TRAVELLING TO RORKE'S DRIFT.

Hi
Before i book my plane tickets and car hire, can anybody advise me on a trip to Zululand please? I'm heading for Rorke's Drift, from either Heathrow or Gatwick, but not sure what airport to land at, meaning J'berg or Durban. Has anyone out there driven from J'berg and Durban to compere the two? I know the flight's will be cheaper if I do decide to go to J'berg,, if not a hour or so longer. Is the J'berg route a scenic, safe one, etc? I would be very grateful to hear from the people that have had the experience. Thanks.

runner2
Not a lot of difference in terms of driving time between the two. From JHB you would take the National road and branch of of at Newcastle , through Dundee and your into the battlefields. Alternate route is down through the freestate to ladysmith then cut across to Dundee. Best route would be through Newcastle. Perfectly safe driving all the way down. Dont pick up hitch hikers, stay out of townships and youve no problems. Enjoy the drive.

Regards

Ok, thanks very much for your advice, Springbok.

runner 2
One solid piece of advice.
Before you go. Write down a list of things to do, places to see, etc. Because I will guarantee that you get caught up in the excitement and only realise when you get home you missed out on something. Ive done that many times, and so has everyone thats done the battlefields.
Things to add to your list, close to RD. The prince imperials grave. Battle of blood river ( not Anglo/Zulu wars but really fascinating. The track to Helpmakaar. Read the missing 5 hour theory then go and have a look at the X marks the spot area. Walk the fugitives trail (thats a must do). Walk from the scree slope down to Durnfords donga, look back and see how much of the battlefield is hidden, do the oposite and stand on the rocky ridge and try and see the donga or the camp area. Walk up the slope that Cavaye and Essex evacuated down from the ridge. If you have a head for heights climb isandlwana, and the Oskaberg.
Sigh..................and a thousand other things as well.

Above all else have a fantastic time.

Regards

Thanks for your kind advice. Yes I am really, really excited at the moment!!! Just halfway through Bertram Mitford's "Through The Zulu Country" for the upteenth time!! I will be in Zululand for sixteen day's, so I plan to cram in as much as possible. Running 4 miles each morning to get in shape!
Thank you once again, Springbok, valued info.

Hi Runner2,

The other issue to consider perhaps is hiring a guide or joining one of the groups touring the battlefields when you are there. When we visited Isandlwana and Rorkes Drift about 7 years ago, we joined the tour by Rob Gerrard of Isandlwana Lodge. Rob is a first class narrator who brought the battle alive. There are also tours run from Fugitive's Drift ( Rob Caskie? ) and I believe they have some Zulu guides as well.

I am sure you will have a great time.