Rorkes Drift

Rorke's Drift is synonymous with an epic Anglo-Zulu War battle in 1879. The mission buildings, situated around the original farm of James Rorke, had been occupied by the British as a supply depot and hospital where some injured soldiers were convalescing. The garrison had only 110 men.

One afternoon, two survivors from another confrontation arrived to warn of an imminent attack. The only means of fortification were 2 ox-wagons, some biscuit boxes and bags of maize meal. 4,000 fearsome Zulu warriors arrived, flushed with victory from their last battle. Probably acting without orders, they stormed the hospital.

Against overwhelming odds, there followed one of the most gallant defences in British military history. The battle raged for 13 hours, after which the thwarted Zulus withdrew. Remarkably, the British casualties were only 17 dead and 10 wounded. Eleven Victoria Crosses were awarded for gallantry in this battle and a bronze plaque commemorates the site.

Today you will find a Zulu craft centre here with women selling their dyed cloth, hand woven carpets and traditional glazed pots. Rorke's Drift is the most rewarding of the battle sites to visit on your own, due to its superb field museum and interpretation centre.

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