Isandlwana, Rorkes Drift And Fugitives Drift Battlefields Day Tour From Durban

What an amazing experience! It’s long been a bucket list place and it didn’t disappoint. My guide Fortune was both knowledgeable and entertaining! I had a great time!

Excellent. Very interesting audio info plus very good guide

Lasting experience to Islandwana, Rorkes Drift and Fugitives Drift. Despite only booking one day before, efficient collection and SUV with guide was on time. 13 hour round trip but once there it was deep experience. Nothing was too much trouble for my guide and driver Bule and we spoke much about the Zulu culture on the trip. Important to go to all 3 sites including Fugitives Lodge. Played an audio guide on the way there which was super good.

This was a great tour. Fortune my guide was very knowledgeable, friendly and chatty. He did try to give an answer/explanation to all my questions. He also played a tape which explained the history and the sequence of the battles prior to arriving to each Battlefield. It was very informative and helped understanding the displays in the museums easier. Really recommend this tour. It’s a long day but worth it and if you get Fortune as your guide. You are very lucky.

This was a wonderful day for anyone interested, or studying, the Anglo-Zulu Wars. Fortune, our excellent driver, collected us from our hotel, in Durban, at 6 am. The journey to Isandlwana was long but included two stops for coffee, snacks and the Rest Room. Fortune was very knowledgeable and able to explain the Zulu aspects of the battle, which were new to us. There is a small, but beautifully designed museum, containing some unique artefacts. Fortune drove us to Rorke's Drift, crossing the Buffalo River, where we visited the museum. Although none of the original buildings survive, the setting, in the hills, was dramatic and it was easy to imagine the battle. We had the museum to ourselves but there is a self-guided tour accessible by mobile phone. The memorial to the Zulus was particularly impressive. A small cafe provided a welcome coffee and snack. There is also a craft shop, selling beautiful pottery and hand-made, fabric gifts. Fugitive's Drift was accessed through a wildlife reserve, where, much to our surprise, we saw giraffes, zebra and impala. On rare occasions, leopards can be seen there, too. Altogether, this was a very worthwhile excursion and we cannot thank Fortune enough for his knowledge, care and attention.

This was a 70th Birthday present holiday for my husband and this tour was the highlight of the holiday. What a thought provoking and poignant visit. You felt like you were walking on sacred ground. Our guide Zamani Shelembe a Zulu himself, gave us a warmth and depth knowledge of these incredible battles and we felt privileged to have such a friendly guide helping us to enjoy this tour to the best experience. Would definitely recommend both Zamani and this tour operator.

Our driver Zamani was outside the hotel nice and early. For the 6am start. It takes around 3.5 hours to get there. After a stop about half way fuel and cold drinks. Zamani walked round the battle field with us pointing out and telling all the important things that we wouldn't no. Rorke's Drift. Isandiwana tour brilliant. Thanks to the team who put the trip together for us. A special thank you to Zamani . For a wonderful day. Rob &Sue Thomson

very good tour, its a long way from durban but well worth doing if you are interested in the battle. We had a good lunch and stopped in a few interesting places

Long journey from Durban (about 4 hours) on some very rough and uneven roads but if military history, beautiful scenery and some wild animals are your thing then this tour is perfect!

Absolutely fantastic tour - Fortune was a real pleasure to have as a tour guide - informative, fun - nothing was too much - an all round great trip that exceeded my expectations

If you are into British historical events then this is a must see place. Our guide/driver was well informed and provided heaps of information including listening to a audiobook of the events pre/post the battles and the battles themselves. The trip out from Durbin took four hours there and fours back on poor sealed and unsealed roads although the scenery was quite picturesque. Bringing a packed lunch and drinks is essential.

I had an amazing day travelling from Durban to the Zulu battlefields. The tour driver and director was called Fortune, a very knowledgeable and patient person. He made my day amazing by his insight, understanding and perfect customer service delivery and his company should mark this man out as the best tourist ambassador they have. Thanks for the memories Fortune and good luck my friend.

Excellent private tour with Fortune. It was great being able to go at my own pace and stop when I wanted. Would recommend!

