Nicki von der Heyde read History at the University of Cape Town. Based in KwaZulu-Natal, she is a specialist battlefields tour operator, a Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society and an honorary life member of the Anglo-Zulu War Historical Society.

  • Guide to Sieges of Southern Africa

    In this companion volume to the highly successful Field Guide to the Battlefields of South Africa , the pivotal sieges that characterised the Cape Frontier, Anglo-Zulu, Basotho and Anglo-Boer wars are brought together in one volume. Accounts of 17 sieges over the last two centuries explore in detail the historical context in which they occurred, the day-to-day military actions that sustained the investments and the conditions both soldiers and civilians faced while defending their territory against a hostile force.

    The siege descriptions are animated by maps where possible, and a variety of information boxes and human-interest stories, gleaned mainly from diaries, letters and eye-witness accounts; long-form features focus on the practical aspects of siege warfare, such as artillery, medicine, food, and the psychological effects of besiegement. The book also provides practical information for visitors who wish to explore these historical sites.

    A fascinating read that will appeal to anyone interested in the volatile history of the country – armchair historians and travellers alike.

    R250.00
  • Field Guide to Battlefields of Southern Africa

    Expert battlefields guide Nicki von der Heyde presents 71 battles covering three wars and a series of conflicts that shaped the course of South Africa’s history – from the colonial clashes that characterised the 18th and 19th centuries to the 2nd Anglo-Boer War of 1899–1902.

    Informative and lively accounts of the engagements are provided, with special attention given to the context, action, outcomes and principal combatants involved. Arranged in provincial and regional order, the Field Guide to the Battlefields of South Africa includes an array of special features that allow for an enthralling and multi-layered account of the battles: 580 images;  80 illustrated timelines; 60 fact and feature boxes; 16 annotated battle maps; 10 regional locator maps; Detailed directions to each site; GPS co-ordinates for inaccessible locations.

    Comprehensive, compelling and vividly illustrated, the Field Guide to the Battlefields of South Africa is an indispensable tool for professional and amateur military historians as well as anyone interested in exploring South Africa’s fascinating history.

    CLICK HERE to view the contents page for Field Guide to the Battlefields of South Africa

    R500.00