Country Breaks: Drakensberg/Battlefields

Where is it:

KwaZulu-Natal province, about 4 hours drive from Johannesburg.
Closest town: Ladysmith.


What it is:

The Drakensberg mountain is a spectacular mountain range stretching north-south over the greatest part of South Africa. It reaches its dramatic climax in KwaZulu-Natal, and apart from its scenic beauty, houses a great variety of attractions, such as battlefields, San Rock art and Zulu arts and crafts. The Battlefields of KwaZulu-Natal are a vivid reminder of South Africa’s turbulent past including wars between the British and the Zulu, the Boers and the Zulu, and the Boers and the British.

Relive the tragedy and glory of these times in the historical remains embodied in the monuments, tombs, museums, fortresses and scattered remains brought to life by the gripping presentations by expert battlefield guides.


Day 1: Ladysmith Siege Museum

What to see/ do/ experience:Lady Smith

This quaint museum commemorates the early phase of the Anglo Boer War where the Boers besieged the town, occupied by thousands of British soldiers, for 100 days.

This event dominated the newspaper headlines of the world at the time and made Ladysmith worldfamous.


Day 2: Spionkop Battlefield tour

What to see/do/experience:

Spionkop is one of the most dramatic and bloody battles of all times. zulu warrior

Three men who were destined for later greatness were part of this Anglo Boer War battle: Winston Churchill (to become prime minister of Great Britain); Mohandas Gandhi (famous passive resistance leader); and General Louis Botha (to become first prime minister of South Africa)


Day 3: Drakensberg mountains

What to see/do/experience:San Rock Art

Visit the many attractions such as: Falcon Ridge Birds of Prey centre (for a stunning display of these birds in action); Zulu-weavers; Ardmore pottery studio; and the San Rock Art display at Didima.



Day 4: Ladysmith Black Mambazo-museum

What to see/do/experience:Drankensburg

Visit this new museum dedicated to the talented South African musical group made famous by Paul Simon.


Download Drakensberg Tours brochure