The ambush along the Blaukraans River was a consequential incident during the period of the Great Trek, wherein members of the Boer community sought to escape British governance in the Cape Colony. This migration led the Voortrekkers, who were predominantly farmers, deep into what is now South Africa, where they encountered various indigenous groups, most notably the Zulu nation, then under the leadership of King Dingane. The Voortrekkers established a settlement in Natal, which posed a strategic threat to the Zulu tribal boundaries. Tensions escalated as both communities vied for control over fertile lands and essential resources.

On the fateful day, a large Zulu force, recognizing the growing presence of the Voortrekkers, launched a surprise attack on their encampment at the Blaukraans River. The Voortrekkers, who were unaware of the impending threat, suffered devastating losses. Exact figures are difficult to ascertain, but estimates suggest that hundreds of Voortrekkers were killed in this violent confrontation. This event illustrated the fierce resistance the Zulus had towards encroaching settlers and was a pivotal moment in the series of conflicts that characterized the region during this period.

The aftermath of the massacre had lasting repercussions. It prompted further conflicts between the Voortrekkers and the Zulu, leading to a cycle of violence that would shape the history of Natal for decades. The Voortrekkers would go on to organize retaliatory actions against the Zulus, leading to the Battle of blood River in 1838, a pivotal battle that established Boer authority in the region. The consequences of these events reverberated through time, influencing later colonial policies and the eventual formation of South Africa.