Fugitives Drift Lodge - This spectacular property, a Natural Heritage Site, overlooks Isandlwana and the Oskarsberg at Rorke`s Drift. Walks through the reserve to view abundant game and bird life are offered.
Rooms at the Lodge are en-suite with private verandas, and have sweeping views of the reserve and surrounding battlefields. Each establishment has its own swimming pool.
The battlefield tours led by the Rattray brothers and their team have achieved an international reputation for which Fugitives Drift is renowned. The formula of entertaining people with moving, detailed presentations on site, offering wonderful food and award winning lodges, has proved itself.
Fugitives Drift Lodge accommodation: 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 veranda affording views over the plains flanking the Buffalo River Gorge.
Helicopter Transfers: Fugitives Drift Lodge is very excited to confirm that we will have a helicopter with us next year over our peak season (January- March). Teaming up with Helivate for the second year running, we will be offering four different flights to any guests who are interested in having an aerial perspective of the battlefields and of the beautiful surrounding area - a fantastic addition to a battlefields visit. We will also be offering transfers to and from Durban airport and other lodges, meaning that guests are able to enjoy more time at their destinations and spend less time traveling.
Guided Walks at Fugitives Drift Lodge: We are also excited to launch guided walks on our property, which will be offered in addition to the self-guided walks that our guests currently enjoy. A guide will be taking these walks out daily, giving guests the opportunity to connect with the wildlife and plant life that we have on the reserve, on foot. A lot of the plants on the reserve hold medicinal value, and are used extensively in Zulu culture and tradition. We also have approximately three hundred species of bird on the reserve, so bird watching opportunities are ample. Note that guests will still be able to enjoy self-guided walks on the property at no additional cost.
Activities:
Flagship tours to Isandlwana and Rorke’s Drift are led by registered tour guides Douglas Rattray, Mphiwa Ntanzi and Brian Mcube, who are superb storytellers and make the history of that day come alive. Our long family associations with the area and its people allow us to offer you some unique Zulu perspectives.
Learn of the bravery and mobility of the Zulu army that defeated the British Army at the Battle of Isandlwana and listen at sunset to the famous story of Rorke’s Drift, where 139 British soldiers were attacked by 4000 Zulu warriors; a British victory which saw the award of more Victoria Crosses than in any other battle in history.
Rooms and Units Available:
Kwa-George
Kwa George is a budget room consisting of a twin bedroom, en-suite shower and verandah on the grounds of Umzinyathi Farmhouse. You will need to travel to and from the Lodge or the Guest House for meals as well as tours.
Sleeps 2 Adults
Lodge Luxury Suite
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.
Amount of similar units: 10
Sleeps 2 Adults
Umzinyathi Farmhouse
This Charming Farmhouse has 3 en-suite bedrooms, sitting room with a fireplace, dining room, kitchen and large veranda. You will need to travel to and from the Lodge or Guest house for tours. Meals can also be booked at the Lodge or Guest House.
Sleeps 6 Adults
Facilities & Services available:
Babysitting Service Laundry Service Conference facilities Wedding facilities Self-Braai / Barbecue Bar on the Premises
Dining room Restaurant Curio Shop Fax & Photocopy Machine Fireplace on the Premises Garden
English Xhosa / Zulu Hiking / Walking Trails Swimming Pool
Cancellation Policy:
We reserve the right to charge the following: - Less than 14 days prior to arrival - total cost of the reservation - 15 to 21 days prior to arrival - 75 % of the reservation - 22 to 28 days prior to arrival - 50 % of the reservation - In the event of non-arrival, the total cost of the reservation will be charged for - We recommend that all guests carry travel insurance to cover cancellation fees in case of a medical emergency.
Directions:
DIRECTIONS FROM JOHANNESBURG AIRPORT (5.5 hours) From the airport, follow signs to the N3 South (to KwaZulu Natal). Drive on the N3 South towards Durban for about 1½ hours. Cross the Vaal River, and go through the Wilge Toll Plaza. After Wilge, take the off ramp onto the R34 to Warden and Vrede. Just before the town of Vrede, turn right on the R34 towards Memel and Newcastle. Go through Newcastle until you reach a t-junction (McDonald’s will be on your left). Turn right here, and continue along the R34 (Allen Street) until you reach another t-junction. Turn right for Dundee. When you reach Dundee, continue straight through the town (keeping left at the circle) towards the Talana Museum and Vryheid. Leave Dundee, passing the Talana Museum on your left, and continue straight for about 6km until you see a right-hand turn signposted to Nqutu. Turn right. After roughly 25-30km, turn right onto a dirt road, signed to Rorke’s Drift (and Fugitives’ Drift). Drive for 7km until you reach a t-junction; turn LEFT to Rorke’s Drift. Continue straight for about 10km. Pass the Rorke’s Drift battlefield on your left (you will see a gate with Shiyane written on it) and continue straight for another 2km until you see a left-hand turn onto the D31, signed Fugitives’ Drift. Go along this road for 7km through the big black gate until you see signs for the Lodge and Guest House, on the right. Please note that our gate is locked at 6pm. If you think you are going to be later than this or need any assistance, kindly let us know by phoning: 034 271 8051 / 072 273 6795 (Whatsapp
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Accommodation Type: Game Lodge and Private Game Lodge
