Rorkes Drift is not the easiest of places to get to, but it’s well worth the effort! I get a lot of questions about the logistics of getting to Rorkes Drift, about the accommodation, about the sites and so on. In order to try make your life a little easier, I thought I would put other a short guide on Rorkes Drift Tour Packages and what you can expect.
It’s still amazing to me that even today visitors from around the world continue to make their way to Rorkes Drift and iSandlwana. Of course the film industry helped by producing the gems of Zulu and Zulu Dawn, but still, I have had people from Mexico, the USA, France, the United Kingdom and a few other spots that have made the journey to discover more about what happened in this little corner of the world.
Getting to Rorkes Drift and iSandlwana From Durban
The easiest way to Rorkes Drift is from Durban. Fly in from Johannesburg or from Cape Town and stay overnight in Durban, there are flight every 30 minutes or so.
It’s a 4 hour drive from Durban to iSandlwana – so a long drive but such a beautiful scenic one! On the way to the battlefields of Rorkes Drift and iSandlwana I’ll go through with you the why’s and wherefore’s to the conflict of the Anglo Zulu War.
Typically we’ll make the trip in either a comfy and air-conditioned (very necessary during summer) 4×4 vehicle although the roads really don’t call for 4×4’s these days.
On the way you we’ll stop for a comfort and coffee break at the little town of Melmoth, roughly 2,5 hours into the journey.
Our first stop is en route to the iSandlwana where the tour begins proper as I’ll discuss the Zulu route to the battlefields and then after we get onto the battlefield of iSandlwana for a far more detailed walk through.
Next up we head to Rorkes Drift where we’ll enjoy a bit of lunch and then do the tour at Rorkes Drift and walk the actual field of battle discussing the events that took place here.
What You Will See on the Way to Rorkes Drift
If you are on a day trip then we don’t stop at any of the sites apart from the battlefields or Rorkes Drift and iSandlwana. Of course if you are on one of our overnight trips you’ll get to stop at these sites.
- Fort Pearson: An elevated position overlooking the uThukela river where Col Pearson placed his guns to cover the movement of troops over the river into Zululand.
- The Ultimatum Tree: Located alongside the current freeway (N2) stands the Ultimatum Tree (well, a cutting from the original tree anyway), this is the site at which the British delivered their ultimatum to the Zulu to disband their army (amongst other demans) that ultimately led to war.
- KwaDukuza: King Shaka establised a military kraal here in 1862 and it became known as “kwaDukuza” (place of the lost) because it was said to be so large it was easy to get lost in. It was also here where King Shaka was assassinated in 1828.
- Gingindlovu: After the disaster of iSandlwana, Lord Chelmsford returned to Pietermaritzburg to reconstitute his forces. While there, Col Pearson of the Coastal Column became besieged by the Zulu. Lord Chemlsford marked onto Col Pearson and had a victorious battle at Gingindlovu. There is a small cemetery close to the road.
- Battle of Nyezane: Whilst Lord Chelmsford was on the receiving end of Zulu hiding at iSandlwana, Col Pearson enjoyed a clear victory over the Zulu at Nyezane. It’s fairly hidden away but there is a small cemetery at the site.
- Babanango: This tiny little town on the way to iSandlwana is the site at which the Zulu army bivouacked on the way to iSandlwana on the night of the 19th January 1879. The name of the town means “Father, there you are”!
There are so many more sites along the way, Ndondakusuko, Italeni, Dingaanstad, Mtonjaneni and more; it’s worth spending a little more time in the area and learning about the amazing history!
Rorkes Drift Tour Packages: The Options
There are a number of different options for tours to Rorkes Drift from Durban. Regardless of what option you choose, we will do the heavy lifting for you by picking you up and dropping you off.
- Rorkes Drift Day Tour: This is best for those that don’t have a lot of time on their hands, from those in Durban on business or perhaps are here for a wedding or are simply passing through. Pickup at 6am and return to Durban at 7:00pm. You’ll visit both iSandlwana and Rorkes Drift on this tour.
- 2 Day Tour to Rorkes Drift: With a bit more time on hand you get to see a little more. You get to stop at Gingindlovu as well as iSandlwana, Rorkes Drift and Fugitives Drift. You will be staying that picturesque Elandsview Lodge although we can book you into other sites.
- 3 Day Tour to Rorkes Drift: This is the most popular tour we offer. On this tour you visit Rorkes Drift, iSandlwana, Fugitives Drift, KwaDukuza and either Blood River or Ulundi. This is definitely a more in depth tour that guests absolutely love!
Self Driving to Rorkes Drift and iSandlwana from Durban
You of course don’t have to book a tour with me to get to Rorkes Drift, though you would be missing out on the history and sites on the way there!
Simply take the N2 north of Durban until you get to the “Eshowe/Gingindlovu” (R66) turn off and continue along this road until you reach the town of Melmoth (watch for cattle, goats and children who cross the road without looking!).
At Melmoth head onto the R68 for the remainder of the trip until you see the signboards to iSandlwana. From this point onwards it’s dirt roads all the way so take your time to avoid punctures.
Where we Stay on a Rorkes Drift Tour Package from Durban
For the most part we stay at Elandsview which around 25 min from Rorkes Drift. It has the most wonderful views of the surrounding hills that still look as if they did 100 years ago. All the rooms come with twin beds and dinner and breakfast are included as well.
Rorkes Drift Tour Packages: Booking A Tour
Are you ready to book this amazing battlefields tour to Rorkes Drift and Isandlwana? Looking for more information or want to explore other tours or options? It’s easy to get in touch with us using any of the convenient options below.
- Call or WhatsApp on +27 (0) 74 995 6669
- Email us: info@durbansafarisandtours.com
- Use the convenient contact from below: