Mountain Bike Drift
The Legends of the KwaZulu Natal Battlefields
For almost the whole of the nineteenth century, some of the bloodiest battles in history were fought between Zulu, Briton and Boer for the possession of the land and sovereignty. Most of these were concentrated in an immense battleground that stretches from the Drakensberg Mountains, north to Volksrust and east into Zululand, covering plains of great natural beauty that offer much more than just famous battle sites to the visitor.
It is difficult to comprehend that this scenic and now peaceful land once rang with the fierce fighting. Instead, the hills, valleys and ridges now sound with the call of wildlife, an amazing array of birdlife or are simple breathtakingly quiet, allowing sightseers to absorb the undeniable atmosphere.
From simple, comfortable camp sites to exclusive private game ranches, accommodation is available to suit every taste, standard and budget, together with a range of activities as wide as the plains for which the area is famous. White water rafting, mountain biking, abseiling, 4×4 trails, horse riding and hiking are some of the options available to the more adventurous, whereas those seeking other pursuits can enjoy a round of golf at a variety of 9 and 18-hole courses, casino thrills or the opportunity to test their fishing skills.
The rugged magnificence of the terrain is dotted with reminders of the violent past, including haunting memorials on the field of Isandlwana, where the Zulu army destroyed over a thousand British soldiers, gravestones at Fort Pearson and the monument at Spion Kop, one of the most violent battles of the Anglo-Boer War.
The site of the infamous Battle of Blood River between Voortrekker and Zulu is home to the Ncome Museum, where the history of the Zulu people is charted. The museum and original laager reconstruction memorial offer fascinating alternative interpretations of the battle, in both their accounts recorded and in the style by which they commemorate those who fought here. The site of the Battle of Rorke’s Drift between the British and Zulu is much unchanged since that bloody encounter with stone walls build to shield the British still virtually intact.
Many monuments and well-preserved artifacts provide an ideal backdrop to an area where re-enactments of the Colonial-era wars between British troops and Zulu warriors, allow modern day visitors to experience the bloody dramas with almost frightening reality. Trained guides bring their own personal touch in terms of detail emotion and anecdotal interest to the encounters in contrast to the often stark visual landscape.
About the Author
Rob is a travel writer and has visited the KwaZulu Natal Battlefields on several occasions.
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