarkable story of the fantastic Zulu victory and took time to walk to the cave where the last British soldier died . The white stones along the battlefields marked the areas where the bones of the soldiers were gathered together .
On our second day we visited Rouke ’ s Drift , which prior to this visit conjured up memories of the film ‘ Zulu ’ starring Michael Caine which , if I am not mistaken , will soon be on our televisions as Christmas approaches !
As I walked around the site and into the hospital building ( reconstructed ) listening to stories about the individuals whose bravery and determination was hard to imagine and made me feel honoured to be there and feel part of their plight albeit without the danger !. It is incredible to think that 139 British Soldiers were attacked by 4,000 Zulu warriors , winning more Victoria Crosses than in any other battle in history .
The Battlefields can be visited from Durban and incorporated into a longer itinerary to South Africa . Whether you are a real history buff or simply a curious traveller like me , this will remain one of my travel highlights for years and years to come .
Top Tips :
• Hire a 4 x 4 for the drive as it involves a lot of inclines and some rough tracks
• Make sure you have at least 2 nights otherwise you will not see everything
• Take warm clothing as some of the tours start early before the sun warms the atmosphere
• Read about David Rattray , the founder of Fugitive ’ s Drift – He is the master of this story .
54 wirrallife . com