Anglo Zulu Wars

History and Culture of the Anglo Zulu Wars

The history and culture of Southern Africa is as diverse as its natural wonders which is no wonder as the two are intricately interwoven. From ancient African cultures such as that of the Bushman, to the tribes that speak the 11 official languages of South Africa, there is a wealth of African culture. Then there is the European history in this region including watershed events such as the Boer war. Of course there is also the legacy of Apartheid in South Africa and its miraculous transition to the Rainbow Nation.

Discovering more about this side of South African history is also about discovering the beauty and hospitality of KwaZulu-Natal. This is the best classroom you will ever experience as guides take you over the now beautiful battlefields, and you are accommodated and wind and dined at top class game lodges

If you enjoy art then there are some stunning paintings that powerfully depict various battles from these times

There is a dearth of information on these historical times in the libraries and archives of South Africa, but there is no better way to glean this information than by listening to a passionate guide out in the rolling hills of KwaZulu-Natal

Anglo Boer and Zulu Wars

Enquire about tours to the Anglo Boer and Zulu war sites Merl from Amakhulu Central Reservations offers a very professional service and at no extra cost to you.

The Zulu kingdom

In a recent study amongst foreign tourists, the word "Zulu" was the most recognised African word. No wonder, since the Zulu kingdom in its heyday was the most powerful tribe in Africa.

Land was key to Nguni-speaking societies of south-east in the 18 century: as chiefdoms became too large, new settlements sprang up on virgin territory. Formation of defensive alliances against land-hungry foes led to growing militarism and the emergence of the Zulu kingdom under Shaka.

Some Hotspots:

The battlesites of KwaZulu-Natal, such as Blood river, where 3000 Zulu were killed while only 2 out of 468 Afrikaner trekkers suffered casualties. After the battle, the Zulu kingdom was thrown into civil war
Zululand, Dundee, where you can see the leopard skin cape and headband worn by chiefs, or the unmarried girls do the Reed dance
Valley of 1000 hills - see traditional dress, herbalists and male diviners
Rorke's Drift, Isandlawana where 20,000 Zulu utterly defeated the 1200 British

The Anglo-Boer War

At the end of the 19th century, Britain's economic power was being challenged by the USA and Germany. The empire, however, had given Britain an enormous advantage as the historical centre of world finance and banking, a dominance it could only retain if more gold could be found to replenish the dwindling reserves held by the Bank of England to underpin the sterling. The obvious supply was in the Transvaal (Gauteng) - but only if the Afrikaner republic led by Paul Kruger could be brought unto the Empire which led to the South African War from 1899 - 1902.

Some Hotspots: