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Battlefields accommodation. Blood River is a historic site where Afrikaans and Zulu forces clashed. In previous years Afrikaaners lorded their victory here, but today the day of the battle (December 16) is know as the Day of Reconciliation in South Africa.
The name 'Blood River' makes this locations violent history obvious. It was here, at Blood River, that one of the fiercest battles between the Voortrekkers and the Zulus was staged. The bank of the Ncome River, as it was known previously, saw a bloody battle fought on its waters. Today, the Ncome Monument and Museum complex are located to the east of the battle site, while the Blood River Monument is found to the west. The Battle of Blood River was a significant event in South African history, which is commemorated even until now.
In 1838, the Voortrekkers, led by the skilled Andries Pretorius faced off against the AmaZulus, who were led by Ndlekla kaSompisi. It was expected to be a close match, but in the end the Voortrekkers won out and defeated the AmaZulus. What ensued was a complete bloodbath, as the AmaZulus suffered about 3000 casualties in their ranks, with the Voortrekkers walking away largely unscathed. That day, the NCome river ran red with blood, and thus came to be called the Blood River.
The Ncome Museum was initiated by Shaka kaSenzangakhona, and officially opened to the public in 1999. The Ncome museum exudes Zulu culture - from the green lands surrounding this museum to the Zulu war horn formation.
For those more interested in Voortrekker history, an impressive 64 replicas of Voortrekkers wagons and three cannons, which were considered pivotal in the Afrikaners’ defeat of the Zulus, can be found at this site.
Coert Steynberg is credited with the design of the Blood River monument commemorating the bloody battle between the Afrikaners and the Zulus in 1838.
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Blood River's Contact Details:
| Phone: | 034 212 2654 |
| Email: | info@talana.co.za |
| Website: | http://www.talana.co.za |
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Things to do near Blood River
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The Talana Museum, a prominent landmark in Dundee, is one of Kwa-Zulu Natal's must see attractions! Covering a total area of 20 acres, the Talana Museum is one of South Africa's largest museums with over 17 buildings. This museum is a tribute to the battle here in 1899 that started the Anglo-Boer W... [ read more... ] |
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Rorke’s Drift Museum is the place to go if you are fascinated by the Anglo-Zulu war. This museum commemorates a battle where 4000 Zulu warriors were kept at bay by only 100 British soldiers. 11 Victoria crosses were awarded to the British.
Located 46 kilometres south-east of Dundee, the museum i... [ read more... ] |
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Isandlhwana is an Anglo-Zulu War battle site that is only 10 miles from Rorke’s Drift. The battle fought at this isolated hill in a quiet corner of Kwazulu Natal province was one that was totally mismatched in terms of manpower.
On 22 January 1879, Zulu's defended their land here against an atta... [ read more... ] |
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Since its inception in 1972, Itala Game Reserve has grown into one of South Africa’s premier game reserves. Looking down from the 1.4 Kilometer high Ngoje ridge, the deep, wooded valleys of the Itala Game Reserve make a striking scene as the 7 tributaries of the Phongolo River cut across the land... [ read more... ] |
Accommodation near Blood River
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The country style guesthouse with the 4 bedrooms sleeps 12 people in the middle of the difference battlefields is a must if you want to visit the following battlefields,
Battle of Blood River, Rorke's Drift, Isandlwana and Talana.
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The B&B has 5 bedrooms in a safe secure courtyard and the bedrooms have double beds, air conditioning, shower and toilets, coffee and tea and a fridge. There is wireless internet and the guest are welcome to use that. The breakfast served by the hostess is the best in Vryheid and she is well known f... [ read more... ] |
