Fugitives' Drift

The Battlefields of KwaZulu-Natal offer an incredible insight into the history of South Africa, and the best way to really appreciate this bloody and fiercely-fought history is to stay here and go on one of the mesmerising and theatrical tours of the key areas.

Fugitives' Drift, in the heart of the KwaZulu-Natal Battlefields, offers such tours that will move you to tears and stay in your memory forever. The morning tour to Isandlwana takes in the battlefield, where a contingent of 2,500 British soldiers were over-run and defeated within a few short hours by twenty thousand Zulu warriors. The afternoon tour to Rorke's Drift firstly visits the small museum, and then gives a theatrical account of the bravery of the 136 British soldiers who defended the mission station against over 4,000 Zulus and saved injured and dying comrades from the burning hospital.

Fugitives' Drift boasts 2 'camps' - The Lodge and The Guest House - set just 600m apart and offering a high standard of en-suite accommodation.

The Lodge is situated on the site of the original Rattray homestead, and the spacious, luxury en-suite suites here each have a private verandah with views over the plains flanking the Buffalo River Gorge. Another feature of the Lodge is the beautiful, shady, and well established garden, which is home to many birds and the most spectacular large swimming pool, which is set on a secluded spur on the lip of the Buffalo River gorge.

The Guest House consists of 6 twin rooms, each with a private verandah offering sweeping views of the surrounding battlefields. The Guest House also has a charming sitting and dining room, an outside eating area, and a sparkling pool that overlooks the indigenous bushveld.

Rates Include

All meals are included. The rate excludes any tours - rates are available on request.

Children Policy

Children of any age are welcome. Children under 12 are not allowed on tours. Rates available on request. Children under 7 years are not allowed into the dining/sitting room - separate meal times will be arranged at the convenience of the child and parent.

All of the holidays we prepare are tailor-made, but this might give you an idea of how Fugitives' Drift can be included in you own dream holiday.

Highlights of KwaZulu-Natal

12 nights

4 Star Accommodation

Montusi Mountain Lodge

The Drakensberg

Fugitives' Drift

The Battlefields

Teremok

Durban

Rhino Ridge Safari Lodge

Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park

Destination: South Africa.

12 night itinerary including Drakensberg, Battlefields, Durban and Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park.

Price Per Person From GBP 2,597USD 3,376ZAR 58,558EUR 3,116

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*Prices are per person and are based on today's exchange rates. Exchange rates are subject to change and are updated daily.

Prices exclude international flights - ask us if you would like to include these.

Guest Rating: 4.8 / 5.0 based on 12 ratings

Directions For Drivers

Please do NOT make use of a GPS. It will take you on a circuitous route.

Please also note the gate at the entrance to the property is locked at 18:00. Please advise the lodge if you are likely to arrive later than this time, and they will make arrangements and keep the gate open.

From Johannesburg: Take the N3 towards Durban. Just before the Wilge Toll Plaza take the Villiers turn-off (R103) and head towards Warden. Take the R34 to Vrede, Memel and Newcastle. Go through Newcastle, turn right onto the Ladysmith road (N11). After 16 km take the R621 to Dannhauser, Hattingspruit and Dundee. In Dundee, take the R33 to Greytown. After 14 km turn left to Rorke's Drift, drive for 29 km. Go beyond Rorke's Drift for 2 km, turn left onto D31 signposted Fugitive's Drift. Go along this road for 7 km through the black gate until you see the Guest House and the Lodge.

From Durban: Take the N3 to Pietermaritzburg. Take the R33 to Greytown (we suggest you refuel in Greytown), and then follow signs to Tugela Ferry / Dundee. Continue along this road through Keate’s Drift, Tugela Ferry and Pomeroy. 10 km after Pomeroy take the turn-off to the right, signposted Elandskraal. At Elandskraal (which consists of a church and a trading store), turn left to Rorke's Drift. Go for about 14 km, and before you get to Rorke's Drift, turn right onto the D31. Follow directions above.

From Durban: SCENIC ROUTE VIA ESHOWE AND ISANDLWANA (best route from Umhlanga/ airport) From the airport / Umhlanga, head North on the N2. Leave the N2 following signs for GINGINDLOVU. Drive through Gingindlovu towards ESHOWE. Drive past Eshowe and proceed on the R66 for MELMOTH (where you can refuel). Turn left after Melmoth for BABANANGO/NQUTU on the R68, and after 20.9 km’s turn right onto the R68 for Babanango (signposted to Babanango Valley). In Babanango, turn left at the crossroads (with Sunrise Café on your right). After 40km, turn left for ISANDLWANA, onto a dirt road. Drive past the battlefield, and after 9km turn left for RORKE’S DRIFT on the D30. Drive 9km to the t-junction and turn left, driving past the battlefield. After 3km, turn left for Fugitives’ Drift on the D31.

From Hluhluwe: From Empangeni take the R34 to Melmoth, then the R68 to Babanango and Nqutu. 40 km from Babanango, take the turn-off to the left, marked Isandlwana. Follow this road past the Isandlwana battlefield, then turn left onto the D30 and follow signs to Rorke's Drift. Turn left at the T-junction to Rorke's Drift. Go 2 km past Rorke's Drift, turn left into the D31, and follow directions above.

From Eswatini: Depart Eswatini via the Houtkop/Emhlathini border post and follow the signs to Piet Retief. In Piet Retief, turn left to join the R33 heading south and continue on through Paulspietersburg, Vryheid and head towards Dundee. 5 km before Dundee turn left onto R68 signposted Nqutu. After roughly 25-30 km, turn right onto a dirt road, signed to Rorke's Drift (and Fugitives' Drift). Drive for 7 km until you reach a T-junction and turn left to Rorke’s Drift. Continue straight for about 10 km. Pass the Rorke's Drift battlefield on your left (you will see a gate with Shiyane written on it) and continue straight for another 2 km until you see a left-hand turn onto the D31, signed Fugitives’ Drift. Go along this road for 7 km through the big black gate until you see signs for the Lodge and Guest House on the right.

Please note that the Fugitives’ Drift gate is locked at 6pm. If you think you are going to be later than this, please let the lodge know by phoning: 034 271 8051 / 072 273 6795 (Whatsapp) - Fugitive  Drift Lodge

General Information For Guests

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.

Dress code is casual.

The tour for Isandlwana departs at 07:30, where you listen in the vehicle to a tape narrated by David Rattray explaining the background to the Anglo-Zulu War. There is a stop at 09:00 for a comfort break and to visit the museum at Isandlwana. The lecture on the battlefield begins at 09:45 until around 11:45, when tea, coffee and refreshments are served. The lecture takes place half way up the hill. Please let the lodge know before you set off if you have difficulty walking so that the lecturer can make an alternative plan. Another tape, this time describing the story of the survivors and events after the battle of Isandlwana is played en-route back to the Lodge or Guest House, returning for lunch at 13:00.

The Rorke's Drift tour departs at 15:00 (winter) or 15:15 (summer). Guests have time to look through the museum at Rorkeandrsquo;s Drift before the lecture begins at 16:00. There is very little walking involved. The lecture concludes around 18:00 and guests are then given the opportunity to look around the memorials and graveyard before returning to the Lodge or Guest House.

Other tours, horse riding and walks are available on request.

If you want to send a WhatsApp message to the property, the number to use is +27 (0) 72 273 6795.

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