The Battlefields Holidays

Walk through the fields which once hosted some of South Africa’s most significant and dramatic battles. Visit Isandlwana, where thousands of Zulu warriors with iron spears defeated 1,500 British soldiers armed with rifles. Discover the inspiration for the movie Zulu at Rorke’s Drift, where just 150 British soldiers held their field hospital against a force of 4,000.

Hear two sides of the same story at the two separate museum complexes of Blood River. Away from the war sites, find Big Five safari in a dozen reserves and parks, soak in natural hot springs, ride horses and bikes, or hike countryside trails. Join a cultural tour to meet local Zulus in their homes, admire traditional crafts, and see the eMakhosini gravesites of prominent chieftains.

82 battlefields and countless other attractions sit between the Drakensberg Mountains and the Indian Ocean just north of Durban. Joining a guided tour with a knowledgeable expert is a great way to experience this poignant and historic area of South Africa. Alternatively, you can take your time and travel at your own pace with a self-drive trip on the Battlefields Route.

With a map and a rental car, you can explore the web of roads between the significant sites of this beautiful region. Discover the locations, museums, and monuments that most interest you and combine the Battlefields themselves with wildlife viewing, outdoor activities, and Zulu heritage. Stay in one place or move around for the most flexible journey through one of Africa’s most moving destinations.

Isandlwana, Rorke’s Drift, and Fugitives Drift are three of the most famous battlefields in KwaZulu-Natal and sit centrally on the Battlefields Route. This is one of the best locations to stay in the Battlefields with several recommended accommodations. Discover total relaxation and comfort at Isandlwana Lodge. Choose boutique luxury and world-class hospitality at Fugitives’ Drift Lodge. 

Kick back in riverside comfort at the Rorke’s Drift Hotel. Enjoy the laidback flexibility of a chalet with its own kitchenette at Rorke’s Drift Lodge. Alternatively, explore the Battlefields from the coast with a choice of hotels in Durban or Richards Bay, make a home in the mountains with a Drakensberg hotel, or select a game lodge near Dundee, Ladysmith, or Nambiti for an easy combination of wildlife and battlefield viewing.

Both the Battlefields and the wider KwaZulu-Natal region experience warm weather all year but the best conditions for outdoor exploration are found between April and September. Rainfall is at its lowest during these months and temperatures range from 10°C to 24°C. September to October and March offer slightly higher temperatures and humidity with increased rainfall on some days.

Showers reach their peak in January and February, as do temperatures that can soar up to 30°C. May to August is the best time to visit if you intend to mix a Battlefields tour with game viewing or beach time. With the right packing, the countryside and its historic sites can be enjoyed comfortably at any time.