Fugitives Drift Lodge

Fugitives Drift Lodge Natal battlefields overlooks both Isandlwana and Rorke’s Drift. Expertly guided tours of the history of the Anglo-Zulu war of 1879 and some exceptional battlefields accommodation here.

Hark back to the famous Zulu War with the British when the great battles of Isandlwana and Rorke’s Drift changed South Africa’s history forever when you choose to relive these battles with top tour guides if you stay at the magnificent Fugitives’ Drift Lodge and Guest House. The Anglo-Zulu War of 1879 is renowned in the English-speaking world for the iconic battles of Isandlwana and Rorke’s Drift. Overlooking these historic sites, the breathtaking 5,000-acre Fugitives’ Drift property, a designated Natural Heritage Site, also encompasses the area where Lieutenants Melvill and Coghill fell while heroically attempting to save their regiment’s Queen’s Colour.

The main focus at Fugitive’s Drift are expertly guided tours of the Anglo-Boer War of 1879. Enjoy long walks and horse rides through the reserve to view abundant game and birdlife and fishing the 20km of Buffalo River. Wander around the graceful homestead and its beautiful country garden with rich bird life and a swimming pool as well as a museum holding an astonishing collection of Zulu War memorabilia. 

The Zulu War of 1879 is famous for the great battles of Isandlwana and Rorke’s Drift and this accommodation venue is famous too as a Natural Heritage Site, where long ago Lieutenants Melvill and Coghill lost their lives attempting to save the Queen’s Colour of the 1/24th. 

It was here that David and Nicky Rattray pioneered Heritage Tourism in South Africa and created an award-winning lodge for visitors to savour this extraordinary saga. You arrive here to be ensconced in history and incredible storytelling, and you feel as if you have stepped back in time to that era when the Zulus, Boers and British were all fighting! The best battlefield guides lead you on provocative and stimulating tours to Isandlwana and Rorke’s Drift which you can break up with nature hikes into the reserve to see birds and wild animals. 

Fugitives Drift Lodge is the most luxurious 5 star accommodation offered at Fugitives’ Drift, fully renovated in 2017. Spacious and luxurious en-suite cottages feature private verandas, air-conditioning, and both inside and outside showers. The lodge has a swimming pool, library, and excellent titbits collected from the war days, oozing history and atmosphere.

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Overview

The Battlefields of KwaZulu Natal exude an aura of eccentricity because it is here, built on the original Rattray homestead, on a magnificent 5000-acre Natural Heritage Site where Fugitives Drift Lodge is located. This superb South African accommodation overlooks both Isandlwana and Rorke’s Drift, where the illustrious Anglo-Zulu war of 1879 was fought.

There are two Battlefields lodge accommodation options at Fugitives Drift Lodge – The Lodge and The Fugitive’s Guest House. The Lodge, being the original establishment, houses most of the souvenirs in the central lounge and dining area. It also boasts 8 spacious luxury twin en-suite rooms featuring verandas, including an annexe cottage comprising 3 twin rooms, 2 bathrooms and a sitting room.

The Guest House consists of 6 luxury twin en-suite rooms complete with verandas looking over the battlefields in the distance. There is also a guide’s/driver’s room and a swimming pool. The Hartford Library and deck provide a high vantage point from where guests can engross themselves in the sights and sounds of the African wilderness.

Fugitives Drift Lodge is an ideal destination for the discerning traveller wanting a South Africa holiday filled with awe and reverence. A place where memorable experiences are encountered. The hospitality is enchanting and the friendly, personal service coupled with the delectable cuisines create a relaxed atmosphere.

Natal battlefield tours and activities include day tours to Isandlwana and Rorke’s Drift, Mangeni Falls, Masondo, Blood River and the site where Prince Imperial was killed. The location of Fugitives Drift Lodge on a Game Reserve affords guests to embark on game walks, fishing and Horse-riding, mountain biking and hiking.