Fugitives' Drift and the Battlefields of Isandlwana and Rorke's Drift

We woke to another very cold morning at Fugitives' Drift, but breakfast was ready at 6.50am and we were soon preparing for what was going to be a fascinating morning.

We left at 7.30am for the Isandlwana tour, followed by the Rorke's Drift tour. Normally, the two tours are not done back to back, but as it was bitterly cold, it was agreed that we would combine the two tours into one morning.

We were well prepared for the cold, with hot water bottles and blankets provided in the minibus.

As we drove towards the battlefields, an audio recording played, giving us all the background information and setting the scene for what we were about to see. We stopped at strategic points along the way, where our guide explained everything in more detail and pointed out exactly where the events had taken place.

It was a brilliant morning and the way the history was brought to life made the experience particularly special. Standing in the actual landscape where the battles took place really brought home just how difficult the conditions must have been for those involved.

We returned to Fugitives' Drift for a late lunch before settling down in the lounge in front of a roaring log fire. The film Zulu was then played, which was particularly appropriate after spending the morning visiting the battlefields and hearing the stories behind them.

If you get a chance, Google Fugitives' Drift and look at the tours section. It explains everything much better than I do and gives a good idea of just how much history there is here.

One of the highlights from yesterday was actually before we even reached the lodge. As we drove into the reserve where Fugitives' Drift is situated, we encountered eleven giraffes standing in the road. It was a fantastic sight and a great introduction to the area.

We have also discovered that the people we are staying with come from Brighton, Winchester and Guildford. It is incredible to think that we all live relatively close to each other back home, yet have travelled all the way to South Africa and ended up together here.

The film is playing as I write this, and it won't be long before it is time for drinks and then dinner.

Tomorrow we are on the move again.