| For almost the whole of the nineteenth century, | | | | with reminders of the violent past, including |
| some of the bloodiest battles in history were | | | | haunting memorials on the field of Isandlwana, |
| fought between Zulu, Briton and Boer for the | | | | where the Zulu army destroyed over a thousand |
| possession of the land and sovereignty. Most of | | | | British soldiers, gravestones at Fort Pearson and |
| these were concentrated in an immense | | | | the monument at Spion Kop, one of the most |
| battleground that stretches from the | | | | violent battles of the Anglo-Boer War. |
| Drakensberg Mountains, north to Volksrust and | | | | The site of the infamous Battle of Blood River |
| east into Zululand, covering plains of great natural | | | | between Voortrekker and Zulu is home to the |
| beauty that offer much more than just famous | | | | Ncome Museum, where the history of the Zulu |
| battle sites to the visitor. | | | | people is charted. The museum and original laager |
| It is difficult to comprehend that this scenic and | | | | reconstruction memorial offer fascinating |
| now peaceful land once rang with the fierce | | | | alternative interpretations of the battle, in both |
| fighting. Instead, the hills, valleys and ridges now | | | | their accounts recorded and in the style by which |
| sound with the call of wildlife, an amazing array of | | | | they commemorate those who fought here. The |
| birdlife or are simple breathtakingly quiet, allowing | | | | site of the Battle of Rorke's Drift between the |
| sightseers to absorb the undeniable atmosphere. | | | | British and Zulu is much unchanged since that |
| From simple, comfortable camp sites to exclusive | | | | bloody encounter with stone walls build to shield |
| private game ranches, accommodation is available | | | | the British still virtually intact. |
| to suit every taste, standard and budget, | | | | Many monuments and well-preserved artifacts |
| together with a range of activities as wide as the | | | | provide an ideal backdrop to an area where |
| plains for which the area is famous. White water | | | | re-enactments of the Colonial-era wars between |
| rafting, mountain biking, abseiling, 4x4 trails, horse | | | | British troops and Zulu warriors, allow modern day |
| riding and hiking are some of the options available | | | | visitors to experience the bloody dramas with |
| to the more adventurous, whereas those seeking | | | | almost frightening reality. Trained guides bring their |
| other pursuits can enjoy a round of golf at a | | | | own personal touch in terms of detail emotion and |
| variety of 9 and 18-hole courses, casino thrills or | | | | anecdotal interest to the encounters in contrast |
| the opportunity to test their fishing skills. | | | | to the often stark visual landscape. |
| The rugged magnificence of the terrain is dotted | | | | |