Fugitives' Drift Lodge
Location: D31 Rorke's Drift, Msinga, KwaZulu-Natal, 3016, Msinga, ZA
Star Rating: 3 Stars
Property Type: Lodges
About this Property
Outdoor Pool, Terrace, and Garden: Enjoy a refreshing dip in the outdoor pool, soak up the sun on the terrace, or take a leisurely stroll through the beautiful garden.
Restaurant and Bar/Lounge: Indulge in delicious meals at the lodge's restaurant and unwind with a drink at the cozy bar/lounge after a day of exploration.
Conference Center and Meeting Rooms: Perfect for business or special events, take advantage of the conference center and meeting rooms for a productive stay.
Book your stay at Fugitives' Drift Lodge in Msinga and experience a blend of comfort, convenience, and natural beauty.
Important Information
- Contactless check-out is available.
Policies
Check-in: 12:00 PM - 06:00 PM
Check-out: 10:00 AM
Instructions: There is no front desk at this property. To make arrangements for check-in please contact the property ahead of time using the information on the booking confirmation. If you are planning to arrive after 6 PM please contact the property in advance using the information on the booking confirmation. Guests must contact the property for check-in instructions.
Amenities & Facilities
- Meeting rooms
- Fireplace in lobby
- Free WiFi
- Terrace
- Garden
- Luggage storage
- Designated smoking area
- Wheelchair accessible
- Gift shops or newsstand
- Fireplace in lobby
- Hiking/biking trails nearby
- Library
- Safe-deposit box at front desk
- Meeting rooms
- Conference center
- Free self parking
- Pool sun loungers
- Banquet hall
- Well-lit path to entrance
Rooms Available
-
Three-Bedroom Villa
Located at the top of the reserve, a 5-minute drive from the main lodge, this stone and corrugated-iron roof farmhouse was built in the 1920's and offers views of Isandlwana. It was the home of George Buntting, who was an expert on the Anglo Zulu War.
The unit offers a fully-equipped kitchen and a bathroom with a bath. Free toiletries and a hairdryer are provided for your convenience.
Please note, guests will need to go to the main lodge for meals and tours.
Max Occupancy: 6 (6 Adults)
- Coffee/tea maker
- Shower
- Hair dryer
- Refrigerator
- Seating Area
- Fan
- Toilet
- Microwave
- Private bathroom
- Kitchen
- Fireplace
- Sofa
- Dining area
- Electric kettle
- Wardrobe or closet
- Oven
- Stovetop
- Toaster
- Barbecue
- Electric blankets
- Terrace
- Linen
- Dining table
- Outdoor furniture
- Outdoor dining area
- Entire unit located on ground floor
- Clothes rack
- Toilet paper
- Trash cans
- Wine glasses
- Shampoo
- Conditioner
- Body soap
- Shower cap
- Socket near the bed
- Feather pillow
- Smoke alarm
- Fire extinguisher
- Key access
- Hand sanitiser
-
Deluxe Double or Twin Room
Guests will have a special experience as the twin/double room offers a pool with a view. The spacious twin/double room provides air conditioning, a mini-bar, a balcony with garden views as well as a private bathroom featuring a walk-in shower. The unit offers 3 beds.
Max Occupancy: 2 (2 Adults)
- Coffee/tea maker
- Minibar
- Shower
- Safety deposit box
- Air conditioning
- Hair dryer
- Bathrobe
- Refrigerator
- Desk
- Seating Area
- Fan
- Toilet
- Private bathroom
- Heating
- Interconnected room(s) available
- Electric kettle
- Mosquito net
- Wardrobe or closet
- Electric blankets
- Coffee machine
- Linen
- Outdoor furniture
- Entire unit located on ground floor
- Clothes rack
- Toilet paper
- Pool towels
- Shallow end
- Bottle of water
- Trash cans
- Wine glasses
- Shampoo
- Conditioner
- Body soap
- Shower cap
- Socket near the bed
- Adapter
- Feather pillow
- Smoke alarm
- Fire extinguisher
- Key access
- Single-room air conditioning for guest accommodation
- Hand sanitiser
-
Standard Twin Room With Garden View
Offering free toiletries, this twin room includes a private bathroom with a shower and a hairdryer. The twin room offers a wardrobe, an electric kettle and garden views. The unit offers 2 beds.
