IF YOU GO . . .

GETTING THERE

Blood River: Leave Dundee on the R33 to Vryheid. After about 20km, turn right and follow the signs saying “Blood River Battlefield”. A good dirt road will take you to the entrance gate, which is close to a big concrete wagon. Pay the entrance fee and then walk or drive down the track to the ring of bronze wagons. As you stand in the middle of this ring looking towards the river, a deep donga (gully) is on your right. The Zulu were coming from the Nqutu area, which is to your front left (northeast). The first attack came from behind where you are standing and from the right. The next came from across the river, straight in front of you.

Elandslaagte: Leave the R602 between Ladysmith and Dundee at the sign to Elandslaagte. Follow the road over the railway line and then turn left at the first junction. There is a sign for the battlefield to your right. Drive along this gravel road until you are in the nek between the ridge on your right and the detached hill on the left. There is a place to park close to the Hollander Monument on the detached hill (28°25’25.8” S 29°58’44.6” E). There is a path leading up the ridge that takes you to various British monuments. Continue along the road through the nek to reach the British graveyard.

Spioenkop: From Durban, take the N3 towards Johannesburg. After about 190km, take exit number 230, which will take you onto the R616. At the end of the off-ramp, turn left towards Bergville and after 4km turn left onto a gravel road signposted “Spioenkop Battlefield”. Follow the road until you reach the boom and entry gate to the battlefield (28°38’53.4” S 29°31’00.3” E).