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Presents the South African Battlefields And Presents the South African Battlefields and Wildlife tour. This tour highlights some of the many famous battlefields of the 2nd Anglo Boer War spread throughout the country from the western to eastern fronts. We will visit various museums dedicated to the war as well as the actual battlefields scattered throughout the land. You will also be witness to some magnificent South African scenery as well as to explore a game reserve to experience some of Africa’s fauna and flora. Mokala National Park is situated approximately 70km south-southwest of Kimberley and we will spend two days in the wilderness. Mokala is the Setswana name for the magnificent camel thorn, a tree species typical of the arid western interior and common in the area. This park is home to a number of endangered species and the main purpose of the park is to protect these species. Cape buffalo, black rhino and roan antelope are to be found, besides a range of smaller species. Itinerary Day 1)- Bloemfontein, on arrival at the capital city of the Free State province you will be taken on a city tour to get a better understanding of what role this city played during the war. You will visit the historical landmark of Naval Hill and get a bird’s eye view of the city and its surrounds. We then proceed to the famous Boer War museum and Woman’s War Memorial, where we will spend a good many hours to enjoy what to be seen. Overnight in Bloemfontein at City Lodge Hotel Day 2) - We depart after breakfast and head westwards to the diamond capital of the world, Kimberley. This city was to play a pivotal during the war and many lives were lost on both sides for the relief of it. We will get the opportunity to visit the many battlefields scattered in the dry scorched earth as well as exploring the city itself visiting some of its famous landmarks. Our first port of call will be the Big Hole, the largest man made hole ever to be dug in search for diamonds. We will also visit the fascinating Mc Gregor Museum which has an in depth display on the war as well as its famous siege. Overnight in Kimberley at the Kimberley Protea Hotel Day 3) - Today is spent visiting some of the famous battlefields surrounding Kimberley. We will first take the drive out to the Modder River Battlefield (28th November 1899) and then proceed to the Magersfontein Battlefield (11th December 1899) where the well-known Boer General Koos de la Rey made his stand. This battlefield has a most interesting museum and from the observation platform on top of the koppies you will get to see the Boer trenches as well as the wide expanse of the Northern Cape. Overnight in Kimberley at the Kimberley Protea Hotel Day 4) - For the next two days we will get the opportunity to see some of South Africa’s wildlife as we explore the African savannah. We will stay at Mokala National Park and hope to see some of the wildlife which roams over the veld. This is an ideal birding area as well as Mokala National Park is host to a varied spectrum of birds which is located in the transition zone between Kalahari and Karoo biomes. Overnight at Mokala National Park, Mosu Lodge. Day 5) - Experience the wonder of the African veld and get to see animals, birds and reptiles in their natural surroundings. A number of activities at Mosu Lodge such as guided morning, day, sunset and night drives are available for guests to partake in, (at clients own cost). Some of the animals we hope to see are Black Rhino, White Rhino, Buffalo, Tsessebe, Roan Antelope, Sable Antelope, Mountain Reedbuck, Giraffe, Gemsbok, Eland, Zebra, Red Hartebeest, Blue Wildebeest, Black Wildebeest, Kudu, Ostrich, Steenbok, Duiker and Springbok. Overnight at Mokala National Park, Mosu Lodge Day 6) – An early breakfast and departure as we then pack our bags and head eastwards. On route we will visit the battlefields of Paardeberg (17th-27th February 1900) and Sannas Pos (31st March 1900). We will also see the well-known land mark of Thaba Nchu Mountain where skirmishes between General Christiaan Rudolph de Wet and British forces took place. We will drive the scenic panoramic route of the Eastern Free State and head to the quaint town of Clarens situated in the heart of the Maloti Mountains. Overnight in Clarens Day 7) - Explore the various art galleries and boutique shops of Clarens and we then proceed to drive through the breathtaking Golden Gate Game Reserve with its fascinating sandstone cliffs. We then drive over the mighty Drakensberg Mountains and head down to the hills and valleys of Kwa Zulu Natal Province where many Boer and Brit fought for their ideals. We will sleep in the shadow of a mountain steeped in history and bravery, Spionkop. Overnight at Three Tree Hill Lodge, Spionkop Day 8) – Today with an experienced battlefield guide you will get to visit some interesting sites around the famous battlefield route. We will visit Frere where Winston Churchill was captured by Boer forces on the 15th November 1899. We then travel to Colenso where General Sir Redvers Buller made his first attempt to relieve Ladysmith and failed (15th December 1899) and then finally the Boer attempt of attacking the town of Ladysmith at the battle of Platrand (Wagon Hill) on the 6th January 1900. Overnight at Three Tree Hill Lodge, Spionkop. Day 9) - After a hearty breakfast we will explore the Spionkop Battlefield (24th January 1900). We will spend the whole morning on this mountain and get to learn the tragic events which occurred on its crest. This was General Sir Redvers Buller second attempt to relieve the town of Ladysmith which ended disastrously for his forces. We then head down the mountain and explore the town and surrounds of Ladysmith. This place was besieged from the 2nd November 1899 until the 28th February 1900. We will visit the Siege Museum which has a comprehensive display of memorabilia, maps, uniforms, relics and interpretive panels relating to the siege and the Anglo Boer War. Day 10) - After breakfast we will depart Three Tree Hill Lodge and head northwards to the city of Gold, namely Johannesburg. We will drive directly to OR Tambo International Airport and ensure that we arrive there two hours before flight departure. End of tour .
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