Visiting Zululand

Hi guys
I might have a bit of a sabbatical in the latter half of this year so wondered if anyone could give me any tips on the following:-

1) Assuming one has a reasonable amount of time (as much as needed within reason) what kind of visit length would you recommend to take in Isandlwana, RD, Ulundi, Hlobane, Ntombe ?
2) Are there any organised tours which would take all that in - and at what approximate cost (travelling from UK)?
3) Would it be practicable to organise one's own trip alone - or likely to result in a bad end?
4) Is there any time in September to December that would be best to go - or avoid?

Many thanks in advance for any tips.

Yours

Quint

Hi Quint
My advice would be to contact Ken Gillings, he is a forum member. Ken is a long establish guide, extremely knowledgable and would be able to tailor make a tour for you.
Kambula, Hlobane and Ntombe river are all North with the Blood river central and isandlawana and RD further South. To do isandlwana and RD properly, seeing the Ngwebene, Mangeni and all the key surrounds a good Four to Five days. Plus a day to do the Fugitives trail
Ulundi would be best seen on the way back from Zululand to Durban (it will be dissapointing).
There are UK based tours, Holts for instance, I dont know what depth they go into.
With a guide like Kens help it wouldnt be to difficult to arrange yourself from the UK
You do need a guide to show you around, not only from a safety point of view but also to show you the particular areas and explain the significance.


Enjoy

If you get to Cape Town give me a call.

Cheers

springbok9 wrote:

If you get to Cape Town give me a call.

Cheers

I certainly will - all the best Quint

Hi  Quint,

Some pointers on your proposed visit.
Timing : try to go for the cooler months rather than the hottest ( an ex Zululander talking). So in your sabbatical window  plan for the spring month , September, rather than December ( a hot and wet month)
Tour guide : You could also try "Campaign Tours" run by Nikki von der Heyde a  Natal historian and Zulu linguist, to boot. She has a website where you will find her contact details. Nikki could also advise on other related tours in the country too.
As you will be in the area try and see one of the many nearby Natal game reserves, ie Itala, Mkuzi, Umfolosi, Easternshores Ezemvelo at St Lucia.
 
regards,
 
barry

Tend to forget about Nikki. Good thought Barry.

springbok9 wrote:

If you get to Cape Town give me a call.

Cheers

What do mean " If " Don't scare the old boy?

Have a look at the Holt tours, not so much to worry about!

Littlehand,

I think Springbok is inferring that most folk who visit the battlefields of KwaZulu-Natal, don't bother to venture to the 'Mother City'. As it is too far away.

In my opinion they are missing one of the greatest cities in all, not just South Africa.

When I was there last back in February, I rented a penthouse on the V. & A., thoroughly recommended!

'Jimu

What about that new Rorkes drift hotel?

This from Warrior3

[You must be registered and logged in to see this link.]

If you type " Trip" in the search box you will find some more information from others who have been.

Thee RD Hotel is really well situated, good ambiance, foods OK without being exceptional Charles is a great host, just dont be suprised if there are only cold showers though.

Hi Quint.
I would recommend visiting Zululand in the month of April. I've been lucky enough to have visited the battlefields on four occasions. Once, with the girlfriend, secondly, with Holts, and twice on my own. Holts, with Ian Knight, was exceptional. You will not be disappointed! Check out their website. If you can afford the price, then go for it. Obviously if you plan to travel on your own, plan well. If you have any questions, then feel free to pm me. There are a few members on this site that have travelled around Zululand, so try and get their advice.
Cheers

If I decided to go, I would go on one of the Holts tours! Not so much to worry about. And Ian Knight would be the icing on cake.

Ulundi wrote:

If I decided to go, I would go on one of the Holts tours! Not so much to worry about. And Ian Knight would be the icing on cake.

Me too  

Me Three !  
90th.

90th wrote:

Me Three !  
90th.

Thanks very much to everyone for their helpful comments. It sounds like I should go earlier rather than later if I am going (ie Sept/Oct) and I will look into the various tour options. I really hope I can do this :)

Quint