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Historic site · Winterton, KwaZulu-Natal
Campo de batalha de Spioenkop
Hill where, in 1900, a decisive battle of the Anglo-Boer War took place, with memorials, graves and views over the Drakensberg.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Discover
About Campo de batalha de Spioenkop
Spioenkop is a hill of about 1,460 metres on the bank of the Tugela River, around 25 km from Winterton. In January 1900, during the Anglo-Boer War, British troops attempted to take the hilltop to open the way to the besieged town of Ladysmith. After a day of fighting, both sides withdrew, and losses were very high on both sides.
Two names associated with the battle later became famous: the young Winston Churchill, who was in the area as a war correspondent, and Mahatma Gandhi, who led a group of Indian stretcher-bearers who removed wounded from the field.
At the top of the hill, a trail leads through the trenches, the memorials and the mass graves, with panels that tell the story of the battle. The view includes the Spioenkop reservoir and, in the distance, the Drakensberg escarpment.
The Spioenkop Nature Reserve, beside the reservoir, has giraffes, zebras and antelope, and can be combined with the visit.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
From 1 to 2 hours.
Best time
In the morning or late afternoon, with low light over the landscape. A local battlefield guide helps understand the fighting.
How to get there
From Winterton, follow the R600 and the Spioenkop road, about 25 km, to the parking area on the hilltop.
Tip
Bring water and a hat: there is little shade on the summit.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Campo de batalha de Spioenkop
What happened at Spioenkop?
A battle of the Anglo-Boer War, in January 1900, between British and Boer forces.
Was Gandhi at Spioenkop?
Yes, leading a group of Indian stretcher-bearers who removed wounded from the battlefield.
What is the distance from Winterton to Spioenkop?
About 25 km.