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South Africa 2026 |   Itinerary

​Day 1 Wednesday October 7th    I   Durban

After arriving in Johannesburg, we transfer to our internal flight to Durban. Today provides a gentle introduction to the Anglo-Zulu War, focusing on the coastal theatre of operations. We visit Fort Pearson, a key British stronghold overlooking the Tugela River crossing—an essential strategic point during the 1879 campaign. From this elevated position, you'll take in sweeping views of the surrounding countryside, which was also the backdrop for earlier Zulu conflicts.

Nearby stands the symbolic site of the ‘Ultimatum Tree’, where British officials issued the demands that led to the outbreak of war. We conclude the day with an overnight stay at Prince’s Grant on the scenic Indian Ocean coast, offering a chance to reflect on the arrival of the first British settlers to this region in 1824.

Overnight: Durban

Meals Included: Lunch & Dinner

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Day 2 Thursday October 8th  I  The Battlefields of Gingindlovu and Nyezane

Today we trace the movements of Colonel Pearson’s Right Flank column during the early stages of the Anglo-Zulu War. Following the path of his advance toward the mission station at Eshowe, we’ll explore the key battles of Nyezane and Gingindlovu, which shaped the course of his campaign.

At Eshowe, we’ll visit the haunting remains of the mission station where Pearson’s forces endured a three-month siege in 1879. Nearby lies a cemetery that tells its own quiet story of hardship and loss. After lunch in Eshowe, we tour the Fort Nongqayi Museum Complex, offering deeper insight into colonial life and the military history of the region.

We check in this evening at our lodge in Eshowe, where we’ll stay for two nights.

Overnight: Eshowe

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

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Day 3 Friday October 9th   I   Cetshwayo

We journey deep into the remote areas of Zulu country to visit the grave of King Cetshwayo, who was deposed during the British invasion. Here, we also explore the story of the 1906 Rebellion, the last major Zulu uprising, much of which took place near his resting place.

Overnight: Eshowe

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

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Day 4 Saturday October 10th  I Ulundi: The Final Battle of the Zulu War
Leaving the Eshowe area, we journey to Ulundi, the historic heartland of the Zulu kingdom. Here, we explore the museum and the partially reconstructed royal homestead of King Cetshwayo at oNdini, followed by a visit to the Ulundi battlefield, where the war’s final battle was fought. After a picnic lunch, we continue on to Hluhluwe Game Reserve, our base for the next two nights.

Overnight: Hluhluwe Game Reserve

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

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Day 5 Sunday October 11th   I   Hluhluwe Game Drive
Experience a thrilling yet leisurely day as we team up with Hluhluwe Park Game Rangers in open safari vehicles to track the legendary ‘Big Five’: lion, leopard, rhinoceros, elephant, and buffalo. With luck, we may also spot elusive cheetahs and wild dogs along the way.

Overnight: Hluhluwe Game Reserve

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

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Day 6 Monday October 12th  I  Hlobane Mountain
If you’re fit and the weather is favorable, we’ll hike up the slopes of Hlobane Mountain (please note: this can be a challenging walk, and the trails are in poor condition) to learn about the British mounted foray that was repelled with heavy losses. We’ll visit the graves of Captain Campbell and Civilian Interpreter Lloyd, two of Wood’s aides who fell in the battle and rest high on the hillside. Afterwards, we’ll check in to our lodge in Vryheid for a two-night stay.

Overnight: Vryheid

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

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Day 7 Tuesday October 13th  I  Ntombe Spruit

We travel to the lesser-known battlefield of Ntombe, where in March 1879, a convoy of the 80th Regiment was ambushed and overrun. Weather and river conditions permitting, we’ll wade across the stream to explore both banks of this historic site.

Overnight: Vryheid

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

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Day 8 Wednesday October 14th  I  Khambula, Blood River & Prince Imperial
This morning, we explore the Khambula battlefield, the decisive turning point of the war. Here, the same Zulu regiments that had earlier triumphed at Isandlwana—and were emboldened by their success at Hlobane the previous day—attacked Colonel Wood’s fortified camp. From there, we visit the Voortrekker Blood River battlefield, where the Boers defeated the Zulus in 1838 and where a striking monument stands in remembrance. We also stop at the solitary memorial marking the spot where Prince Louis Napoleon, the Prince Imperial of France and last legitimate Bonaparte heir, was killed in a skirmish. Finally, we check in to Isandlwana Lodge for a four-night stay. 

Overnight: Isandlwana Lodge

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

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Day 9 Thursday October 15th  I   Battle of Isandlwana
The first of two days exploring the dramatic Isandlwana campaign in detail. We will drive out to the Ngwebeni valley, where the Zulu army bivouacked before the battle, and where they were discovered by a British patrol. We will then consider the battle from the commanding knoll where the Zulu generals directed their forces. From there we will go to the battlefield itself. We will explore the monuments and hear the story of the fighting from the British perspective - we will then walk out to the British firing lines, and down to the donga defended by Col. Durnford.

Overnight: Isandlwana Lodge

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

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Day 10 Friday October 16th  I   Battle of Isandlwana

This morning, those who are fit and willing can walk as much of the 'Fugitives’ Trail' as possible, exploring the many British graves scattered behind Isandlwana along the road to Rorke’s Drift. Alternatively, you may choose to spend the morning relaxing at the lodge. After lunch, we’ll cross to the Natal side of the river to visit the graves of Lieutenants Melvill and Coghill, who lost their lives attempting to save the Queen’s Colour of the 24th Regiment. We will then drive to the nearby hills where Lord Chelmsford spent the day of the battle away from the camp and learn the story of his return.

Overnight: Isandlwana Lodge

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

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Day 11 Saturday October 17th   I  Rorke’s Drift

Spend a full day at the renowned battlefield of Rorke’s Drift, where there is much to discover. We start at the Umzinyathi (Buffalo) River crossing, the point where the British invasion on this front began, before visiting the mission station for Ian’s compelling keynote talk on the battle’s story. Remarkably, no fewer than 11 Victoria Crosses were awarded during this engagement, which inspired the famous 1964 film Zulu. There will be ample opportunity to explore both the myths and realities surrounding the battle. After lunch, enjoy time to visit the on-site museum and to wander the battlefield at your own pace.

Overnight: Isandlwana Lodge

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

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Day 12 Sunday October 18th   I   Johannesburg

On our final day, we travel by coach back to Johannesburg, enjoying a picnic lunch along the way. Those with onward travel plans will be dropped off at Johannesburg Airport.

Meals Included: Breakfast & Lunch

***This itinerary is subject to changes*** 

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LIMITED SPACE AVAILABLE

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