Max Occupancy: 2 (2 Adults)
- Shower
- Hair dryer
- Fan
- Toilet
- Private bathroom
- Electric kettle
- Wardrobe or closet
- Electric blankets
- Linen
- Entire unit located on ground floor
- Clothes rack
- Toilet paper
- Trash cans
- Shampoo
- Conditioner
- Body soap
- Shower cap
- Socket near the bed
- Feather pillow
- Smoke alarm
- Fire extinguisher
- Hand sanitiser
-
Kwa-George
2 Twin Beds
Patio with garden views
Food & Drink - Electric kettle, free bottled water, and free tea bags/instant coffee
Sleep - Premium bedding, turndown service, and bed sheets
Bathroom - Private bathroom, shower, bathrobes, and a hair dryer
Practical - Safe, guidebooks, and wardrobe or closet
Comfort - Daily housekeeping and portable fan
Accessibility - Magnifying mirror
Need to Know - Toothbrush and toothpaste not available
Non-Smoking
Max Occupancy: 2 (2 Adults)
- Shower
- Safety deposit box
- Hair dryer
- Bathrobe
- Private bathroom
- Electric kettle
- Wardrobe or closet
- Toilet paper
- Bottle of water
- Shampoo
- Daily housekeeping
- Premium bedding
- Turndown service
- Portable fan
- Bedsheets provided
- Free tea bags/instant coffee
- Soap
- Guidebooks or recommendations
- Visual fire alarm
- Toothbrush and toothpaste available
- Toothbrush and toothpaste not available
- Magnifying mirror
-
Lodge Luxury Room
1 King Bed
Features a private patio
Layout - Bedroom
Food & Drink - Electric kettle, free bottled water, and free tea bags/instant coffee
Sleep - Premium bedding, turndown service, and bed sheets
Bathroom - Shower, bathrobes, and a hair dryer
Practical - Safe, guidebooks, and wardrobe or closet
Comfort - Daily housekeeping and portable fan
Accessibility - Magnifying mirror
Need to Know - Toothbrush and toothpaste not available
Non-Smoking
Max Occupancy: 2 (2 Adults)
- Shower
- Safety deposit box
- Hair dryer
- Bathrobe
- Electric kettle
- Wardrobe or closet
- Toilet paper
- Bottle of water
- Shampoo
- Daily housekeeping
- Premium bedding
- Turndown service
- Portable fan
- Bedsheets provided
- Free tea bags/instant coffee
- Soap
- Guidebooks or recommendations
- Visual fire alarm
- Toothbrush and toothpaste available
- Toothbrush and toothpaste not available
- Magnifying mirror
-
Umzinyathi House
2 Double Beds and 2 Twin Beds
Features a private patio
Layout - 3 bedrooms
Food & Drink - Kitchen with electric kettle and free tea bags/instant coffee
Sleep - Premium bedding, turndown service, and bed sheets
Bathroom - 3 bathrooms, shower, bathrobes, and a hair dryer
Practical - Safe, guidebooks, and wardrobe or closet
Comfort - Daily housekeeping and portable fan
Accessibility - Magnifying mirror
Need to Know - Toothbrush and toothpaste not available
Non-Smoking
Max Occupancy: 6 (6 Adults)
- Shower
- Safety deposit box
- Hair dryer
- Bathrobe
- Kitchen
- Electric kettle
- Wardrobe or closet
- Toilet paper
- Bottle of water
- Shampoo
- Daily housekeeping
- Premium bedding
- Turndown service
- Portable fan
- Bedsheets provided
- Free tea bags/instant coffee
- Soap
- Guidebooks or recommendations
- Visual fire alarm
- Toothbrush and toothpaste available
- Toothbrush and toothpaste not available
- Magnifying mirror
Guest Reviews
- Carrie (10/5): Fantastic! - Fantastic from start to finish!
- Dagmar (10/5): The place to be on the battlefields - Spectacular! The property alone is worth the journey. Beautiful lodge, with amazing staff and atmosphere in lush gardens. Especially loved the social aspect, sitting around the fire place with other travellers and the wonderful meals served on the platform. Clearly, if you are into military history, this is THE place to be. The tours of the battlefields were unbelievably good, even for somebody who really only came under protest... :) Souvenir shop could be a little more topical given the main focus of the area. But I really am trying to find stuff here...
