Now at St Lucia Wetlands Park and Albizia Camp at Umkhumbi Lodge ... ready to start their environmental awareness course

Michael Kingscote reports having just spoken with expedition leader Tom: 

Friday was the day that they visited Rorke’s Drift and learned about the 2nd/ 24th Foot’s gallant defeat of the Zulus and the awarding of 11 VC’s. This was an emotional day as the story comes alive when told on the actual battlefield site. Thereafter they went to visit the Bead Basket Factory and had a major Braai in the evening followed by 'Reggie's infamous Fireball hockey'. 

Saturday was a transfer day from the Zulu Battlefields to the St Lucia wetlands Park and Albizia Camp at Umkhumbi Lodge. Arriving just before dinner they settled in and are now preparing for their Environmental Awareness Course (EAC).

This morning the sun is shining, although it did rain in the night. The boys in the group were up well before Tommy (their very experienced and knowledgeable guide) and looking forward to starting their course.

Breakfast on first morning at Umkhumbi Lodge

Camp accommodation at Umkhumbi Lodge

The Lodge at Umkhumbi

View from the balcony of Umkhumbi Lodge 

Photos just in ... Made it! On top of the 'Sphinx' at Isandlwana, crossing the Buffalo River, Rorke's Drift ... and the infamous fireball hockey!

Rorke's Drift Memorial

Crossing the Buffalo River

Made it! Expeditioners who managed the very steep climb to the top of The Sphinx at Isandlwana

 Reggie's ‘in-famous ... and don’t tell your parents’ game of fireball hockey – played in the dark of course for maximum effect and excitement!  Expeditioners are split into teams, a brief risk assessment is given by Reggie ... then battle commences!

Fireball hockey!

Michael Kingscote reports in more detail on Battlefields and emerging characters among the Group!

I spoke to Tom this morning (Friday) after the Group's first day on the battlefield tour ...

On Wednesday, the flight from London arrived early and having been met by Tommy, their guide, they drove out of Johannesburg in the hot South African sun, in very good time. On arrival at Elandsheim they were met by Roan, their host there and Colonel Reggie Purbrick the battlefield expert. After settling in, dinner it was off to bed early; they are accommodated 5 to a hut.

Yesterday the Group, after a simple but enlightening introduction to a potted version of South African history, was taken by coach to the Battlefield of Isandlwana*. This impressive and unspoilt battlefield allowed them all to see how the battle unfolded. Then all of them set off to the top of the Sphinx, the hill which dominates the battlefield. Some struggled with the heat and the climb, some showed great endeavour.

Thereafter the Group walked along the Fugitives Trail (10 Kms). This was the route that Lieutenants Melville & Coghill took as they fled the battlefield with the Queen’s Colour. Later both were to receive posthumous Victoria Crosses for their efforts. The Group crossed the Buffalo River (knee deep) and then finished their walk at the Graves of the aforementioned officers. The coach greeted them and they set off back to Elandsheim.

Some characters are emerging …

• 'Ant & Dec' ... alias Harry D & Matt R ... never short of humour and a quip!
• Jordan C is immersing himself in Africa, forever up trees and full of energy!
• Ellie P (who didn't know anyone on expedition when she first signed up), has fitted in really well and is making a great contribution.
• Josh F has such a positive and 'can do' attitude!

Today the Group will walk and talk the Battle of Rorke’s Drift, then visit a local basket factory that employs 800 women, an example of enterprise in this rural area of distinct unemployment.

Next update expected on Sunday.

Michael

The Battlefield at Isandlwana - dominated by the 'Sphinx'

*The Battle of Isandlwana on 22 January 1879 was the first major encounter in the Anglo-Zulu War. The battle was a decisive victory for the Zulus and caused the defeat of the first British invasion of Zululand. A Zulu force of some 20,000 warriors attacked 1,800 British, colonial and native troops and civilians. The Zulus, armed mainly with their traditional assegai iron spears and cow-hide shields, attacked using a battle formation in the shape of buffalo horns to lure the British fighting forces forward into an ambush to then attack the main camp from the sides. The Zulus overwhelmed the badly deployed British which were poorly led by Lieutenant Chelmsford, killing over 1,300 troops. Around 1,000 Zulus also lost their lives.

Isandlwana battle scene

Isandlwana Battlefield and trekking the Fugitive's Trail to the Buffalo River

Expedition leader Tom reports: 

"Team pushed really hard today to climb Isandlwana and then trek the Fugitive's Trail. They then crossed the Buffalo River. It was a physically challenging day ... but everyone completed it! We are now all enjoying our supper!" - Tom

Earlier today, Reggie, the group's inimitable guide & amazing storyteller, led everyone half way up the Sphynx that is Isandlwana. Here, overlooking the battlefield, Reggie described the main events and the strategies of both the Zulu and British armies which led, within 24 hours, to a great Zulu victory and huge loss of life on the side of the British.  

The 'Sphinx' of Isandlwana

Trekking the Fugitive's Trail - everyone then followed in the footsteps of the retreating Lts. Melvill and Coghill who died in their attempt to save the Queen’s colour as they fled the Fugitive's Trail towards the Buffalo River. The Expeditioners completed the trek and crossed the Buffalo River.

Buffalo River

Another interesting, informative and enjoyable day lies ahead tomorrow as the group will hear about the defence of Rorke's Drift and then have the opportunity to do some very special shopping at a Zulu community enterprise.

Heading for Elandsheim to begin Zulu War Battlefields phase of expedition

They have landed safely in Johannesburg and are heading for Elandsheim where they will be based for the next few days. 

Leader Tom texts: All running smoothly, a very happy team, all on the bus with Tommy (our guide) and on our way!

Expeditioners' accommodation for Battlefields Phase at Elandsheim a Lutheran Mission

Accommodation lodges at Elandsheim with campfire/Boma area in background

Next stop ... South Africa!

How exciting! We said 'Next time we see you it will be to give you your plane tickets' and that moment has finally arrived!

Everyone is now at the airport, all checked in and now through security.
Flight is on-time for a 19.00 hrs departure. Next update once they've landed tomorrow in Johannesburg - scheduled ETA 07.15.

Look out South Africa ... here we come!

All checked-in and ready to go! 

Expeditioners are on their way...

Tom Campbell-Hill (left), this years Leader stayed at Lydeard Farm last night for a final briefing and  has now joined the expeditioners for the Outposts Open Expedition to South Africa on the coach bound for London Heathrow. They will meet Laura Martin, assistant Leader (below) there.

 

 

 

THE ADVENTURE BEGINS