Rob Gerrard, FRGS, author and ex-Gordon Highlander, is the resident historian at the lodge. Join him or one of his associates on a tailor made tour as they recapture all the rich detail of the Zulu history of Isandlwana, the battle of Rorke’s Drift and the surrounding areas.
It was here at Isandlwana that part of the central column of the British Invasion Force under the ultimate command of Lt. General Lord Chelmsford was virtually wiped out by King Cetshwayo’s Zulu army. Lts. Melvill and Coghill died in their attempt to save the Queen’s colour.
Later that same day 4 500 Zulus attacked a re-supply depot at Rorke’s Drift, held by a handful of British soldiers, many of whom were sick or wounded. Following a battle of eleven and a half hours, the Zulus were repulsed, and eleven Victoria Crosses and five Distinguished Conduct Medals were awarded.
The Anglo Zulu War is an enduring story of courage and self-sacrifice, bloodshed and tragedy. Isandlwana lodge is situated in the very heart of the historic locations where these remarkable events took place.
Rob Gerrard was educated in Britain, commissioned into the British army, served with The Gordons in Kenya and on a secondment in Malaysia, Borneo and Thailand. In 1969 he left the army and moved to South Africa where he became a commodity trader. His passion for British military history led him into lecturing on the battles of the Anglo Zulu War of 1879, and Anglo Boer Wars of 1881 and 1899-1902. He was made a Fellow of The Royal Geographical Society in 1998.
Rob has written a compelling book on the Anglo Zulu War entitled “People of the Heavens”. The book is available at the Lodge curio shop.
COMMENTS FROM SOME OF OUR GUESTS
Icing on the cake, brillant tours, highlight of visit so far - CJ UK
First class, the very top. Rob was excellent. Painted a vivid picture - BF UK
Awesome and great tours - JT UK
Was Rob at the Battle? He was so good - PC USA
Magical, thank you Rob for bringing the battles to life - DR UK
Inspirational tours, evocative and passionate story telling - SL Scotland
So stimulating! Rob inspires you to such an extent that you
want to learn more about subject - GJ SA
Fantastic experience, Rob Gerrard makes the battles come alive in a most moving way - RP UK
Rob Gerrard was at his very best - quite outstanding!! - Keenan UK
Experienced nothing like it before - DH Wales
What a performance!! - AC USA
Rob is an enormous draw - he is charming and knowledgable
and terrifically knowledgable -
KH USA
Rob is a great story teller and his passion for history excites you into a deeper understanding of the battles that took place here - JJ SA
Isandlwana Lodge is well situated for visits to these historic battlefields.
Call +27(0) 34-271 8301/4/5
African vacation &Battlefields Lodge
accommodation (cell phone +27 (0)82 415 3679)
lodge@isandlwana.co.za
Isandlwana Lodge, P.O. Box 30, Isandlwana 3005, KwaZulu Natal, South Africa
Fax +27 34 271 8306; E-mail: info@isandlwana.co.za