ITINERARY
08h00 – Depart Newcastle

09h30 – Arrive Blood River, the site of what must be the most pivotal battle in South African history, being the site where the Voortrekkers defeated the Zulu Army on 16th Dec 1838 . The site now has a laager of 64 full sized bronzed wagons. Our guide will provide details of the events leading up to the battle, the battle itself and events immediately after.

11h00 – Depart Blood River and cross the Ncome River and travel through Nquthu to Isandlwana where you approach the battlefield from the direction taken by the Zulu Army.

11h45 – Arrive Nyoni Ridge overlooking the battlefield where our guide will tell you the first part of the battle. Proceed to the orientation centre before going onto the Battlefield proper where our guide will acquaint you further with what happened.
Isandlwana is where on 22nd January 1879 the Zulu Army fell on the British camp during the early stages of the Anglo Zulu War, wiping the camp out in the space of two and a half hours. The site is covered with burial cairns and monuments.

14h00 – Leave Isandlwana for Rorke’s Drift. Time permitting there is a very short stop at the drift before moving on to the Mission Station where the battle took place.

14h30 – Arrive at the Mission Station at Rorke’s Drift. Picnic Lunch

15h00 – Tour the site and hear the story of how 135 men of mainly B Company, 2nd Battalion, 24th Regiment fought a desperate 12 hour battle with some 4000 Zulus earning 11 Victoria Crosses for their efforts.

16h30 – Leave for Newcastle

18h00 – Arrive Newcastle