Battlefields and Museums in our area

Blood River Battlefield - 16th December 1838: Here the Voortrekkers defeated a Zulu army on 16 December 1838. A replica laager (circle of wagons) of 64 wagons has been erected on the site of the battle. A commemorative wagon erected at the time of the centenary, in 1938, stands at the entrance. Interpretation centre, coffee shop and curio shop on site. Entrance fee payable. Open daily 8:00 - 16:30. Closed on Christmas Day. Phone 072 988 3544.

Ncome Museum: Across the river from the Blood River site is Ncome museum. Built in the traditional bulls' horn attack formation of a Zulu impi (army), the displays depict the history and culture of the Zulu people and tell the story of the battle of 16 December 1838.An impressive display of metal replica Zulu shields is fixed to the exterior wall. Open daily 8:00am - 4.30pm. Donation requested. Phone (034)2718121.

Isandlwana Battlefield and Museum - 22nd January 1879: Site of the biggest defeat suffered by the British in Africa in Victorian Colonial times. Isandlwana is arguably the most evocative battle site in South Africa. Hundreds of whitewashed stone cairns mark the last resting places of the troops killed there. Entrance fee payable. Open weekdays 8am - 4pm. Weekends and holidays 9am - 4pm. Tel.: (034) 271 8165.

Rorke's Drift Battlefield and Museum - 22nd January 1879: Immortalized by the Stanley Baker/ Michael Caine film "Zulu", the battle at the Swedish Mission Station of Rorke's Drift has become world famous. 11 Victoria Crosses were awarded to the defenders, with seven to the 24th Regiment (now Royal Regiment of Wales). Entrance fee payable. Open weekdays 8:00am to 4pm weekends and holidays 9am to 4pm — Tel.: (034) 642 1687.

Fugitives' Drift: The Fugitives' Trail follows the route along which a handful of survivors fled after the battle of Isandlwana. On this lonely hillside the two men responsible for saving the Queen's Colours, Lts. Coghill and Melvill lie buried. Guides are available to lead groups along the trail that is on private land. Alternatively you may drive to Fugitives' Drift Lodge and pay a fee at reception to view the site.

Site of the death of the Prince Imperial: A memorial marks the spot where Louis Napoleon, the Prince Imperial of France was killed on I June 1879. His body was returned to England for burial. Open daily. Donation requested.

Helpmekaar - May 1900: The literal translation of the name of this village is "to help each other". This derives from the need for a double span of oxen to pull a heavily laden wagon to the top of the mountain pass. In many cases wagon drivers had to assist one another. This tiny village was the base camp for British troops in the Anglo Zulu War. The cemetery is a stark reminder of the loss of life in war.

Battle of Talana - 20th October 1899: This was the first major battle between the British and the Boers at the site of the Talana Museum. Walk and talk tapes are available as a self guided tour.

Elandslaagte Battlefield - 21st October 1899: Memorials on the hills and two cemeteries record the battle fought here between the British and Boer forces.

Talana Museum: Visit the Talana Museum for an experience with a difference. A living museum and cultural centre set in a 20 acre heritage park on the slopes of Talana hill, the scene of the first battle of the Anglo Boer War. The Talana creative Cluster is a new living culture section currently being developed. Visit the craftspeople at work and buy superbly crafted and unique items in The Museum Shop.