25th and 26th April 2017. Isandlwana Lodge and Tour of Rorke's Drift and the Zulu Wars 1879.

We completed 2 terrific days at Cathedral Peak in excellent accommodations with great food and friendly service. This morning we left at 9.30am for a drive of 3 hours 18 minutes to the famous Isandlwana area, the scene for the infamous British Zulu wars. 

The drive was quite interesting as we saw a dramatic change in topography from the stunning mountain scenery of Cathedral Peak to the plains and hills of Isandlwana.  It was also the dividing line between Natal and the Zulu kingdom. 

We thoroughly enjoyed the drive right until the last 10 mile which again required us to leave the paved bitumin road and take toa winding rough dusty side road.  Jeanette was driving and did a terrific job in getting down a steep potholed dirt track, which then led along another dirt road to a spectacular lodge, high on a large hiiside overlooking the plains.  

Jeanette drove down a side road running parallel in front of a major rock embankment called the Nyoni Rocks, where the Zulu commanders stood and directed the Zulu warriors in the infamous Battle of Isandlwana, where the Zulu inflicted a significant loss on the British Imperial forces.  Here the British Army faced one of its worst defeats on the morning of 22 January, 1879. 

The Lodge is a brilliant piece of architecture using huge wooden columns and thatch with stone supporting floor to ceiling glass walls.  Our room is #1 and has spectacular views from the bedroom and sitting area over the valley and takes in the enigmatic Isandlwana Mountains and the battle site below. 

We arrive at 12.45pm and check in and un pack then enjoy a lunch. 

At 2.00pm we embark on an excursion with our guide Barry taking one vehicle and us with the manager, Shane, to visit the famous Rorke's Drift the scene of another major battle where a force of 140 men holed up in a hospital and stores area and held off 3,000 Zulu Warriors and eventually the Zulu withdrew with over 500 casualties, before the regiment of reinforcements arrived. 

We spend 3 hours then drive over two other battlegrounds involved in significant Zulu wars , before the British reinforcements from Durban and CapeTown led to the eventual end of the Zulu Wars in early 100's. 

Our group then returned and we changed and had a drink at their unique wet bar with a large timber table top supported by false ivory tusks.

Dinner was served at7.15pm and we enjoyed an excellent 3 courses, our guide Barry Marshall joined us for dinner.

This has been an outstanding day and a highlight of our holiday, both in terms of the historical significance of the Wars, together with the beauty of this spectacular Lodge and its imposing architecture.  We are on a high after a day of beautiful weather, unique historic significance, a first class educative guide and outstanding facilities and accommodation. 

Tomorrow we have another 4 hour drive to Thanda Safari Lodge located 23km north of Hiuhluwe in northern Zululand. Thanda is a private game park and world famous hotel.  Should be another terrific experience.  This has been just amazing.  I should have commented that the heavy dining room chairs are covered in Inguni,Cowhide, the Royal cattle of the Zulus.

As you can sense this has been something special.