- Michelle (10/5): -
- Dee (9/5): An amazing tranquil place to stay with great tours - We were fortunate to be upgraded to a superior room. This was excellent
The staff were very accommodating with dietary issues as a result of being unwell
The tours were wonderful All having to sit together for the evening meal. It was also provided at a later time than we would normally eat
- Carolyn (9/5): -
- Armand (10/5): - Excellent staff, extraordinarily knowledgeable guides and clean, tidy and large rooms with view of hills. Try to watch ´Zulu’ and ´Zulu dawn’ before you go as although not historically accurate they help fire the imagination in the guides presentation Dirt roads and potholes on the way there but the experience worth the discomfort.
- bewulatours&Safari (9/5): KZN government should promote this remarkable fascinating history that isn't it - Breakfast was average For the price at least continental breakfast would be great
- Sharon (10/5): -
- Jonathan (10/5): A beautiful restful location in nature close to fascinating battlefields of the Anglo Zulu war - Staff and location and excellent tours and food Long 37 km access
Dirt road!
- Lesley (10/5): Thanks for a fantastic time.. - Wonderful lodges with great views ..
Great staff , Doug and team really bring the history alive through their story telling.
The food and service is also top notch. Thank you Grace Nothing..
- Marion (10/5): - Super nice lodge and farmhouse. We really enjoyed the tour - Even the 13 year old was fascinated
- Julia-Sophie (9/5): Außergewöhnliches Hotel mitten in der Natur - - Super freundliches und herzliches Personal
- Zimmerupgrade erhalten, mit einem der schönsten Blicke
- leckeres Essen
- INGRID (10/5): An excellent stay in a beautiful location - Quite a trek to get there,but loved everything about the place.The setting overlooking the Buffalo river was beautiful,particularly form the library.It was grat being able to walk around the reserve & see all the animals in their natural environment Nothing!The communal eating may not suit everyone but we enjoyed it.
- Ambrose (10/5): - Location
Facilities
Guide
Staff
Food Nothing only road conditionkov8 i
- Laurence (10/5): A unique experience hosted by a wonderful team - This is an exceptional lodge with beautiful views, great facilities and marvellous staff. The accommodation was spacious, spotless and tastefully decorated, and the routine from breakfast through lunch to pre-dinner drinks and dinner made it easy to mix with other guests and enjoy great food. If you're staying here you'll probably be adding on the tours of Isandlwana, Rorke's Drift and Melvill/Coghill graves, and the guides are superb. The onsite museum has a fabulous collection and although we only stayed for two nights we'd recommend at least three to enjoy the whole experience. Not staying longer!
- Nomalanga (10/5): - All the staff we interacted with were exceptionally friendly, went out of their way to make sure we had everything we needed and more, the food was great everyday, the tour guide a great story teller Nothing
- Kevin (10/5): A South African Must Do! - All the staff were at the top of their job - nothing was too much trouble. A must!
- Christian (10/5): - Es war alles top!
- Steve (10/5): -
- Nicholas (9/5): - Great service, food, and facilities.
Battle fields tour and talks highly commendable.
- John (10/5): Great would love to return - History and general feeling of being special guests Not appreciating the times of the tours
- bushbaby181 (10/5): - This was our second visit to this beautiful lodge. The amenities are first class & the staff exceptional.
We were originally booked to stay in Kwa George this time, but we were given a free upgrade to a Lodge room, which was stunning.
The whole establishment is run to a very high standard & you're made to feel so welcome. The battlefield tours to Rorke's Drift & Isandlwana are very moving & informative & not to be missed. The meals are beautifully prepared & delicious. Nothing - we didn't want to leave!
- Mandy (10/5): Exceptional -
- Kathleen (10/5): - Our stay at the Fugitives Drift Lodge was nothing short or magical!! The beautiful location the clean and wonderful accommodation and the friendly family and staff that work there made this stay the highlight of our trip. Not to mention the fantastic tours and tour guides. We cant wait to go back
- Tracey (10/5): Beautiful location, amazing room, service, food and staff. Attention to detail throughout the Lodge was second to none. - Location, room, facilities, staff and food all excellent Nothing
- Tony (10/5): Exceptional -
- Sue (10/5): Wonderful! - Meals were excellent. Tours of the battlefields recommended. Lovely walks - really worth walking to the Ledge for the most sensational view. Monkeys and impala walking past our room. Staff went out of their way to make the experience a wonderful one. We did not want to leave! Water pressure in the shower was not great, but the luxurious bath was a good alternative.
