Accommodation at Fugitives' Drift Lodge, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

Safari Lodges and Accommodation in South Africa

Accommodation at Fugitives' Drift Lodge, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

FUGITIVES' DRIFT LODGE

Elegant country lodge
Spacious cottages with private verandas
Beautiful views of the Buffalo River
Authentic Zulu War memorabilia

FUGITIVES' DRIFT - KWA ZULU NATAL:
The Anglo Zulu War of 1879 is famous for the great battles of Isandlwana and Rorke's Drift. Survivors from Isandlwana crossed the Buffalo River at a place forever after named "The Fugitives' Drift" and this spectacular property, a Natural Heritage Site, overlooking the "sphinx" of Isandlwana and the Oskarberg at Rorke's Drift, includes the site where Lieutenant Melvill and Lieutenant Coghill lost their lives saving the Queen's Colour of the 24th Regiment.

Owners David and Nicky Rattray, pioneers of Heritage Tourism in South Africa, have created an award winning lodge for visitors to savour this extraordinary saga.

This luxurious country lodge is situated along the Buffalo River in the Natal Battlefields. Enjoy superb meals in the splendid atmosphere of a veritable museum of Zulu War memorabilia.

Attentive, well-informed staff are on hand to ensure that you will leave with a thorough understanding of this region, its people and their history.

THE LODGE:
The Lodge, where David and Nicky Rattray are based, is set on a hillside above the Buffalo River Gorge. Enjoy superb meals in the splendid atmosphere of a veritable museum of Zulu War memorabilia. Spacious, comfortable, en-suite cottages each have a private verandah affording views over the plains flanking the Buffalo River Gorge.

At Fugitives’ Drift Lodge there are 8 spacious luxury twin en-suite rooms. Our annex cottage consists of 3 twin rooms, 2 bathrooms and a sitting room. We also have a guide’s / driver’s room.

The Lodge, near Rorke’s Drift, is situated on the site of the original Rattray homestead where David’s parents came for their holidays and here the seeds of this unique operation took root in those early years. The Lodge is the original establishment, built by David and Nicky Rattray in 1989 and houses the majority of the memorabilia in the central lounge and dining room area. A feature of the Lodge is the beautiful shady, well established garden, home to innumerable birds and the most spectacular large swimming pool situated on a secluded spur on the lip of the Buffalo River gorge.

THE GUESTHOUSE:
At Fugitives’ Drift Guest House there are 6 luxury twin en-suite rooms. The Guest House was once the home of Mr and Mrs Potgieter who were immortalised in Gillian Rattray’s award winning book “The Springing of the Year”.

This old farmhouse has been altered and is now the most charming sitting and dining room. The original verandas have been retained and the outside eating area has a stunning view across a plain with Isandlwana in the distance.The Guest House has a small swimming pool.

Spacious en suite cottages have private verandas affording beautiful views over the plains flanking the Buffalo River Gorge.

Comfortable twin-bedded rooms (3/4 beds pushed together) are all en suite with a bath, w.c and hand basin and feature a small sitting area with two comfortable chairs and coffee table, dresser or desk with chair, mirror, hot water bottle, extra duvets, mohair blankets and hairdryer.

Please note that there are no telephones, TVs, air-conditioning or heaters.

Enjoy sundowners around a fire under a canopy of paperbarks with the Isandlwana battlefield on the skyline.

If one tried to dream up geography and topography for the clash between the two great British and Zulu empires, one could hardly come up with a more fantastic scene than this.

ACTIVITIES:
Fugitives’ Drift is renowned for its Battlefield Tours to all the Zulu War and Anglo-Boer War battle sites in the region. Led by registered tour guides who are superb storytellers, the history of these times come alive and it’s an experience not to be missed and never forgotten.

We also now offer horse riding. We have 10 horses and can accommodate both beginners & experienced riders. Ride amongst game down to the river, visiting the graves of Melvill and Coghill on the way.

Guests are also able to fish on the 20km frontage of the Buffalo River.

On a one night stay we recommend that you arrive in time for lunch in order to do the afternoon tour to Rorke’s Drift and then you will do the Isandlwana tour the following morning and leave after lunch.

On a two night stay you can choose whether to do the tour to Rorke’s Drift the afternoon of arrival or the following afternoon.

On a three night stay you can split the tours and do Isandlwana the morning after arrival and Rorke’s Drift on your second afternoon, thereby having the time to do other activities.

WALKS, FISHING AND HORSE RIDING:
It is quite safe to walk on the property; Zulu guides are available to accompany those wishing to walk longer distances.

The most popular walk is to the great ledge overlooking several hundred square miles of unspoilt Zululand. There is no charge for this walk.

Fishing, horse riding and the hike from Isandlwana to the Buffalo River (the Fugitives’ Trail) are also available.

The Rattray's Historical Lodges

Reservations and Enquiries

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TARIFFS:
All tariffs are quoted subject to change without prior notice, although tariffs quoted for confirmed bookings will be honoured. Accommodation tariffs are quoted per person per night. Tariffs include all meals, taxes and bed levies where applicable. Battlefield tours are an additional cost.

MALARIA:
Fugitives’ Drift is malaria free.

WHAT TO BRING:
The dress code is casual. For the tours you will need comfortable walking shoes, a hat, sun block, binoculars, sunglasses and a light jersey/jacket for the summer and in winter a warm jacket/fleece. A light rain proof jacket can come in very handy.

CLIMATE:
Summer is our rainy season and we often have thunderstorms in the afternoons. The days are hot and we quite often have very cool overcast days in the summer. Our winters are generally mild and dry with warm days and chilly mornings and evenings. Always be prepared for a sudden change in the temperature, it can get cold very quickly.

HELICOPTER CO-ORDINATES:
S28 23.259 E30 36.509

ROAD CONDITION:
There is approximately 36km of dirt road. This is a good road and a 4x4 vehicle is not necessary. Please ensure you have sufficient fuel for your onward journey.

ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE TIMES:
Arrival time is after 12 noon. Rooms must be vacated by 10:00am for the convenience of arriving guests. Late departure times can be arranged at the Lodge and Guest House, subject to the availability of rooms.

CHILDREN’S POLICY:
(APPLICABLE TO CHILDREN UNDER THE AGE OF 12)
Children sharing with parents on extra beds will be charged per night. The normal rate will apply for children occupying separate rooms.

Due to the length and content of the tours offered by our Lodge, we do not allow children under the age of 12 years to go on these tours.

We do offer child-minding facilities whilst parents are out on tour and in the evening whilst parents come to dinner.

Please realise that we need to give consideration to other guests in the Lodge, we therefore do not encourage children into our dining / sitting room. Separate meal times can be arranged at the convenience of the child and parent. Children under 6 are not permitted into the dining room.

GATE:
Please note the gate at the entrance to the property is locked at 6:00pm. Please advise us if you are going to arrive later than this.