Hlobane, Battlefields
Roughly 26km east of Vryheid, lies the rural village of Hlobane – little more than a train station and a local school.
The village may seem obscure. But mention the Battle of Hlobane and any Anglo-Boer battlefields afficionado worth his salt will know exactly what you are referring to.
Like much of the countryside in this part of KwaZulu-Natal, the area is home to a battlefield that lies at the foot of the Hlobane Mountain.
Hlobane was the site of a British disaster in March 1879 when mounted troops led by Lt. Col. Redvers Buller tried to ambush the mountain, then a hiding place of the abaQulusi people, descendants of the Zulu royal homestead, ebaQulusini (loyal to the Zulu crown and part of the resistence to the British invasion of northern Zululand).
The abaQulusi lived in homes in the valley below, but when threatened they and their cattle would head up the narrow paths to the summit of the mountain, a rather uneven, flat-topped plateau. To hear the results of the battle will involve attending a guided tour of the battlefield or guided hike up and across the plateau.
Suffice it to say that heading off on your own is, if reports are to be believed, not a good idea given the unpredictable weather and a number of cautionary areas en route. Walking Hlobane is best left for toughened hikers and hill-walkers, as the track onto the summit is no longer maintained now that the coal mine is closed.
But the walk is worth it as the scenery from the summit of the mountain is said to be breathtaking, and the scene below somewhat paradoxically peaceful.
A visit to the battlefield, then, involves a guide and permission from the private mine on whose property Hlobane Mountain and the battlefied now rest.
In the vicinity
Hotels & other accommodation options
Villa Prince Imperial
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Mount Sinai Resort
Mount Sinai Resort is set in tranquil surroundings, just 2km outside of Vryheid, and is an excellent choice for rest and rejuvenation. Well-known...
Donga La Boutique Hotel
Located in the heart of Ladysmith, Donga La Boutique Hotel offers accommodation in nine rooms. Each room has a bar fridge, tea / coffee and a tab...
Kwantulindawo Guest House
Kwantulindawo Vryheid offers accommodation in ten elegantly furnished rooms. The guesthouse is conveniently situated right in the heart of Vryhei...
The Meadows Guest House
The Meadows Guest House offers comfortable accommodation in Newcastle in KwaZulu Natal. The establishment is close to shops, restaurants and amen...
Pheasant's Rest Guest House
Pheasant's Rest is situated in the quiet suburb of Aviary Hill, Newcastle, where a warm welcome awaits you from the hosts. The bed and breakfast ...
Lady Leuchars Guest House
Lady Leuchars offers accommodation in the charming town of Greytown. The house was once the residence of Sir George and Lady Marion Leuchars, is ...
Tranquility Ukuthula
Tranquility Ukuthula is situated within the lovely Ntabamoya Game Reserve and offers accommodation in Winterton between Champagne Valley and Cath...
Elephant Rock Private Safari Lodge
Elephant Rock Private Safari Lodge is situated in the Big 5, malaria free, Nambiti Private Game Reserve near Ladysmith. Superbly sited overlookin...
Things to do in the area
Hiking The Hlobane Mountain
There is an interesting hike you can go on while in Hlobane that will take you through the all famous battlefield. A key is required to enter thi...
Noteworthy attractions
Chelmsford Nature Reserve
The Chelmsford Nature Reserve, situated on the Ngagane River, lies just 70 kilometres from Ladysmith and is the site of the third largest dam in ...
Ntendeka Wilderness Area
South Africa's smallest and arguably most beautiful wilderness area is Ntendeka, consisting of 5 250 ha of undulating grasslands, verdant forests...
Weenen Nature Reserve
Weenen Game Reserve covers an area of typical inland KwaZulu Natal acacia grassland with occasional thickets. There are extensive game viewing fa...
Talana Museum
Set in a 20 acre heritage park that forms a portion of the Talana battlefield - the first battle of the Anglo-Boer war - is a museum that is dedi...
Midlands Meander
The enchantment of the Midlands has long inspired many a visitor and resident to creativity and as a result, local artists, potters and weavers c...
Dlinza Forest Nature Reserve
Found just outside the little town of Eshowe, the Dlinza Forest is one of two indigenous forests that lie close to one another in this southern p...
Vryheid Hill Nature Reserve
Vryheid, which lies in northern KwaZulu Natal, is the largest town in the area and is situated on a transitional belt between grasslands and low-...
Wagendrift Nature Reserve
Situated on the other side of the N3 from Estcourt, Wagendrift Nature Reserve surrounds the dam of the same name. With a resident yacht club, and...
Eshowe Hills Golf Course
The Eshowe Country Club is situated on the Eshowe Hills Eco Estate in Eshowe and as such meanders through the famous Dhlinza Forest and grassland...
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