The tour was great. Sotiri and Patrick were great guides, giving any explanations necessary and also very friendly. They have a lot of experience to share in the area. The historic sites were very good to see, specially for those with historic and military interest.

We had a very enjoyable day. Our guide Thami was very knowledgeable and he was happy to answer any questions we had, not just regarding the tour itself but about south Africa in general! We did not feel rushed at any of the sites. We booked the evening before and we were looked after very well, I popped the phone number on the booking confirmation a message and they confirmed we would be picked up the next morning from our hotel. Thami's driving was exceptional, we got stuck in traffic for a crash and he took a very interesting detour, which only added to the experience!

Expensive. I paid 250 euro. But the best way for me to get in and out of the area. Roads are very poor for the last 40km of the journey in. Driver/guide was very good. The digital narration works.

The visit to the site of the battlefields is well worth the long journey. My experience was spoilt by the fact I was charged for pickup and drop off at my hotel by the local tour operator when my confirmation said it was included. Viator refused to deduct this from my tour cost, which was £220. When I contacted the local tour operator the day before the tour, they didn’t even have me on then records, and it was booked 3 months beforehand. Other people in my South Africa tour party booked the tour also through Viator for £120 and had lunch included, and I wasn’t even taken for a lunch stop all day by 1st Zulu Safaris. Despite all these setbacks, I made the most of the day and enjoyed what I saw.

This was a fantastic trip to some awe-inspiring historic places. The drive is beautiful and the tour guide Aaron was very knowledgeable and n ie to chat to! Would highly recommend this tour!

We booked with Zulu Safaris to do a 2 Day Battlefield Tour in October 2023. This was advertised as a having a qualified Tour Guide. Departure was to be from their office at the Gooderson Tropicana Hotel so we booked accomodation handy for an early pickup. They havent had an office there for several years. We ended up with a driver who sat with his car at the sites we visited. We got pointed in the general direction of the museum and videos to watch at the sites. But there was no guided tour by our "tour guide" at any of the sites to get an explanation or a better understanding of the battles that occured. Which is why we went. The photo on Zulu Safaris web site of a guide talking to a group at Isandlwana is not what we got. We were left to wander around on our own and try our best to interpret the site. We knew that we had to pay for lunch but on the second day, there was nothing organised. We were lucky to be able to tag onto another group at Fugitives Drift Lodge for lunch on Day 2. We had a puncture in the hot part of the day in the middle of nowhere and the driver had trouble finding where the jack parts were and didnt know how to change a tyre safely - ie put a stone in front of the wheel so that the car didnt roll off the jack!!!We had difficulty understanding his English (and vice versa) so it was very difficult to ask questions about the country we were travelling through and the sites. When the driver dropped us off at our accommodation back at Durban, he just drove off - no hand shake, nothing. We got the distinct impression that he didnt really want to be there for those 2 days. Although we complained and got a small refund, I would not recommend using Zulu Safaris to do a guided tour of these battlefields. You would get much better guides if you booked direct at the accommodation Lodges at Isandlwana or Fugitives Drift. It was an expensive disappointment for us.

A very good excursion. Guide was excellent and well-informed. The battlefields were interesting and the monuments and memorials were moving. Good museums at Isandlwana and Rorkes Drift. Excellent lunch at Fugitives Drift. Thoroughly enjoyable.

Our tour guide Thami picked us up at our chosen destination right on time. From meeting us he was full of information about our tour. After he told us what would happen on our tour. He played a cd that told the story of what happened at Isandlwana, Rorkes Drift and Fugitives Drift. It brought the tour to life listening to it. When we arrived at Isandlwana, we went to the museum and watched a short video, before walking through the museum, where we seen many interesting exhibits. Thami then took us to the top of the hill and showed us where the Zulu formed their buffalo head and horns attack on Isandlwana. Thami them walked us round all the memorials, starting off with the Zulu memorial . It was amazing to be there and take in all the history. We then moved on to Rorkes Drift and Fugitives Drift, where Thami walked us around the museum and all the buildings and memorials, explaining what each one was. And telling us what happened at the different places. We finished at a beautiful Lodge at Fugitives Drift, where we had the most delicious lunch and met the most amazing hosts and staff. The whole tour was amazing and well worth the money.

