Description
Family and owner-run Fugitive’s Drift Private Reserve offers a unique experience combining wildlife with rich South African history. The accommodation is in comfortable en-suite cottages and the lodge has lovely views of Isandlwana Mountain. The Buffalo River is a short walk away.
Game viewing can be done on foot, in vehicles or on horseback, with opportunities to see several species of animals including giraffe, zebra and kudu. The bird life is prolific and there have been 275 species identified in the gorge below the lodge. Fishing is also a great pastime and the unspoilt surroundings are the perfect place to unwind.
However, the best reason to come here is for the incredible talks given by Andrew Rattray and his team of guides (or rather story-tellers) about two of the most famous battles of the Anglo-Zulu wars.
There is a colonial feel to both the lodge and the guesthouse and guests all dine together, hosted by guides and managers, with dinner very often involving a traditional British roast.
An excellent library has recently been built in memory of the late David Rattray, owner of Fugitive's Drift Lodge, entomologist and the originator of these incredible talks. There are stunning views from the balcony, where guests often take lunch, as well as plenty of space to curl up with a book and internet access for guests.
Accommodation
Fugitive's Drift Lodge offers 8 spacious, luxury en-suite cottages which each have a private verandah affording views over the plains flanking the Buffalo River Gorge. The Lodge is also home to a newly renovated Annex, or Cottage. The Cottage has been redesigned to have two en-suite bedrooms and a sitting room. One bathroom has a shower and bath, the other is a small shower-room. It is ideal for small families or couples travelling together. The smaller Guesthouse has 6 simpler rooms, around the homestead, where meals are served.
Childcare
Children are welcome but there are no specific facilities except babysitting which can be provided on request. The lodge offers specialised children's battlefield tours that will engage and inspire children with stories of the bravery and courage of the British soldiers and Zulu warriors, but there is a minimum age of 12 on the regular battle field tours. Tours are followed by a game walk to see giraffe, zebra, wildebeest, kudu, nyala and other non-threatening game.
Facilities
Facilities at the lodge and guesthouse include a dining room adorned with a remarkable collection of Zulu War memorabilia, a swimming pool and horses. The Harford Library, which offers incredible views over the Buffalo River Gorge and the mountain of Isandlwana, can seat 34 guests and has a dedicated kitchen, wireless internet access and an integrated audio/visual system.
Activities
Activities in and around Fugitive's Drift include horse riding, swimming, game drives, walking and fishing. The lodge also offers battlefield tours to bring the epic Zulu war to life.
When to travel
The Lodge is open all year round, but the best game viewing is from March to the end September. Subtropical climate with hot, humid, wet summers (September to April) and warm to cool, dry winters (May to August).
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Location and directions
Rorkes Drift, South Africa
Fugitives' Drift Lodge is set on a hillside above the Buffalo River Gorge in the Natal Battlefields, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. The 2500ha reserve is 8km from Rorke's Drift and 56km south east of Dundee.
How to get there
Drift Lodge is approximately 3 to 4 hours drive from Durban and 5 hours drive from Johannesburg.
