FUGITIVES’ DRIFT LODGE AND GUEST HOUSE
The Rattray family, pioneers of Heritage Tourism in South Africa, created these award-winning facilities to allow visitors to savour the extraordinary saga of the Anglo-Zulu War.
Had one tried to dream up geography and topography for a clash between those two great empires, one could hardly have come up with more fantastic scenery than that which is found on and around the famous battlefields of Isandlwana and Rorke’s Drift. This spectacular 5000 acre property is a Natural Heritage Site. Walks and horse rides through the reserve to view abundant game and birdlife as well as fishing the 20km frontage of the Buffalo River.
Fugitives’ Drift is world famous for its battlefield tours, escorted by knowledgeable and highly-qualified lecturers, steeped in the history of the region and telling the tale as they were taught to tell it by the renowned historian David Rattray.
Accommodation at the Lodge consists of eight spacious luxury en-suite rooms. Each has a private verandah affording views over the plains flanking the Buffalo River gorge. A feature of the Lodge is the beautiful, shady, well-established garden, which is home to innumerable birds. A swimming pool is situated on a ledge, overlooking the river valley.
The original farmhouse forms a charming sitting and dining room for the Guest House, which is set away from the Lodge. The Guest House has six large en-suite bedrooms, all with private verandahs. The rooms and swimming pool have sweeping views over the reserve to the surrounding battlefields. We also have a guide’s / driver’s room.
Umzinyathi House, the original homestead of George Buntting, is our rustic self-catering 3 bedroom farm house at the top of the Reserve having commanding views of Isandlwana. Kwa George is a garden cottage in the grounds of Umzinyathi House, tastefully decorated; it consists of an en suite bedroom with shower. Both these options offer a cheaper alternative to the Lodge and Guest House.
Indulge in sundowners around the fire and dine in the splendid atmosphere of a veritable museum of Zulu War memorabilia. Superb food and personal service are central to the fine hospitality we offer at Fugitives’ Drift.
Every person should experience this: it is a South African “must do”…..
