Ian Fletcher Battlefield Tours

Agemus Agenda

The Anglo-Zulu and Anglo-Boer Wars

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It’s been a few years since we lasted travelled to South Africa so this tour is long overdue. The tour covers the best of the Anglo-Zulu and Anglo-Boer Wars, two dramatic colonial wars that involved the British army in some of its most famous battles. Indeed, they don’t come more famous than Rorke’s Drift, immortalised by Michael Caine and Stanley Baker in the film, ‘Zulu.’ In addition, we visit Isandlwana and many battles from the Boer War that raged around Ladysmith including the haunting battlefield of Spion Kop. We also visit Blood River, scene of an important Voortrekker victory over the Zulus. The tour is virtually a full-board one, with packed lunches on six of the days. The hotels are chosen for their atmosphere and individual charm whilst the day spent at the Nambiti Game Reserve promises to be a highlight too. Guiding the tour is Ken Gillings, an expert on the battlefields of the Zulu and Boer Wars. The tour will be the highlight of our 2012 programme.

Day 1. Fly London Heathrow to Johannesburg on overnight flight.
Day 2. Arrive Johannesburg. Meet guide and transfer to bus. Drive Johannesburg to Blood River. It was here on 16 December 1838 that a force of barely 500 Voortrekkers defeated a massively superior force of up to 15,000 Zulus, inflicting horrendous casualties on them. The main feature of the battlefield today is a laager made of cast iron wagons. There is also a first-rate visitors’ centre. Check-in at the Royal Country Inn, Dundee. Dinner and overnight.
Day 3. Breakfast. Probably the highlight of the tour for many. We visit Isandlwana, the scene of the great disaster on 22 January 1879, followed by a visit to Fugitives’ Drift, where so many fleeing British troops came to grief. In the afternoon we visit Rorke’s Drift, immortalised by the film ‘Zulu,’ and one of the most famous places in British military history. It’s a real experience to see the place where a record number of Victoria Crosses were won. Return to Royal Country Inn. Dinner and overnight.
Day 4. Breakfast. Today we turn our attention to the Boer War. First we visit Talana, the scene of the first major action of the Boer War, fought on 20 October 1899. In the afternoon we visit Elandslaagte, fought the day after Talana. It is memorable for the charge made by the 5th Lancers and 5th Dragoon Guards. Drive to Ladysmith and check-in at the Buller’s Rest Lodge. Dinner and overnight.
Day 5. Breakfast. The siege of Ladysmith lasted from October 1899 until February 1900 and was only ended after a series of desperate and often disastrous attempts by the British to relieve the place. We visit some of these places today including the Ladysmith Siege Museum, Caesar’s Camp, Wagon Hill, and other Ladysmith Siege sites. Return to Buller’s Rest Lodge. Dinner and overnight.
Day 6. Breakfast. We pay a visit this morning to the site of the armoured train ambush and Churchill’s capture, Chieveley, and the battlefield of Colenso, the third British defeat in the so-called ‘Black Week.’ Return to Buller’s Rest Lodge. Dinner and overnight.
Day 7. Breakfast. This morning we travel to Spion Kop, scene of the British defeat of January 1900. It was a terrible battle that featured both Ghandi and Churchill. Today, the summit of the ‘bloody acre’ is covered with memorials and, of course, the infamous trench grave. We also visit other relief battles, Monte Cristo, Wynne Hill, Hart’s Hill, Pieters Ridge which paved the way for the relief of the town. Return to Buller’s Rest Lodge. Dinner and overnight.
Day 8. Breakfast. Today we enjoy a full day at the Nambiti Private Game Reserve near Ladysmith including lunch. The reserve is home to many animals including the Big 5. Check-in at the Springbok Lodge, Nambiti Private Game Reserve. Dinner and overnight.
Day 9. Breakfast. Return to Johannesburg via Helpmekaar and Botha’s Pass. Arrive Johannesburg for the return flight to London Heathrow.
Day 10. Arrive back at London Heathrow and disperse.

9-18 November 2012 Price: £2795 Single Supplement £200

Package includes: Dinner, Bed & Breakfast accommodation at The Royal Country Inn and Buller’s Rest Lodge, Full board at The Springbok Lodge.Packed lunches on 6 days while on guided battlefields tours. Pre-arrival Travel Pack Fully guided battlefields tours of Blood River, Isandlwana & Rorke’s Drift, Talana, Elandslaagte, Caesar’s Camp, Wagon Hill, Spion Kop, Relief Battles (below Monte Cristo, Wynne Hill, Hart’s Hill & Pieters Ridge), Frere, Colenso, Ladysmith, Chieveley & Churchill Capture Site. Safari game drives at The Springbok Lodge. Battlefields & museum entrance fees. Coach transport, guide Ken Gillings and tour manager Ian Fletcher.