- Nicholas (8/5): Very good -
- Matthieu (9/5): It was just amazing! - Everything ,the staff, the food , the rooms ! Nothing
- David (10/5): Great property in a wonderful location with good food and friendly and helpful staff. - Great location, good food and friendly and helpful staff. Nothing
- James (10/5): Exceptional -
- Gavin (10/5): - Outstanding hospitality, food quality and comfort . Top class .
- Lane (10/5): A fantastic place to stay to view the battlefields of the area - Traveling with my brother, we were upgraded from the guest house to two separate rooms in the lodge. The rooms and meals were excellent, and the staff was very accommodating. We did two guided tours from this location and explored this amazing area. It was an absolutely fantastic experience and I only wish we could’ve stayed more than two nights.
- Michael (10/5): The only way to do the tours of the local battlefields. Tours are brilliantly run and the accommodation is just perfect. - Fabulous location, lovely accommodation, excellent food, brilliant staff. Nothing
- James (10/5): Exceptional -
- Andrew (9/5): Superb -
- P34769 (10/5): A perfect stay. - Everything!
The rooms, the staff were exemplary, every single member of staff was fantastic.
The place runs perfectly and they can't do enough to make your stay better.
The trips they run to the Battlefields are both enjoyable and informative.
The views are superb with the added bonus that it's a game lodge so animals like giraffe and antelope are often sighted, even from the decking area of the room.
The meals are served communally and sitting with fellow guests and the owners and staff was fabulous, very interesting and entertaining.
The food itself was superb and drinks were both reasonably priced and always served with a beaming smile. Zero. It was the perfect stay.
- P34769 (10/5): Simply outstanding. - absolutely outstanding place.
Everything about this lodge is perfect.
We came here for the Battlefields obviously but this establishment is worthy of a trip on its own merit.
The only negative would be the dirt track road you have to drive up for 30 minutes to get here, it's okay, even in our VW Polo rental car it was okay as long as you take your time but from the moment you arrive the place is fabulous!
Every single member of staff is completely on their game, I've been fortunate to stay in many fine hotels but this was easily the best and the most friendly and genuine service we've ever received.
It would be impossible to single out any one member of staff as all of them are exceptional.
The views around the property are gorgeous and then there's the bonus of the game, such as giraffe and antelope that are roaming around.
You receive full board here and breakfast and lunch are lovely but when it comes to the evening meal they really excel.
We stayed 4 nights and every course, of every dinner was exquisite.
Meals were served communally and we loved that too as fellow guests were all friendly and interesting too and it was so nice to spend the evening making new acquaintances.
There's a lovely little pool on the premises, which we used several times plus there are various areas such as a small museum and a charming library area to pass some pleasant time in.
Drinks are reasonably priced and always served with the broadest of smiles.
Finally, the reason we came here was for the proximity to the Zula war battlefields and the lodge run 2 excellent tours from here both of which were also fabulous and highly informative, you do pay separately for these but they were worth every penny.
There was also a free walking tour each afternoon which we also enjoyed.
I really can't say enough positives about this property, it really was a perfect stay and we were sorry to leave.
(BTW, they even washed our rental car for us on the day of departure! Zero.
- Connie (10/5): - Excellent place and staff are friendly. We had a great experience meeting with other guest during meal times. Food was amazing. We got an upgrade on arrival to a large lodge - thank you :-)
- Nicholas (10/5): - There is absolutely nothing to dislike with this lodge. Impeccable service, lovely accommodation, friendly staff, delicious food, superb battlefield tours delivered with passion and knowledge by local guides. A beautiful place offering tranquility and allowing guests to be at one with nature. Simply superb.
- Mark (10/5): Exceptional -
- Bradley (10/5): Incredible experience at a special place. Tours are exceptional and staff are wonderful. -
- Mark (10/5): Exceptional -
- Colin (10/5): The whole fugitives drift experience should be high up on your bucket list. - I had wanted to go to fugitives drift for over 20 years,and it exceeded my expectations. I would highly recommend the battle field tours. The guides were amazing ( Bryan Mcube) and brought the battles to life. The location of fugitives drift and views from the rooms were A1/5 STAR. To be able to do self guided walks amongst giraffes, zebras and antelopes was just amazing. The food was high end restaurant standard, and the chefs should be very proud of the food they deliver. The staff that served us (Including Tea/coffee at the door when you wake up) and looking after has breakfast, lunch and dinner. You made fugitives drift my favourite 3 days out of 28 in a beautiful country, I will remember my time with you for a long long time I had to leave
- Daphne (10/5): Highly recommended . A perfect 10 - The setting is beautiful , the staff and guides were excellent - attention to detail in every aspect . Highly recommended We liked everything
- Huw (10/5): - Wonderful stay here while visiting the Zulu war sites in the area with Doug and his colleagues. This is a beautiful, modern property which is truly luxurious. I stayed in a huge lodge room with an incredible view from the balcony over the local area. An even better view comes from the library which looks down onto the Buffalo river and across towards fugitive's trail. There is also a small museum on site with a lot of information.
