The Battlefields Route
The KwaZulu-Natal Battlefields Route has the highest concentration of battlefields and related military sites in South Africa. The Battlefields Route starts at Estcourt and winds north through Colenso and Ladysmith to Newcastle and Volksrust. From there it goes eastwards to Utrecht, Glencoe, Dundee, Nqutu, Paulpietersburg, Vryheid, Babanango and Ulundi.
All the towns along the route have their own unique charm and range of attractions ranging from arts and crafts and Zulu culture to scenic hiking trails, farm resorts and roadside stalls. Water sport, natural hot springs, horse trails, fly fishing and game viewing can also be enjoyed. White and black rhino, elephant, crocodile, giraffe, cheetah and leopard, among others, can be seen at the Itala Game Reserve near Vryheid.
The Blood River Monument
The Chelmsford Nature Reserve near Newcastle is a bird watcher's paradise. Powerboating and carp fishing are added attractions. Game include springbok, zebra, rhino and blesbok. Other interesting places to visit are Majuba Hill and O'Neill's Cottage, the Blood River Monument and Newcastle town itself.
Rorke's Drift Battle Museum
Near Dundee, tourists can visit various battlefields, including the Blood River, Isandlwana, Rorke's Drift and Talana battlefields. The Talana Museum depicts various facets of the coal industry, as well as local Zulu, Boer and British History.
Rorke's Drift was the setting for one of the most famous battles of the Anglo-Zulu War. The main attraction is the Rorke's Drift Battle Museum. The Evangelical Lutheran Church Arts and Crafts Centre sells hand woven tapestries, pottery and silkscreen fabrics.
Ladysmith Siege Museum
The Ladysmith Siege Museum provides insight into the Battles of Colenso, Spioenkop, Vaalkrans and Tugela Heights. Museum staff arrange guided tours to nearby battlefields such as Wagon Hill. Other attractions in Ladysmith include the Statue of Gandhi, the All Saints Church, the Soofi Mosque and the Spioenkop Dam and Nature Reserve.