KwaZulu-Natal : Battlefields
Overview
Situated in the northern and central regions of KwaZulu Natal you will find some
of the most picturesque landscapes in the country. Driving through the sweeping
hills and knotty rock formations, its hard to imagine that the KwaZulu Natal's Battlefields
were once the scene of many battles which formed the history of the province and
South Africa. Only the remains of stone forts, graveyards and monuments bear testimony
to the many fierce battles that was fought for freedom in the area.
Things to do and see
Come walk in the footsteps of many famous military strategists - Shaka, Winston
Churchill, Mahatma Gandhi and General Louis Botha and many more. Through guided
tours or self-drive you can experience some of the most important battles in fought
in the South Africa history : first there was the Zulu vs Boers, then the Zulu vs
the British and finally Boer against British.
You will be swept back in time as history guides will tell you the incredible tales
of courage, victory, defeat and reconciliation and all it requires is a little imagination
for the surrounding plains and rocky outcrops to come to life with the spine-chilling
sights and sounds of some of the bloodiest battles in history.
Although the many scenes of the bloody history of the province is the major attraction
of the province, it is by far not the only things to do or enjoy in the area. There
are numerous hiking trials where you can experience the spectacular beauty of the
region and for the more adventurous you can do some white river rafting down the
rapids of the mighty Tugela river. Other water sports include sailing, skiing or
fishing at Chelmsford and other dams. Hunting is also done in some areas.
Climate
The Battlefield’s climate is temperate with warm summers with an average mean maximum
in January of 27,2°C. The area experiences moderately cold winters with an average
mean minimum in June of 1,2°C. It is a summer rainfall area with a long term average
rainfall of 740mm per year.
Accommodation
There are many accommodation options to suit the tastes and pockets of all visitors
to the area. You will find anything from luxury lodges and hotels to comfortable
guest houses, value for money B&B and self catering chalets.
Towns and places in the area
The popular tourist destinations of the KwaZulu Natal Battlefields include the following
: Babanango Colenso Dundee Eshowe Estcourt Gingindlovu Glencoe Greytown Ladysmith
Melmoth Newcastle Paulpietersburg Rorkes Drift Ulundi Vryheid