GENERAL INFORMATION
FACILITIES
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.
The Lodge, near Rorke’s Drift, is situated on the site of the original Rattray homestead, where David’s parents enjoyed 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. Spacious luxury en-suite rooms all have a private verandah. A feature of the Lodge is the beautiful shady, well-established garden – home to innumerable birds – and a spectacular, large swimming pool situated on a secluded spur on the lip of the Buffalo River Gorge.
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 now forms the most charming sitting and dining room. The original verandahs have been retained and the outside eating area has a stunning view across a plain with Isandlwana in the distance. The luxury en-suite rooms all have verandahs and sweeping views of the reserve. We also have a guide’s / driver’s room. The Guest House has a large swimming pool with views across the plain.
OUR FLAGSHIP TOURS ARE TO THE BATTLEFIELDS OF ISANDLWANA AND RORKE’S DRIFT.
On a one night stay we recommend that you arrive between 1 and 2pm in order to join the afternoon tour to Rorke’s Drift. You would then do the Isandlwana tour the following morning and depart after lunch.
On a two night stay you may choose whether to join the tour to Rorke’s Drift on the afternoon of your arrival or to wait until the following afternoon and undertake the tours in the correct historical order.
On a three night stay you may split the tours and go to Isandlwana on the morning after your arrival and Rorke’s Drift on your second afternoon, thereby having the time to relax and enjoy other activities.
ISANDLWANA
Breakfast is at 7:00 and the tour departs from the Lodge/Guest House at 7:30 sharp, returning for lunch at approximately 13:00. The charge for this tour is R375 per person (2008); R410 per person (2009).
RORKE’S DRIFT
The tour departs from the Lodge/Guest house at 15:15 in summer and at 14:45 in winter and returns in time to have evening drinks around the fire before dinner. Dinner is served at
around 20:00. The charge for this tour is R375 per person (2008); R410 per person (2009).
FUGITIVES’ DRIFT
A walk to see the site where Lieutenants Melvill and Coghill lost their lives in an attempt to save the Queen’s Colour, and where the first two posthumous Victoria Crosses were won. There is no charge for this tour.
WE ALSO OFFER THE FOLLOWING TOURS:-
MANGENI FALLS
The waterfall where Lord Chelmsford found himself at the time of the battle of Isandlwana and the Ingwebeni valley where the Zulus were discovered prior to the battle.
This tour requires a minimum of 4 people, R320 per person (2008); R350 per person (2009).
MASONDO
The crack in the Buffalo River where the Zulus crossed the river on their way to Rorke’s Drift. Available either on horseback or by Land Rover to this site.
Cost is R150 per person (2008); R160 per person (2009) by Land Rover
and R360 per person (2008); R390 per person (2009) on horseback.
BLOOD RIVER AND THE SITE WHERE THE PRINCE IMPERIAL WAS KILLED
A trip to Blood River, a battle fought between the Boers and Zulus on 16th December 1838.
Cost is R300 per person (2008); R330 per person (2009).
The site where the Prince Imperial was killed by the Zulus, on 1st June 1879.
Cost is R300 per person (2008); R330 per person (2009).
These trips can be done together at the cost of R600 per person (2008); R660 per person (2009).
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.
Fishing R120 per person (2008); R130 per person (2009)
Fly Fishing R295 per session (2008); R320 per session (2009) (when guide available)
Horse Riding R260 per person (2008); R280 per person (2009) (approx 1.5 hours)
Fugitives’ Trail R290 per person (2008); R320 per person (2009)
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.
CANCELLATION POLICY
To secure the reservation a deposit of 50% of the accommodation value is required within 48 hours of making the reservation. For agent bookings, payment must be made before guest’s arrival. We reserve the right to charge the following:
Less than 14 days prior to arrival – total cost of the reservation
15 - 21 days prior to arrival – 75% of the reservation
22 – 28 days prior to arrival – 50% of the reservation
In the event of a no show, the total cost of the reservation will be charged for.
Group cancellation policy on request. We recommend that you carry travel insurance to cover cancellation fees in the event of a medical or other emergency.
ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE TIMES
Arrival time is after 12 noon. Rooms should be vacated by 10:00 for the convenience of arriving guests. Late departure times can be arranged at the Lodge and Guest House, subject to the availability of rooms.
MALARIA
Fugitives’ Drift is malaria free.
TRANSFERS
R1 020 (2008) per vehicle (R1 120 in 2009); maximum 8 people one way to Dundee.
CHILDREN
Children sharing with parents on extra beds will be charged R650 per night. The normal rate will apply for children occupying separate rooms. Unfortunately we cannot accommodate children under the age of 12 on the tours. Children under 6 are not permitted into the dining room for dinner.
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 may come in very handy in the summer months.
CLIMATE
Summer is our rainy season and we often experience thunderstorms in the afternoons. The days are hot, but we occasionally enjoy very cool overcast days in 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
S280 23.452 E300 36.187
ROAD CONDITION
A 36km stretch of good gravel road leads to Fugitives’ Drift. A 4x4 vehicle is not necessary. Please ensure you have sufficient fuel for your onward journey and a serviceable spare wheel.
GATE
Please note the gate at the entrance to the property is locked at 18:00. Please advise us if you are likely to arrive later than this time.
THERE IS NO CELL PHONE RECEPTION AT FUGITIVES’ DRIFT
CONTACT DETAILS
RESERVATIONS – based at Fugitives’ Drift Lodge:
Tel: +27 34-642 1843 / 271 8051 Fax: +27 34-271 8053
E-mail: fugdrift@trustnet.co.za or info@fugitives-drift-lodge.com
Web Site: www.fugitives-drift-lodge.com
BANK DETAILS
Fugitives’ Drift Lodge Fugitives’ Drift Lodge t/a The Guest House
Standard Bank Standard Bank
Dundee Branch Code # 057624 Dundee Branch Code #057624
Account #060057300 Account #060068450
