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The Anglo-Boer war battlefields
Visit the fascinating Anglo Boer War battlefields
in South Africa
History buffs and Tourists alike will find touring
the Anglo Boer War Battlefields in South Africa an awe-inspiring trip. You will be visiting the
theatres that saw ferociously bloody battles between the British, the Boers and the mighty Zulu
nations.
Soaked with the blood of Zulu, Boer and British soldiers, the battlefields are beautiful but
eerie places where deep-seated silence speaks to the many lives that were lost on them.
Many of the more renown battlegrounds in South Africa are situated in the province of
KwaZulu-Natal where the Zulu wars took place.
It all started with the discovery of diamonds and gold.
The British realized that there was great wealth for the taking outside the Cape Colony, which
ultimately resulted in their annexation in 1877 of the region where the "Voortrekker Boers" had
founded their "Zuid Afrikaansche Republiek" (South AfricanRepublic, also called The Republic of
Transvaal), 25 years before.
British graves at the site of the Battle of Spioenkop.
Anglo Boer war battlefields tours in South Africa
The Boers, the British and the Zulus,...
First the Boers clashed with the Zulu when they came from the interior of the Cape across the
Drakensberg mountains, to settle in KwaZulu-natal. The Battle of Blood river certainly was the most
awesome and heroic clash between the two of them and a turning point in their war.
Photograph of a detachment of Boers at Spionkop taken in 1900
Anglo Boer war battlefields tours in South Africa
Then it were the British and the Zulus who came to blows as the Empire had annexed the region and sought
control over it. One of the most renown battles between the Zulus and the British was the one that was
fought at Isandlwana, where the British suffered one of their greatest losses in their military history.
Army of Zulu warriors on the attack
Anglo Boer war battlefields tours in South Africa
Finally, it were the Boers and the British that got into conflict with each other, adding to the
bloodbath KwaZulu-Natal had already seen. Some of the Anglo-Boer war sites that should be included in any
battlefield tour itinerary are the sites around Spioenkop, Colenso and Ladysmith, where some of the
fiercest battles of this war were fought.
Boer guerrilla fighters during the Second Boer War
Anglo Boer war battlefields tours in South Africa
Anglo Zulu war,...
A self-drive tour will enable you to visit the historical battlefields in KwaZulu-Natal and other parts of
South Africa at your own pace. Detailed tour maps are available to take you to the battle sites, historical
buildings, museums, memorials and burial fields. In between you can explore the Zulu cultural villages in
the area, displaying authentic Zulu traditions and serving traditional food.
19th century sketch of the Battle of Isandlwana
Anglo Boer war battlefields tours in South Africa
Guided tours of these battlefields bring military and tactical strategy together in an atmosphere that can be
chilling. Visit the Blood River battlefield, where Zulu King Dingaan suffered a crucial defeat against the
Boers, and then spend an afternoon in a Zulu village where you can enjoy traditional Zulu food and drinks,
while learning about Zulu history and culture.
Memorial commemorating the fallen British soldiers at Isandlwana Hill
Anglo Boer war battlefields tours in South Africa
First Boer war,...
The beauty of the Drakensburg Mountains are in contrast to the grave markers and memorials of Spioenkop where
the Boers engaged the British. The Siege Museum in Ladysmith displays documents, artifacts and firearms from
this conflict. Touring the Anglo Boer War Battlefields in South Africa should include a visit to the cities of
Colenso, Estcourt and Newcastle.
Boer general Johannes Kock and his personal staff at the battle of Elandslaagte
Anglo Boer war battlefields tours in South Africa
Aside from history, the Battlefield regions also offer a number of other attractions and activities, such as
sailing on the Chelmsford dam or wildwater rafting down the formidable Tugela River rapids. For an opportunity
to explore the abundant bird- and wildlife there are the Ithala game reserve, Ntendeka wilderness area,
Spioenkop Dam nature reserve, Weenen nature reserve and the Chelmsford Dam nature reserve, among others.
Drawing depicting the battle of Elandslaagte
Anglo Boer war battlefields tours in South Africa
Second Boer war,...
The second Boer War was devastating to both soldiers and civilians. The city of Paardeburg was the site of a
huge battle where over 44,000 soldiers fought. Historic safaris visiting many of the Anglo Boer war and South
African battlefields should include visits to the Talana Museum, Zululand Historical Museum and the Vukani
Museum. Combining history, wildlife safaris and the sights and sounds of the cultural regions allow visitors to
enjoy everything the area has to offer.
The Relief of Ladysmith, 28 February 1900, during the Second boer war
Anglo Boer war battlefields tours in South Africa
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The Anglo-Boer war battlefields
