Battlefields Country Lodge
Situated in Dundee, Battlefields Country Lodge is right in the heartbeat of the KwaZulu-Natal battlefields making it the perfect base to explore Boer, Brit and Zulu battle sites at Isandlwana, Rorke’s Drift, Blood River as well as Ncome and Talana museums.

The lodge is nestled in green valleys overlooking rolling hills, dams and the famous Talana hill which was the site of the first battle between the Boers and the British soldiers. Battlefields Country Lodge offers 50 accommodation units ranging from unique, silo-styled rooms to luxury, self-catering suites set in beautiful lush gardens with swimming pool and overlooking dams, mountains, horses, game and stunning bird life.

The lodge was established in 1998 by the Roos family, who still run the lodge. The old original cottage, which was used as a farm workshop, was renovated into six en-suite rooms and named Rosie’s Cottage after Rosie Rogers who lived in it for many years. Thereafter, two old grain silos next to the old milking shed were built up and made into four en-suite rooms with a stairway joining the top two rooms. Unfortunately, the walls of the milking shed were crumbling and the idea of turning it into a chapel and dormitory for school groups was dashed, so the iron roof was removed and used to build a gazebo which has since been used as a chapel for wedding ceremonies.

The silos became sought-after and 10 more silos were built; larger than the originals. These have become a hallmark of the lodge. Share and enjoy a relaxed sundowner in the fully licensed 'Lapa Ukhamba' watering hole, a round bar built under thatch. A cosy fire in winter creates a wonderfully cosy experience. In the evenings, a three-course country-style buffet is served in the 70-seater Warrior’s Arms dining room.

Visit http://iafrica.safarinow.com/go/BattlefieldsCountryLodgeDundee/.

Isandlwana Lodge
Isandlwana Lodge is an upmarket facility built on the Nyoni Rock below where the Zulu commander stood during the Battle of Isandlwana on 22 January 1879.

It is built of native stone with a thatched roof and offers twelve bedrooms, all en-suite, with private balconies. The bedrooms and the main level of the lodge feature unsurpassed views of Isandlwana Mountain, the charming cultural village below and the mountain ranges in the distance.

Isandlwana Lodge is within easy reach of some of South Africa's major game reserves and within easy driving distance from Rorke's Drift and Anglo-Boer sites as well.

Rob Gerrard, FRGS, is the resident historian at Isandlwana Lodge and takes guests on tours of the battlefields where he makes history come alive. Isandlwana and Rorke's Drift are flagship tours, while other Anglo-Zulu and Anglo-Boer tours require prior arrangement.

In addition to Anglo-Zulu and Anglo-Boer battlefield tours, the Lodge offers photographic safaris, walking- and horse-trails and cultural experiences. To visit Isandlwana Lodge is to step back into the vibrant history of the area. It's a sure-to-please place to relax and enjoy the peace and tranquility of one of the most beautiful areas in KwaZulu-Natal.

Visit http://iafrica.safarinow.com/go/IsandlwanaLodge/.

Penryn
Penryn is a gracious old home situated in central Dundee. It has been tastefully converted into a charming and comfortable B&B while carefully preserving its Victorian ambience. It is set in a beautiful prize-winning garden, with good security and electronically controlled access.

Penryn offers a family flat, sleeping four, which has a TV lounge and kitchen. This unit can be self-catering or bed-and-breakfast. A further three en-suite bedrooms are available, each with private entrance. All rooms are tastefully decorated and are equipped with a DSTV bouquet, bar fridge, heater, electric blankets and coffee-making facilities. All offer an attractive outlook onto a private patio with outdoor seating.

Dundee is the heart of the KZN battlefields district. The first shots of the Anglo-Boer War were fired on the town at the Battle of Talana. Dundee boasts an excellent historical museum, as does Rorke’s Drift. The town has a picturesque 18-hole golf course and offers squash, tennis, bowls and fishing. For the more adventurous the nearby Buffalo River offers white water rafting and canoeing.

There is also a 4x4 trail for the off road enthusiasts. An hour and a half away is the NPB Ithala Game Reserve which has an abundance of bird life, as well as four of the big five.

Visit http://iafrica.safarinow.com/go/Penryn/.

Lalalapha
Situated in the heart of the historic battlefields, Lalalapha caters for the middle to the lower end of the corporate and leisure tourism markets, providing quality accommodation and conference facilities for national and international business and leisure tourists at affordable rates.

Accommodation and conference facilities are provided in an old hotel, which offers 14 bedrooms each with their own en-suite bathroom, TV, and coffee/tea facilities. Lalalapha can accommodate up to 28 guests and offers a conference room which can accommodate up to 150 delegates. Communal facilities include a spacious living room with a bar, large dining room, fully equipped kitchen and a large lapa with barbeque facilities.

Visit http://iafrica.safarinow.com/go/Lalalapha/.

Click here to read more about the history of the KwaZulu-Natal battlefields…

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