This fascinating study of the Anglo-Zulu War takes us to ground that has hardly changed since the memorable events of the period, all set amongst spectacular scenery still populated by Zulu tribes and an abundance of wildlife. As well as visiting battle sites such as Isandlwana, Rorke’s Drift and others that have gone down in British military folklore, we will be discussing the men, armies and tactics of both sides, their problems, successes and failures.

But this is much more than ‘just’ a battlefield tour: we will be staying in comfortable lodges and hotels, and will have ample opportunity to observe the local people and customs as well as participating in a game drive featuring many of Africa’s best loved animals such as the elephant, rhino, giraffe, zebra, leopard and antelope.

Please note: there is a maximum of 12 rooms available on this tour due to the limited capacity of some accommodation.

First annexed by Britain in the Napoleonic Wars, the Cape of Good Hope was a vital position on the route to the Far East, but South Africa never rivalled India in importance within the Empire. And yet the battles between Queen Victoria's red-coated battalions and the lightly armed Zulu forces have remained vibrant in the memory of both adversaries as few other imperial events have done.

In 1879, with Britain at the height of her imperial power, Lord Chelmsford's three columns marched into Zululand on a punitive expedition to teach the Zulu King Cetshwayo a lesson. Two equally professional armies with totally different fighting traditions and weapons met and fought with startling results. At Isandlwana the Zulus inflicted the most humiliating defeat of the Victorian era on the over-confident British battalions. Yet hours later the small number of determined and well-led defenders at Rorke's Drift drove off repeated Zulu attacks and captured the public’s admiration. In the end the rifle inevitably triumphed over the spear. It is a story of arrogance and determination, traditions and innovations, but above all amazing individual bravery on both sides. The old Zulu nation was destroyed – but at the cost of a significant dent to British military prestige.

Please note that due to the unpredictable nature of organisational arrangements in South Africa the itinerary may be subject to change. Despite our best endeavours to deliver services to the highest standard, occasionally our suppliers are unable to meet those expectations due to circumstances beyond their control, so we ask you approach this tour with an open mind when travelling in this beautiful but challenging destination.

Day 0: Depart
Overnight flight from London Heathrow to Johannesburg.

Day 1: Durban
Either arrive from London or join the tour in the morning at the Arrivals Hall of Johannesburg International Airport and transfer to our internal flight to Durban. This day is a light introduction to the war in the coastal districts - we visit the site of Fort Pearson, a large earthwork built by the British on a bluff to command the crossing over the Tugela River. This was the anchor for British operations in the area in 1879, but also offers a stunning view across countryside fought over in two earlier Zulu battles. Below Fort Pearson is the grove of trees where once the 'Ultimatum Tree' stood - the tree under which British representatives presented an ultimatum to the Zulus which resulted in the invasion. Overnight in Prince’s Grant on the Indian Ocean Coast, with time for a brief reflection on the arrival of the first British adventurers to arrive in the area in 1824. (L,D)

Day 2: The Battlefields of Gingindlovu and Nyezane
Today we will look at the operations of Col. Pearson's Right Flank (coastal column). We will follow the line of his advance towards the old mission station at Eshowe, stopping to explore the two battles which framed his campaign (Gingindlovu and Nyezane). We will look at the remains of the Eshowe mission, where Pearson was cut off for three months in 1879 - and visit the poignant cemetery nearby. Lunch at Eshowe and a visit to Fort Nongqayi historical museum and complex. Check-in to our lodge in Eshowe for two nights. (B,L,D)

Day 3: Cetshwayo
We drive deep into some of the more remote parts of Zulu country to visit the grave of King Cetshwayo (whom the British invasion deposed), and for an overview of the last major Zulu uprising, the 1906 Rebellion, much of which occurred in the vicinity of the grave. (B,L,D)

