Hlobane
You'll want a guide to get you round this site – they can arrange the permissions and access – but it is worth the trouble. With someone experienced you'll quickly be submerged in the events which led to the third Zulu victory of the Anglo-Zulu war (28 March 1879), and hear the tales of the massacre of Weatherley's Horse and the dramatic jump to freedom from the cliff top of trooper George Mossop and his Basuto pony Warrior. Note that the top of Hlobane is notorious for hidden holes, sheer cliffs and sudden changes of weather, so go prepared.
Khambula
This site is slightly off the beaten track. There is a marker post about 16 km north of Vryheid on the R33 which points the way – 5 km of dirt track takes you to the site of the British redoubt. Stand on the redoubt hill and imagine the British army fighting in all it's imperial glory against overwhelming numbers on 29 March 1879. The truth of the battle was that the Zulu army was somewhat disorganised, spurred on by its young bloods (and acting against King Cetshwayo's orders) they attacked in the usual 'horns of the bull' pattern. Unexpected boggy ground to the south west delayed the left horn, allowing the Brits to first deal exclusively with the right horn. After similarly wiping out the left horn, British cavalry turned the Zulu retreat into a rout.
Ulundi
The site of the final military defeat of the Zulu during the Anglo-Zulu War (4 July 1879), Ulundi is a must for any battlefield tour. There is a monument to the battle, which lies roughly where Chelmsford's square stood, as well as a cemetery for the British who fell here. Make sure you continue on to the Zulu Cultural Museum at oNindi, Cetshwayo's krall, where there is an excellent model of a Zulu settlement and a display of Zulu culture.
Mome Gorge
Nkandla Forest, approximately 20 km south of Nkandla hides the 600 m deep Mome River Gorge – the site of the last battle (10 June 1906) between the Zulu nation and British authorities in South Africa. It was here that the Bambatha (Poll-tax) Rebellion ended with Bambatha's death and decapitation (for identification purposes, of course). The area is also the last resting place of Cetshwayo kaMpande who died on 8 February 1884. It is well off the beaten track and you will need a reputable guide to get you there.
