Fugitives Drift Lodge

Highlights

Isandlwana and Rorkes Drift battlefields tour
Mealtime Anglo Zulu war historical chats
Amazing storytellers and tour guides
Views of Rorke's drift from the swimming pool
Horse riding, fishing and mountain bike tours
Malaria-free game reserve
The Harford library at Fugitives Drift Lodge

Information

Lodge type; Safari Lodge
Location; KwaZulu Natal Battlefields, South Africa
Lodge size; 10 Suites
Recommended stay; 3-5 nights

The Perfect Lodge To Experience Isandlwana And Rorke's Drift All From Fugitives Drift Reserve

Fugitives Drift Lodge near both Isandlwana and Rorkes' Drift is a must-visit/stay destination for all those interested in the history of South Africa, The English Empire and the Zulu Nation.

The spectacular Fugitive's Drift property owned by the David Rattray family is perched on top of the Buffalo River Gorge and is situated on a former cattle farm in the heart of the KwaZulu Natal Battlefields region and overlooks the infamous Isandlwana and Rorke's Drift.

One of the first destinations in South Africa to develop what is now known as "Heritage Tourism", a destination that has gone on in leaps and bounds and is now proudly at the top of the list for anyone who is even the slightest bit interested in history.

Fugitive's Drift was built on the site of the original Rattray homestead, is the perfect place to stay if you are interested in exploring the history of the Anglo-Zulu War and the Battle of Isandlwana.

We cannot recommend Fugitives Drift Lodge highly enough; the lodge and experience are like no other.

Are you looking to explore and experience the best of South Africa's Battlefields? Look at no shorter than three wonderful nights in the Fugitive's Drift Game Reserve. This natural heritage site offers up fantastic accommodation options, superb food, spectacular views, world-class battlefield tours and knowledgeable guides.

This is not a one-night stay destination; please look at at least three nights here to take in and experience all that surrounds you.

Rooms and Suites

All spacious suites at Fugitives Drift Lodge offer a spectacular private veranda with breathtaking views of the Buffalo River Gorge and out onto Isandlwana Mountain in the distance.

Ten spacious, luxurious and modern suites await all with en-suite bathroom facilities, including bathtubs and outdoor showers and air-conditioning.

A family unit with a stunning location is available with two inter-leading rooms, both en-suite with a large private veranda.

A note for all previous guests, as of 2017, fugitives' Drift Lodge has been completely refurbished. And all for the better from all the reports we have received.

As soon as we get the chance, we will be visiting the Lodge to view first-hand all the changes that have taken place and share some of the photographs. We are incredibly excited that one of our favourite lodges that we have visited on numerous occasions now has a new look and feel.

Cuisine and Wine

The cuisine is superb; home-style meals with fresh, modern flavours, whether it be lunch or dinner, and breakfasts are more of an English / Continental affair.

The Harford library next to Fugitives Drift Lodge is the perfect location for breakfasts and lunches, whereas the new main dining room with a state-of-the-art kitchen is where dinners are served. For previous guests, the old dining room is now a dedicated museum.

All in all, great food with amazing views is on offer no matter the time of day.

After dinner drinks are held outside around an open fire pit beneath the African stars just in front of the central guest area at Fugitives Drift Lodge.

Facilities

A feature of Fugitives Drift Lodge is the shady, well-established garden, home to innumerable birds and views out over the surrounding valleys, gorges and koppies.

The Hartford library is open to guests, as is a large swimming pool with stunning views for those hot summer days.

The wonderful staff are present at all times to take care of your every need.

Activities

Daily tours to the numerous KwaZulu Natal Battlefields surrounding Fugitives Drift Lodge are on offer, guided by some of the best guides and storytellers found anywhere in South Africa.

With their deep and tangible insight into these historical conflicts, a storyline develops that will have all enthralled and even a bit teary at times.

When staying at the lodge, it is all about the surrounding battlefields; Listed below are the options;

The Battle of Isandlwana
The Battle of Rorke’s Drift
Melvill and Coghill at Fugitive's Drift
A tailor-made Battle of Blood River is available for those who are staying for a longer period of time

Please note that the prices for tours to 'The Battle of Isandlwana' and 'The Battle of Rorke’s Drift' are not included in the accommodation rates.

The Fugitive's Drift Game Reserve is located in KwaZulu Natal in South Africa.

The reserve consists of 5000 hectares of land home to various animals, including giraffe, kudu, impala, and other abundant game species. Birding is also rather good should any birders out there be interested.

Other optional safari activities available (a few activities are un;

Early morning trail running
Fishing
Fly-Fishing
Horse riding
Fugitives walking tour
Guided walks for both birding and nature
Unguided walks around the lodge
Mountain biking

Child Friendly

Children are welcome; kids under 12 years on the more adult-orientated battlefield tours are at the discretion of the guide.

Kids under seven years are not allowed in the dining area as a consideration towards others guests, separate meal time to be discussed with parents.

A Battlefield Kids tour is available for those 12 years and younger.

In Conclusion

If you're looking for an amazing and unique lodge to stay at while exploring the history of South Africa's Battlefields, look no further than Fugitives Drift Lodge.

This spectacular property is perched on top of the Buffalo River Gorge and offers stunning views of the Natal Battlefields.

With knowledgeable guides and world-class battlefield tours available, you won't find a better place to learn about this fascinating part of history.

We highly recommend staying for at least three nights so you can take in all that this incredible lodge has to offer!

uShaka Marine World Durban

Some of the most beautiful game reserves in South Africa are located in Kwazulu Natal, within a few hours' drive of the airport.

Coupled with the Drakensberg Mountain range and the tropical Indian Ocean coast, you have a pretty impressive list of sights to see and experience.

When it comes to Durban however, people have mostly avoided the city as of no particular interest for the family. Think again.
uShaka Marine World Durban
Fugitives Drift Review

David Rattray is synonymous with Fugitives Drift. His love and hard work put this obscure corner of Zululand on the world map.

Initially, he pioneered the new tourism sector of historical tours in South Africa and then by attracting the great and good of this world including several members of the British Royal Family to this area who consequently were important in financing the influential David Rattray Foundation.
Fugitives Drift Review
Comrades Marathon

After the Two Oceans and continuing our theme of running, on the 1st of June is the mother of all ultramarathon running in South Africa and the world, The Comrades Marathon.

This is a race of some pedigree and not only is it the oldest with it having begun in 1921 but it is also by far the largest with an average of 12000 runners competing annually.
Comrades Marathon
Isandlwana and Rorke’s Drift Battlefields

There are few other places on earth where you can visit a battlefield area and see exactly what the soldiers of 130 years ago observed.

The now-famous battles of Rorke’s Drift and Isandlwana Battlefields are two of those places and the fact that they are located in the vast and unspoilt beauty of Zululand adds to their allure.
Isandlwana and Rorke’s Drift Battlefields