The Zulu War of 1879 is famous throughout the English-speaking world for the great battles of Isandlwana and Rorke's Drift. The spectacular Fugitives' Drift property, a Natural Heritage Site, overlooks both Isandlwana and Rorke's Drift, and includes the site where Lieutenants Melvill and Coghill lost their lives attempting to save the Queen's Colour of their regiment.

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

Led by the finest guides in South Africa, thought-provoking and often emotionally charged tours are conducted daily to Isandlwana and Rorke's Drift. Walks and horserides through the reserve to view abundant game and birdlife are offered as well as fishing the 20km frontage on the Buffalo River.

The reserve offers a choice of accommodation in either the Fugitives' Drift Lodge or the Guest House, both owned by the Rattrays and both born out of their extensive experience in the hospitality industry. Evident in every corner of Fugitives' Drift is the Rattrays' love of South Africa, its people and its unique history.

Both the Lodge and Guest House have spacious and luxurious en-suite cottages which all have private verandahs and broad views over the plains flanking the Buffalo River Gorge. The Lodge and Guest House both have swimming pools set in their colourful, well established gardens which are home to innumerable bird species.

Fugitives' Drift is located 3 and a half hours from Durban and 5 hours from Johannesburg.

Fugitives' Drift Lodge

The Lodge is situated on the site of the original Rattray homestead where David's parents Peter and Gillian came for their holidays and here the seeds of this unique operation took root in those early years.

Spacious, luxury en-suite cottages each have a private verandah affording views over the plains flanking the Buffalo River Gorge.

The Lodge is also home to our 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. Pictures of the Cottage are included on our Lodge Photo Gallery.

Another 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.

Fugitives' Drift Guest House

In its original state The Guest House was the home of Mr Johan Potgieter and his family. Mr Pot was immortalised in Gillian Rattray's award winning book "The Springing of the Year". He was one of the great storytellers of this area.

Mr Pot's house has been turned into the most charming sitting and dining room, filled with fascinating memorabilia. The original verandahs have been retained. It also has an outside eating area which has a stunning view across a plain with Isandlwana in the distance.

Cottages have large, en-suite bedrooms that are individually decorated and all have private verandahs with sweeping views of the reserve and surrounding battlefields. The Guest House boasts a sparkling pool that overlooks Isandlwana and the indigenous bushveld.

At Fugitives' Drift Lodge you can enjoy superb cuisine, a unique fusion of home and modern flavours, in the splendid atmosphere of a veritable museum of Zulu War memorabilia.

Fugitives' Drift has become world-renowned for its battlefield tours to all the Zulu War battle sites in the region, particularly the battles of Isandlwana and Rorke's Drift.

Other tours on offer include visits to other sites of historical battles and general signifance, such as Blood River. Guided walks, fishing and horse riding is also available. Should you desire, you could even visit Rorke's Drift Zulu Cultural Village.

The Harford Library is a stylish new addition to the Fugitives' Drift Lodge, with incredible views over the Buffalo River Gorge and the mountain of Isandlwana.

The Harford Library has the capacity to seat 34 guests and has a dedicated kitchen, wireless Internet access and an integrated audio/visual system: the possibilities are endless.

From lunches and parties to corporate entertaining and think-tanks, the Harford Library will add yet another string to Fugitives' Drift's already powerful bow.

Rates include breakfast, lunch, dinner, tea & coffee and tourism levy.

Lodge single supplement: ZAR 850 pn
Guest House single supplement: ZAR 800 pn