Benson our guide made the long trip more bearable with his own narrative of the Zulus plus the very informative cd that was played during the 4 hours of getting to the battlefields.

Benson Sabelo gave a great tour. 1st class. I would highly recommend the trip to the battlefield and scenery. Thank you.

The tour was organised via email and there was prompt and clear communications through out the process. Arrived promptly at the time and hotel given, very friendly and informative guides. The vehicle was comfortable and spacious. After the long drive, the tour did not fail to impress, the landscape was stunning and the guides where very informative, knowledgeable and friendly. Took us to extra places and very communicative throughout the trip. Played a very informative tape on the journey giving the complete background to the battles. A lovely lunch was provided at the roukes drift hotel, They gave us time at each stop to look round and reflect on the battlefield alone. Nothing was rushed. Would highly recommend this tour company.

This trip was not 2.5 hours each way as stated in the advert, it was closer to 4.5 hours each way… we had 9 hours travel and 3 hours at the battlefield sites….. our guide Benson didn’t give us any facts or history, we may as well have been sat in a taxi - I’m pleased we have seen the sites, but knowing now the time involved we would not have booked this

Zulu Safaris were brilliant with the logistics of booking this tour - great communication. The tour was fabulous but people doing this tour need to be aware it is a long day and on a hot day in February quite gruelling even though we did not do a lot of walking. I’m an amateur military historian and have ancestors who fought in the Anglo-Zulu battles so it is a very special trip for me. The history of the Zulu in KwaZulu-Natal and the conflicts between Zulu and British, Zulu and Voortrekkers and Boer/ British is fascinating. Ndu was a very good tour guide and very good driver. We travelled to the Isandlwana, Rorke’s Drift and Fugitives Drift battle sites. It is some of the most amazing and beautiful scenery. A very good audio narration of the history is played in the journey to Isandlwana - Rattray is the narrator and the Rattray family own the farm adjacent to Rorke’s Drift. We were given cold bottled water on the trip and had a great lunch at Rorke’s Drift for minimal personal expense. I recommend that travellers read up the history before they do this tour and then soak up the scenery and haunting atmosphere of these beautiful sites where so many young men died, many far from home. These battlefields present stories of supreme courage, sacrifice and Pyrrhic victory and honour in defeat. I also recommend you watch the 1960s movie ‘Zulu’ which covers the defence of Rorke’s Drift from the British perspective.

Brilliant full day out at Rorkes Drift, Islandawana and Fugitives drift in a comfortable air conditioned van (private trip). Really enjoyed the long audio which runs in the car giving the background to the region, that worked well. Our guide could perhaps have had more detailed knowledge of the battle history but we enjoyed our day anyway.

From our early morning pickup 0630 till we were dropped off at 1900 it was a Fabulous day. The guide was extremely knowledgeable and pointed out additional information along the way.Although it was quite a long journey he made a couple of refreshment stops along the way. There was the added bonus that my wife and I were the only two passengers which made the tour even more personal. My thanks to the guide and Viator.

This tour was enjoyable on so many levels! The tour was provided by 1st Zulu Safaris, by our tour guide Benson, who was exceptionally knowledgeable, professional, personable and attentive the the groups every need and interest. Benson made this 12 hour day fun and educational, even for those individuals who were not history buffs. The 4 hour drive to the site was incredibly scenic and comfortable in luxury transportation. The return trip was through a different route, so you never got bored. Many photo opportunities. Upon arrival to Isandlwana and Roarkes Drift, everything was well organized, with interesting presentations and views of the authentic sites. Immersion in the cultural, as well as the historical events made the tour come alive. Lunch and numerous clean bathroom stops were offered. The day was long, but will live in my memory forever, as one of the most outstanding tours I have ever taken. I would definitely recommend 1st Zulu Safaris and Benson, as a tour guide, as not all tours to this area are quality adventures.

Excellent day out, booked via 1st Zulu Safaris, who were very flexible on dates and not restricting us to a Saturday or larger group. Benson, our guide for the day, was an excellent driver over some poor roads, and was informative and his style was to tell you small snippets whilst you took in the surroundings and info within the museum. A very nice lunch was arranged at The Rorke’s Drift Hotel. Very good value day.

