In the Battle at the Ncome or Blood River about 3000 Zulu warriors died. The Voortrekkers, however, had - except for three lightly injured men - no losses.
The national monument at the Blood River reminds of the historical battle of the Voortrekkers against the Zulus in the year 1838.
The Voortrekkers (Boers) driven by the British from the Cape - had previously signed a contract with Zulu King Dingaan, granting them land to settle. Immediately afterwards, however, the King had the delegation under the leadership of Piet Retief killed in his kraal uMgungundhlovu.
Further desastrous massacres followed. At the attack of Bloukrans in February 1838, for example, almost 500 Voortrekkers died, among them many women and children.
The colossal monument - from bronze-covered iron - in the still plains of the Ncome valley is a very impressive, almost spooky monument. It makes the visitors relive the events of 1838 in their fantacy.
On the other side of the river another monument was inaugurated in 1999 for the remembrance of the Zulus who died in the battle. This also very impressive monument throws a light on the battle from a Zulu perspective.
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National Monument at the Blood River
National Monument at the Blood River.
The national monument at the Blood River reminds of the historical battle of the Voortrekkers against the Zulus in the year 1838.
The Voortrekkers (Boers) driven by the British from the Cape - had previously signed a contract with Zulu King Dingaan, granting them land to settle. Immediately afterwards, however, the King had the delegation under the leadership of Piet Retief killed in his kraal uMgungundhlovu.
Further desastrous massacres followed. At the attack of Bloukrans in February 1838, for example, almost 500 Voortrekkers died, among them many women and children.
The colossal monument - from bronze-covered iron - in the still plains of the Ncome valley is a very impressive, almost spooky monument. It makes the visitors relive the events of 1838 in their fantacy.
On the other side of the river another monument was inaugurated in 1999 for the remembrance of the Zulus who died in the battle. This also very impressive monument throws a light on the battle from a Zulu perspective.
