Battle of Isandlwana & Rorke's Drift, 1 Day Tour from Durban

Durban , South Africa

Battle of Isandlwana & Rorke's Drift, 1 Day Tour from Durban

Active

12h

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

The battles of Isandlwana and Rorke's drift were fought by the Zulu army and the British army in Zulkuland. Both battles were fought on 22 January 1879, the Zulu being victorious on Isandlwana whilst the British were victorious on Rorke.s Drift. The 2 battles are famous worldwide and people come from all over the world to witness where these battles were fought. Our local guide will narate the full stories to you whilst also walking you through the exact spots where these battles were fought. You will also see some graves and monuments as well as visit the museums where the history around these 2 battles is being preserved.

Available options

Battle of Isandlwana & Rorke's Drift, 1 Day Tour from Durban

Pickup included

What's included

Isandlwana Museum

Battle of Rorke's Drift

Battle of Isandlwana

Roeke's Drift Museum

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

We leave Durban at 6am and travel to the Isandlwana Battlefield area where a local guide is ready to show us around and to explain the full stories behind the battles.

We also visit the museum and we also visit some graves and monuments.

The Battle of Isandlwana, during the Anglo-Zulu War of 1879, has been the subject of conjecture and controversy for 140 years. It is arguably the greatest defeat that the British Empire was ever to suffer in her entire colonial history; in two short hours a modern British army was destroyed.

The second battle won by the British was the Rorke's Drift Battle, also fought on 22 January 1879. Here the local guide will take us to the exact spot of the battle, show us some graves and monuments and also take us to the museum while at the same time narating the happenings on the day of the battle.

The Battle of Rorke’s Drift, fought immediately after the Battle of Isandlwana, is famous throughout the English-speaking world. Here, at a small mission station, 139 British soldiers were attacked by 4000 Zulu warriors. The result was a British victory which saw the award of more Victoria Crosses than in any other battle in history. The story of Rorke’s Drift is an incredibly tragic story; one of human courage and sacrifice. The unspeakable suffering endured by the warriors and soldiers on such a tiny area is confounding.

Available languages

Guide guide

Important information

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

About Durban

Durban is a vibrant coastal city in South Africa known for its beautiful beaches, rich cultural heritage, and warm tropical climate. It's a melting pot of cultures, offering a unique blend of African, Indian, and colonial influences.

Top Attractions

Golden Mile

A stretch of beautiful beaches along the Durban coastline, offering a variety of water sports, beach activities, and a vibrant promenade.

Beach Half day to full day Free to enter, activities vary in cost

uShaka Marine World

A popular theme park and marine park featuring a variety of attractions, including a water park, aquarium, and dolphin shows.

Entertainment Full day Moderate to expensive

Durban Botanical Gardens

A beautiful botanical garden featuring a variety of plant species, walking trails, and a heritage site.

Nature 1-2 hours Free to enter, small fee for special exhibits

Victoria Street Market

A bustling market offering a variety of goods, including spices, textiles, and handmade crafts.

Market 1-2 hours Budget to moderate

Durban Museum

A museum showcasing the natural and cultural history of Durban and the surrounding region.

Museum 1-2 hours Budget

Must-Try Local Dishes

Bunny Chow

A hollowed-out loaf of bread filled with curry, typically made with chicken, lamb, or beans. It's a popular street food in Durban.

Lunch/Dinner Vegetarian and vegan options available

Biltong

Dried, cured meat, similar to jerky, made from various types of meat such as beef, game, or ostrich.

Snack Contains meat, not suitable for vegetarians or vegans

Bunny Chow

A hollowed-out loaf of bread filled with curry, typically made with chicken, lamb, or beans. It's a popular street food in Durban.

Lunch/Dinner Vegetarian and vegan options available

Durban Curry

A spicy curry dish with roots in Indian cuisine, often made with chicken, lamb, or seafood, and flavored with local spices.

Dinner Vegetarian and vegan options available

Popular Activities

Surfing Hiking Mountain biking Beach lounging Spa treatments Yoga Cultural tours Museum visits

Best Time to Visit

December to February

This is the summer season with warm temperatures, frequent rain showers, and bustling beaches. It's the peak tourist season with vibrant festivals and events.

23°C to 30°C 73°F to 86°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Zulu, English
Widely spoken: Zulu, English, Afrikaans, Xhosa
English: Widely spoken

Currency

South African Rand (ZAR)

Time Zone

GMT+2

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Exercise caution

Durban is generally safe for tourists, but petty crime and violent crime can occur, particularly in certain areas and at night. Exercise caution, be aware of your surroundings, and take necessary precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable visit.

Important Precautions:

• Be aware of your surroundings
• Keep valuables secure
• Avoid walking alone at night

Getting there

By air

King Shaka International Airport • 35 km from city center

By train

Durban Station

By bus

Durban Bus Terminal, Grey Street Bus Terminal

Getting around

Public transport

DART buses are affordable and convenient for getting around. They operate on dedicated bus lanes, making them faster than regular buses.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, Bolt

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Berea Morningside Umgeni Road

Day trips

Valley of a Thousand Hills

30 km from Durban • Half day to full day

A scenic region known for its rolling hills, traditional Zulu villages, and cultural experiences. It offers a glimpse into rural Zulu life and stunning views of the surrounding landscape.

St. Lucia

200 km from Durban • Full day or overnight

A coastal town in the iSimangaliso Wetland Park, known for its beautiful beaches, wildlife, and water activities. It's a popular destination for boat cruises, snorkeling, and wildlife spotting.

Drakensberg Mountains

250 km from Durban • Full day or overnight

A stunning mountain range known for its hiking trails, waterfalls, and scenic views. It's a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts and those seeking a break from the city.

Festivals

Durban July • July Durban International Film Festival • October Sugar Rush Festival • December to January

Pro tips

Visit the beach early in the morning to avoid crowds and enjoy the cooler temperatures
Try local street food like bunny chow and samosas for an authentic Durban culinary experience
Explore the city's cultural heritage by visiting the Victoria Street Market and the Durban Botanical Gardens
Take a day trip to the Valley of a Thousand Hills for a scenic and cultural experience
Attend a local event or festival, such as the Durban July or the Durban International Film Festival, for a unique and memorable experience