The Fugitives' Trail, Isandlwana to the Buffalo River
Key information: The Fugitives' Trail, Isandlwana to the Buffalo River 
- A remarkable walk from the great rock of Isandlwana to the Fugitives' Drift on the Buffalo River.
- Survey the scene of a famous victory of a courageous, disciplined Zulu army over a large British column. Follow the route of the few who escaped the carnage, through an area that is pregnant with history.
- Walk through beautiful scenery, made poignant by the whitewashed rocks that mark the graves of those who died that day.
Walkopedia rating
- Walkopedia rating88
- Beauty28
- Natural interest13
- Human interest15
- Charisma32
- Negative points0
- Total rating88
Vital Statistics
- Length: 8km, 3 hours
- Maximum Altitude: Not High
- Level of Difficulty: Moderate
WALK SUMMARY
Walk from the great rock of Isandlwana, scene of a stunning British defeat at the hands of a huge Zulu army, along the route of the fugitives from the massacre back to the Natal border at the Buffalo River.
From the poignant plain under the rock, strewn with whitewashed cairns that mark where the combatants fell, the trail winds through peaceful grassland, down a long slope dotted with cairns where the fugitives were picked off. Occasional larger clusters indicate where exhausted or trapped groups stood and fought.
The scenery is fine, the whole area pregnant with history. After crossing a beautiful stream, then scrambling up a rough hillside and winding across a broken hilltop, the trail comes suddenly to a cliff top above the drift (ford) where the desperate fugitives tried to swim the Buffalo in full spate. Many drowned or were picked off on its banks.
On the Natal bank, wind your way thorough browsing game in a little reserve to the Fugitives Drift Lodge.
WILLIAM MACKESY'S ACCOUNT
of this walk
Zululand, 22 January, 1879. A column of an invading British army has been surprised by some 25,000 Zulus and its defences are disintegrating into a desperate rout. In imperial Britain's worst disaster on African soil, more than 1,300 soldiers and camp followers are to die around the base of the great sphinx-like rock of Isandlwana.
The overstretched defensive lines in front of the rock have cracked under the weight of the onslaught and are driven back, in surrounded groups, to their camp under the rock.
Colonel Durnford's Natal Native Horse, on the right, have fallen.....
READ MOREOther accounts: share your experiences
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Safety and problems: All walks have inherent risks and potential problems, and many of the walks featured on this website involve significant risks, dangers and problems. Problems of any sort can arise on any walk. This website does not purport to identify any (or all) actual or potential risks, dangers and problems that may relate to any particular walk.
Any person who is considering undertaking this walk should do careful research and make their own assessment of the risks, dangers and possible problems involved. They should also go to “Important information” for further important information.
Anyone planning an expedition to this place should see further important information about this walk.
Safety and problems: All walks have inherent risks and potential problems, and many of the walks featured on this website involve significant risks, dangers and problems. Problems of any sort can arise on any walk. This website does not purport to identify any (or all) actual or potential risks, dangers and problems that may relate to any particular walk.
Any person who is considering undertaking this walk should do careful research and make their own assessment of the risks, dangers and possible problems involved. They should also go to “Important information” for further important information.
OTHER ACCOUNTS
share your experiences
Add your experiences, suggestions and photos. We would be delighted to receive your writing and ideas (which will be attributed appropriately where published).
Anyone planning an expedition to this place should see further important information about this walk.
Responsible travel matters, a lot. How you travel will make a real difference - for better or worse. PLEASE consider this when making plans. Read more
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RESEARCH ESSENTIALS
Information and review
Finding flights, organising travel
Car hire
Accommodation
- Booking.com
Search and book the best places to stay -
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Equipment & Clothing
Books and Maps
- Amazon
- Maps and guides from Maps Worldwide
- Cicerone � explore the world�s best collection of walking books
Holidays and Activities
MAGAZINE
Walking with Trees: the Kumano Kōdō Kōhechi - Stephen Barber's account and photos of one of Japan's great pilgrimage trails. March 2021
RESPONSIBLE TRAVEL
Responsible travel matters, a lot. How you travel will make a real difference - for better or worse. PLEASE consider this when making plans. Read more