Day 4: Ulundi, the final battle of the Zulu War
We leave the Eshowe area and head towards Ulundi and the old Zulu heartland. Here we explore the museum and partially recreated royal homestead of King Cetshwayo at oNdini, and visit the Ulundi battlefield, site of the final battle of the war. Picnic lunch before moving on to Hluhluwe Game Reserve, our base for the next two nights. (B,L,D)

Day 5: Hluhluwe Game Drive
A relaxing and yet exciting day as we join Hluhluwe Park Game Rangers in open game drive safari vehicles to go in search of the ‘big five’: lion, leopard, rhinoceros, elephant and buffalo. And we might even catch a glimpse of a cheetah and wild dogs. (B,L,D)

Day 6: Hlobane Mountain
If you are fit enough and the weather permits we will walk up the slopes of Hlobane mountain (n.b. this is potentially a stiff walk and the tracks are deteriorating) to hear how a British mounted foray was driven off with heavy losses. We will visit the graves of Captain Campbell and Civilian Interpreter Lloyd, two of Wood's aides who were killed in the battle, and whose remains lie high up on the hillside, Check-in to our lodge in Vryheid for two nights. (B,L,D)

Day 7: Ntombe Spruit
We drive out to the little-known battlefield of Ntombe where, in March 1879, a convoy of the 80th Regiment was attacked and over-run. The state of the river permitting, we wade across the stream and explore both sides. (B,L,D)

Day 8: Khambula, Blood River & Prince Imperial
This morning we explore the battlefield of Khambula, the turning point of the war. Here, the same Zulu regiments who had triumphed earlier in the war at Isandlwana, and who were encouraged by the Zulu success at Hlobane the day before, attacked Col. Wood's fortified camp at Khambula. Thence to the Voortrekker Blood River battlefield - where the Boers defeated the Zulus in 1838, and which boasts a truly spectacular monument - to the lonely memorial which commemorates the spot where Prince Louis Napoleon, the Prince Imperial of France - the last legitimate heir to to the Bonaparte throne - was killed in a skirmish. Check-in to Isandlwana Lodge for four nights. (B,L,D)

Day 9: Battle of Isandlwana
The first of two days exploring the dramatic Isandlwana campaign in detail. We will drive out to the Ngwebeni valley, where the Zulu army bivouacked before the battle, and where they were discovered by a British patrol. We will then consider the battle from the commanding knoll where the Zulu generals directed their forces. From there we will go to the battlefield itself. We will explore the monuments and hear the story of the fighting from the British perspective - we will then walk out to the British firing lines, and down to the donga defended by Col. Durnford. (B,L,D)

Day 10: Battle of Isandlwana
This morning those fit and willing will walk as much of the 'fugitives' trail' as possible, exploring the many British graves lying behind Isandlwana, on the road to Rorke's Drift (or alternatively spend the morning at leisure at the lodge). After lunch we will drive round to the Natal side of the river to visit the graves of Lts. Melvill and Coghill, who were killed attempting to save the Queen's Colour of the 24th Regiment. We will also drive out to the hills where Lord Chelmsford spent the day of the battle, away from the camp, and hear the story of his return. (B,L,D)

Day 11: Rorke’s Drift
A full day at the famous battlefield of Rorke's Drift - and there is much to see! We begin down at the Mzinyathi (Buffalo) River crossing, where the British invasion on this front began, and then visit the mission station for Ian's climactic talk of the tour, the story of the battle. No less than 11 Victoria Crosses were won in the action, and it was the subject of the famous 1964 film, 'Zulu' - there will be plenty of opportunity to discuss the myth and realities of the story! After lunch there will be time to explore the on-site museum, and to wander the battlefield at leisure. (B,L,D)

Day 12: Johannesburg
Our last day - we return by coach to Johannesburg with a picnic lunch en-route. Those making their travel arrangements will be dropped off at Johannesburg airport. Overnight return flight to London. (B,L)

Day 13: Home
Early morning arrival at London Heathrow.