Meals are served in the dining area, lounge or veranda depending on weather. All were fantastic and plentiful, there always seemed to be an excuse to serve food at any time during the day! There is also a well stocked bar.
The tours I had with Doug, Bryan and Mphiwa were beyond my expectations. All have incredibly knowledge of the history, with the added bonus that Mphiwa's grandfather fought at Isandlwana and can bring personal Zulu perspective to the battle from the oral history passed down. On the way to and from the tours you can hear David Rattray describe the events leading up to the events you are about to relive. This really helps to set the scene for the day.
All the staff were friendly, helpful and engaging; cleaning and groundskeeping was happening all day and the room and communal areas were spotless.
Nature surrounds you and you will regularly see giraffe, zebra and various deer type (sorry!) animals on the way into and out of the site.
This was a lovely, relaxing, interesting and pampered stay, my thanks to all the staff.
- Jane (10/5): We had a fantastic stay. - The property is a beautiful lush oasis complete with all amenities you would expect in a city, located in an equally beautiful wild preserve. We enjoyed meeting and dining with our fellow guests. Food was delicious and staff were attentive. The tours were informative and the walks were full of surprises!
- Susahn (10/5): It was not long enough! - The setting is absolutely beautiful, the service was impeccable. The tour to Rorkes Drift was very informative and well done. The drive in is horrendous, but the end result is worth it.
- Lee (8/5): Very good -
- Icklebeckster (10/5): An unexpected delight - Being so close to nature and wildlife whilst also having the history and battlefields tours. Delicious food, lovely staff, great views from the lodge. Just wonderful Getting there is undeniably tricky if you are self driving. The roads are bumpy and remote, so do not fully believe Google maps. We would recommend contacting the lodge in advance for directions from your specific
For us, overall the difficult journey mamade seeing a giraffe as we arrived even more special!
- Brian (8/5): Very good - Excellent hospitality Woiuld have liked a room nearer the main building
- Kevin (10/5): If you want glitz and glamor this place might not be to your liking, if you want style, genuine surroundings and staff w - We stayed in a period cottage and it was magnificent. Well kept, authentic and just wow That I hadn’t booked longer
- Laurence (10/5): Exceptional -
- Gareth (9/5): This was a once in a life time experience and highly recommended. The hosting was outstanding. - The hospitality was outstanding!
The food, facilities, surrounds and especially the tours were amazing. Nothing
- Nick (10/5): Wonderful stay , an amazing experience we worth a visit !🙌 - We were very suprised as we’d been upgraded to the main lodge where the facilities were exceptional ! Our stay here was truly memorable , the food was incredible and we had the most amazing tours of the battle fields . The morning tour to Isandlanwanda was led by Brian , his knowledge and the way he brought the whole battle to life for us was truly incredible ! Unforgettable.
After lunch with visited Rourkes Drift and once again the battle was described with such in-depth knowledge by Doug that once again we left feeling we almost personally knew the soldiers that fought.
The evening meals are laid around a table big enough to accommodate all the guests so you get to meet new people too and share adventures.
Can’t recommend visiting here enough and on top of it all they do so much to support the local community too .
Wonderful 🤩 That we had to leave !
- Zinclare (10/5): Exceptional -
- Tim (10/5): Exceptional - Really enjoyed our stay. Felt homey and we'll looked after. The staff are really very well informed about the area and history. Only staying one night.
- Hilary (10/5): Exceptional -
- Quinn (10/5): Exceptional -
- Valma (10/5): Fugitives Drift is a destination of pure excellence in everything that the owners and staff do. - The hospitality ethic of Fugitives Drift Lodge is of the highest standard. The staff are friendly and very attentive.The battle fields talks were the highlight. Both Douglas Rattray and Mphiwa were exceptional in bringing a part of history alive with their presentations. There was nothing that could have been improved.
- Swan (9/5): Superb - Peace n quiet. Staff friendly. Bath leaking, I felt the taps could have been marked,hot or cold.