Since Zulu is my favourite film, there is no way I could not take the opportunity to have a guided tour of the battlefields or Isandlwana and Rorkes Drift. My choice of 1st Zulu Safaris proved to be a good one. Guide Ndu Nene was excellent both in his explanation of the history behind the conflict and his driving ensured we arrived safely and in comfort. The playing of an audio book on the battles was both informative and entertaining. A great trip but be aware of the distance involved to reach the area from Durban- some four hours each way . Trips to the monuments of both sides and to the reserve to view fugitives drift seeing a variety of game were the icing on the cake. Recommended unreservedly

I have long been interested in the History of this area and this trip exceeded my expectations. It was made all the more memorable by our excellent guide-Nay Nay-Apologies to him for any misspelling. He could not have been more helpful and accommodating-A day I will remember for years to come

Had a fantastic day touring around Isandlwana, Rourke's Drift and Fugitives Drift. A big thanks to my wonderful guide Nduduzo Nene who picked me up from where I was staying, very informative and friendly and made the day a truly unforgettable experience.

Really good tour with Ndu. Saw all we wanted to and got a real insight into the Zulu War (a stupid conflict caused by us Brits...). Ndu was really nice and caring and a great host. Definitely would use the company again. Fantastic.

Fantastic day out. Very educational tour of a historic event. The guide, Nene was very attentive, knowledgeable and friendly. Excellent tour guide. Thank you!

The trip to Idandlwana and the nearby Rourkes drift was with Nduduzo. He was a great tour guide for the long journey which was roughly 4 hours there and 3.5 approx back to Durban. Luckily the 4x4 was comfortable even when the road surfaces near iandlwana were gravel track roads. Once there the sights at Isandlwana and the surrounding hills are mind blowing and put into perspective how difficult the conditions were that the British and Zulus fought in. Rourkes drift was much smaller than I expected and both the museum and the history CD in the transport put across how brave the British soldiers were in such a cramped environment. If you are prepared to travel a considerable distance then you should do this trip. Highly recommended

I took this tour to learn more about the conditions and sites where the battles took place and I was not disappointed. Travelling across the area you soon realise the amazing stamina that the Zulu's had and the fortitude of the British Soldier of the 18th Century. The trip was great with a historical narrative being given on the way so that you felt like you were well prepared before you arrived at each site. We also had a very nice lunch at the Rorke's Drift Hotel, which has stunning views across the Buffalo River. The tour guide made the journey interesting and fun and the vehicle was comfortable. make sure you take a battery pack for your camera of mobile phone as you will want to take loads of photo's.

Our family booked a day tour with Zulu Safaris on December 24, 2017 for the above battlefields. We were met at our hotel by a clean and roomy van. Our tour director was very knowledgeable and enlightened us on key things and sites along the drive. He was very knowledgeable of each of the battlefields and made sure we were taken to the right locations and vantage points to allow us the best understanding of that day in 1879. Being a holiday time, streets in villages were crowded, but our guide was superb at navigating the crowds safely...truly amazed. We had plenty of time at each location and never felt compelled to move on. The audio history and battlefield brochures were an added plus to a full comprehension of the days sites. I highly recommend the firm and the quality of experience we enjoyed on December 24th.

<p>The tour began with the on time arrival of Terry, my guide. Proceeding on the drive to the Battlefields, which took a couple of hours, a very informative tape was played that explained the history of the Zulu Wars and the events that surrounded the Isandlawana Battlefields. Terry provided additional information as we drove to the various sites. We stopped at several locations that provided fantastic views of the whole area, We, also, visited various museums and monuments along the way. Terry gave excellent briefings at each stop.</p> <p>We rested at a lovely hotel for an excellent lunch. The veranda of the hotel overlooked the river crossing at Rourke's Drift and gave a panoramic view of the valley. This was a truly beautiful country! Visiting the actual battlefield of Rourke's Drift, Terry gave an excellent narration as we visited the museum and the various monuments. This was the culmination of our journey to Rourke's Drift. </p> <p>This was an outstanding tour that conveyed the history of the Zulu War, the heroic stand at Rourke's Drift, and provided some of the most beautiful scenery in all of South Africa. I highly recommend this tour with THIS tour company!</p>