EXPLORE
Gauteng and Beyond
Discover the heart of South Africa with expertly guided tours to iconic landmarks, historic battlefields, wildlife encounters, and cultural experiences. Starting from R800 per person.
Certified Guide
FET Qualified
Provinces
GP, NW, MP, KZN, WC
Explore Gauteng Highlights
Perfect for travellers in transit through Johannesburg or those wanting to experience the best of Gauteng in a day. All tours include transport, light lunch, and entrance fees.
Walk in the Footsteps of History
Multi-day tours to the historic battlefields of KwaZulu-Natal. All tours depart from Johannesburg.
Introductory remarks regarding the South African Battlefield sites
In 1970, a former British career soldier, Colonel Bertram Laing, aged 91, who had served as a Lieutenant in the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders as part of the British forces during the South African War, visited the Magersfontein Battlefield. Colonel Laing was absolutely astonished to find that the battlefield in general had changed very little in 71 years since he had taken part in the battle. He could accurately point out some interesting features of the combat area and provided the contemporary historians with invaluable information regarding the engagements that took place on 11 December 1899.
In such a way the battlefields described in Frenchie's Tours have also changed very little spanning the many years ranging from the Voortrekker-Zulu battles to the South African War sites. This fact makes the visiting of these sites very special and with the expertise of the tour guide these battle sites can be brought to life. Over the years I found that many a photo taken on the battlefields of South Africa can be accurately placed to the very site where a soldier fell, or where a wagon has stood or where the artillery guns were stationed. With the guidance of the tour guide, one can literally walk in the footsteps of the soldiers from the past, friend and foe alike.
Historical Overview
The introduction of British rule in the Cape Colony in 1806 led to dissatisfaction among the fiercely independent Afrikaners (of Dutch descent), resulting in an exodus of Voortrekkers to the hinterland, where they aspired to govern themselves and maintain their cultural identity and language. In 1838 one of the Voortrekker groups under Piet Retief chose to cross the Drakensberg Mountains and enter Natal.
The conflict between the Voortrekkers and the Zulu kingdom, culminating in the Battle of Blood River in 1838, was primarily fuelled by land disputes, the murder of Voortrekker leader Piet Retief, and the Zulu king Dingane’s suspicion of the white settlers. The Voortrekkers, seeking land and freedom from British rule, encroached upon Zulu territory, leading to tension and violence. The Battle of Blood River resulted in a significant victory for the Voortrekkers, who were able to repel the Zulu army and solidify their claim to the land in Natal.
Itinerary
Depart Gauteng at 09:00 for KwaZulu-Natal
Visit to the former capital kraal of Dingaan, KwaGingindlovu. Depart at 08:00 and arrive back at 16:00.
Visit the Battle of Blood River
Depart accomodation at 09:00 for Gauteng
Host: Francois Tredoux
Cost: R10,000 per person
What's Included
Historical Overview
The First Anglo-Boer War (Afrikaans: Eerste Vryheids oorlog), was fought from 16 December 1880 until 23 March 1881 between the United Kingdom and Boers of the Transvaal (as the South African Republic was known while under British administration). The war resulted in a Boer victory and eventual independence of the South African Republic. The war is also known as the Transvaal War or the Transvaal Rebellion.
Itinerary
Depart Gauteng at 09:00 for KwaZulu-Natal
Visit to the battle site of Laingsnek and Schuinshoogte (Ingogo), and Amajuba Mountain. Depart accomodation at 08:00 and arrive back at 16:00.
Depart accomodation at 09:00 for Gauteng
Host: Francois Tredoux
Cost: R10,000 per person
(* The Majuba battle site is a strenuous 3-hour climb to explore and to decent. Guest(s) with health issues or not being able to manage the climb will observe the battlefield from ground level; not ideal but will give some good perspective)
What's Included
Historical Overview
The Anglo-Zulu War, fought in 1879, was a conflict between the British Empire and the Zulu Kingdom, ultimately leading to the British takeover of Zululand. The war began with British expansionist ambitions and a refusal by King Cetshwayo of the Zulu to comply with British demands, culminating in a major British defeat at the Battle of Isandlwana and ultimately leading to the Zulu’s defeat at the Battle of Ulundi.
Itinerary
Depart Gauteng at 09:00 for KwaZulu-Natal
Visit the battle site of Isandlwana and Rorkes Drift. Depart accomodation at 08:00 and arrive back at 16:00.
Depart accomodation at 09:00 for Gauteng
Host: Francois Tredoux
Cost: R10,000 per person
What's Included
Historical Overview
The Anglo-Boer War, also known as the South African War, was a conflict fought between the British Empire and the two Boer Republics (Transvaal and Orange Free State) in South Africa from 1899 to 1902. It was a culmination of decades of tensions stemming from British imperialism, Afrikaner nationalism, and the discovery of valuable mineral resources in the Boer territories. The war involved a protracted period of conventional warfare followed by a brutal guerrilla phase and ultimately resulted in a British victory.
Itinerary
Depart Gauteng at 09:00 for KwaZulu-Natal
Visit the battle site of Spioenkop.Depart accomodation at 08:00 and arrive back at 16:00
Visit the battle site of Talana.Depart accomodation at 08:00 and arrive back at 16:00
Depart accomodation at 09:00 for Gauteng
Host: Francois Tredoux
Cost: R10,000 per person
What's Included
5
Provinces
Your Expert Guide to South Africa
I am a former government security professional, with a proven track record in intelligence operations within a demanding, high-risk environment spanning four decades. Since retirement, I was involved in giving presentations on invitation regarding the international geo-political landscape and Voortrekker battles and consequences thereof. I have guided visitors in Gauteng, and to KwaGingindlovu, Blood River and Vegkop and various other South African War sites. I have extensively travelled in the world and have visited many battlefields and museums in Egypt, Western Europe and Russia.
After matriculating at the Paul Roos Gymnasium in Stellenbosch (1982), I reported for my National Military Service at the 10 Anti-Aircraft Artillery Regiment, Youngsfield, Cape Town (1983 -1984).
My interest was always in general military history in the world and in particular South Africa. The history and military conflicts of the South African pioneers (Voortrekkers) is of focal interest to me.
Goal
My goal is to connect travellers with the local history and cultures and provide the traveller with the best service and travel experience. I specialise in exploratory day trips to the main attractions in Gauteng and longer trips to the Battlefields of KZN. I also design custom trips for small groups on request.
Qualified & Certified
Fully certified and qualified to provide safe, professional, and educational tours across five South African provinces.
FET Certificate Tourist Guiding
Qualification Reg.nr: 71549
Certificate nr: 613/C/185184
Issued 17 December 2024
First Aid Level 1
Certificate nr: 25/19248
Dept of Labour: CI563/3/12/1
Issued 8 April 2025
PrDP Licence
Professional Driving Permit
Valid for passenger transport
Valid until 9 April 2030
Provinces Qualified For
What Our Guests Say
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Ready to explore South Africa? Get in touch to book your tour or ask any questions. We also design custom trips for small groups on request.
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Call Us
083 626 2874Email Us
Frenchiestours@gmail.comPick Up
Major Centres in Gauteng
Why Book With Us?
- FET Certified Tourist Guide
- First Aid Level 1 Certified
- Small groups for personalised experience
- Custom tours designed on request