Some of the most notorious Anglo Boer War battlefields are a short drive from Mackaya Bella Lodge.

The Second Boer War (11 October 1899 – 31 May 1902) was fought between the British Empire and two Boer states, the South African Republic(Republic of Transvaal) and the Orange Free State, over the Empire’s influence in South Africa. It is also known variously as the Boer War, Anglo-Boer War, or South African War. Initial Boer attacks were successful, and although British reinforcements later reversed these, the war continued for years with Boer guerrilla warfare, until harsh British counter-measures brought them to terms.

Many of these battles were fought in the area around Mackaya Bella Lodge, and can be accessed by car on a day trip.