Isandlwana Rorkes Drift and Fugitives Drift Battlefields Day Tour

The first stop is the Isandlwana Battlefield and Museum. In early January 1879, the British Empire invaded Zululand furthering their colonial expansionist agenda of Southern Africa. The local Zulu Kingdom responded with a well-coordinated attack at the Battle of Isandlwana that surprised the British. This historic battle, which was documented as being ruthless and bloody is seen by historians as the start of Anglo-Zulu War. The British Empire experienced a severe defeat at the Battle of Isandlwana losing over 1700 soldiers at the hands of a Zulu army numbering 20 000.  The Zulu warriors outnumbered the British troops greatly even though they who had superior weapons in comparison to the spears and leather shields the Zulus used.

The tour progresses to the Battle of Rorke’s Drift which also occurred on January 22nd 1879 after the Battle of Isandlwana and continued into the following day. The Defence of Rorke’s Drift was smaller in numbers than the Battle of Isandlwana with the British numbering at an estimated 150 and the Zulu’s at 3000 – 4000 fighters. The British troops managed to hold off the Zulu warriors and secure a victory.

The last stop is Fugitives Drift and the Queens Colours memorial before we make the journey back to Durban.