Isandlwana Rorke’s Drift Commemorative Tour 2019

Isandlwana Rorke’s Drift Commemorative Tour 2019 commemorates the 140 year anniversary of these two battles that took place in the heart of Zululand in KwaZulu Natal.

Isandlwana Rorke’s Drift Commemorative Tour 2019 – Friday 25 January

• 18:30 Meet at Endumeni/Isandlwana MOTH Shellhole in Dundee (corner Wilson and Beaconsfield St opposite Dutch reformed Church). Braai fires and cash bar will be available.
• Talks by Pat Rundgren and Pam McFadden on Isandlwana, people connected with the battle and view relics from the battlefield in the collection.

Isandlwana Rorke’s Drift Commemorative Tour 2019 – Saturday 26 January

• 08:15 for 08:30 Meet at Talana Museum for departure to Isandlwana. Bring folding chair, picnic and refreshments and lots of patience – the timing for the re-enactment works on flexible time.
• 09:30 Meet at Isandlwana outside museum and curio shop. Toilet facilities available and coffee shop.Visit to site museum and St Vincent’s church.  Talks on Isandlwana battlefield which will again be flexible depending on timing of the re-enactment.
• Talks by Pat Rundgren, Pam McFadden and other guides: “Where was Durnford’s last stand”
  “The man in the cave”. Other talks – The Drummer Boys – myth or fact?
• Visits to Wardells’ position, Durnford’s donga, identify position of 1st 24th Regimentt camp from paining by William Whitelaw Lloyd, Zulu command post on top of Nyoni ridge.
• On route to Rorke’s Drift stop at Batshee valley – story of Henry Harford and also Siyaho’s Kraal
• At Buffalo river crossing view positions of pont crossing, Fort Melville and Harford’s drift.
• Late afternoon visit Rorke’s Drift hotel – “Location, Location, Location”. Pub will be open. Talk by Charles Aikenhead on John Chard.
• Visit to Rorkes Drift battlefield. 18:00 Return to Dundee.

The image above of the Buffalo River was taken from the wooden deck at Rorke’s Drift hotel.

Isandlwana Rorke’s Drift Commemorative Tour 2019 – Sunday 27 January

• 09:00 meet at Talana Museum. “Walkie Talkie” tour by Pat Rundgren and Pam McFadden on sites and elements of the Battle of Talana.
• Ryley’s hill and site of British camp, Mpati mountain (Boer position) and magnificent view over Dundee valley towards Talana and Endumeni, British gun positions in town, Betania hospital, St James church and the story of Rev Bailey. His account “7 Months Under Boer Rule” available from Talana Museum book shop and Dutch Reformed Church where Boer casualties were reburied in 1929.
• 11:30 return to Talana Museum. At leisure to view museum, support Miners Rest restaurant and leave for home.
• Weekend tours are free but a donation to Talana Museum will be appreciated.
• We recommend filling vehicles to minimize numbers – arrange with owner/driver to make contribution to petrol costs.