Pillows upside down on bed. Small detail but for the price I believe it should be spot on. ⁸u
- Susan (8/5): Beautiful place and super interesting tours of historical sites - Location, staff and historial tours
- David (10/5): Unique place to visit - Outstanding visit - great food and surroundings All was great
- Julia (10/5): Extraordinary place to stay - Everything - what a treat - location, facilities, attentiveness of the staff who even knew your name, nothing was too much trouble. Food was also amazing.
- Nigel (8/5): This was an extraordinary place and it didn’t disappoint! - The tours were amazing. It’s a unique place run by lovely people. Extraordinary view from our room. The bed linen… sorry!
- Mark (10/5): A one-off with splendid cuisine and service with the added bonus of gut-wrenching historical knowledge delivered by supe - Pretty much everything Confusing web site when booking
- Sean (10/5): This is a 5 star property which will appeal to military history buffs & the rest of the family - We loved our stay at Fugitives Drift. Although it's a hike to get to, once you're there the property is amazing. Set in a reserve there are plenty of things to do if you're not there for the military history. The guides are exceptional. We stayed with two teenagers and they want to return just for the food. Meals are at a communal table (or not if you prefer) and the guides host dinner. All the staff are exceptional and make you feel very welcome. Nothing!
- Joseph (10/5): Exceptional - Everything great experience
Friendless all
We ran out petrol.the staff came and filled up our petrol tank
Expert syphon expertise
Thank you all The drive there on rough roads
4x4 really a must
- Anonymous (10/5): Just simply amazing, every thing a could of wish for - An amazing blend of new and old buildings and a stunning location. You feel a spiritual connection between the lodge and the battlefields, in particular because of the graves on the site. All the staff do a fantastic job and guides knowledge is second to none. A must go location if you wish to visit the battlefields Nothing
- Denise (10/5): Exceptional - Stunning views and beautiful, very well equipped room. Staff were so friendly and very accommodating
- Angela (10/5): What a surprise when we arrived, we were advised that we were upgraded to the Lodge. - Breakfast was beyond our expectations.
We had a spread of absolutely everything, from fresh juice, cereal, fresh fruit, muffins, toast, and a hot breakfast as well as coffee or tea.
There was plenty to eat. There was nothing to not like.
Everything was absolutely perfect.
- Iain (10/5): Exceptional - A fantastic experience. The staff, location, facilities, food, service and having free roaming game on the property far exceeded our expectations.
The tours were fantastic and well worth it. The knowledge and interaction from the tour guides were world class.
Having management join for meals was memorable especially Stuart and Douglas.
We stayed for three nights and fully recommend the same for anyone else.
We will most certainly return There is nothing not to like
- Alan (10/5): Thoroughly pleasurable experience! - Fantastic location with exceptional hospitality. Nothing was too much trouble. Would recommend for anyone who is interested in the history of Rokes Drift or just wants a relaxing break.
- Martin (9/5): Stunning location and such a pivotal point in South Africa’s history - Such a stunning location! We were treated to an impromptu safari drive from the gate to reception. Baby zebra, giraffe, gnu and a flock of buck happily grazing along the road. The outdoor shower at Umzanyathi farmhouse was such a treat.
- Nathan (10/5): Exceptional - The vibe was excellent. Everyone was extremely friendly and made the stay a joy. We stayed in the cottages furthest away from the Lodge. Therefore, passing and having selfies with the family of giraffes and zebras a few times a day made the stay even more memorable Nothing
- Yao (10/5): Exceptional - Couldn’t speak more highly about this place. The tours, history lessons and the staff are all excellent. Nothing
- Ben (10/5): Exceptional -
- Alison (10/5): Incredible and beyond our expectations - The exquisite storytelling from both Mpesa and Doug Rattery on the tours off of the battlefields of Isandlwana and Rorke’s Drift was truly remarkable and forever memorable. All staff were wonderful, the food was fabulous and we gifted by the company we met. Be sure to visit the library for the breathtaking views. There is nothing that could be improved on.
- Kabelo (10/5): Exceptional -
- Jim (10/5): the best place to experience the battlefields, outstanding location and exceptional tour guides. -
- David (10/5): Exceptional - Words cannot describe this place. If you want to stay somewhere perfect this is it. Everyone should visit this lodge at least once in there lifetime. Apart from the perfect service, ambience and facilities, the depth of knowledge of the guides is outstanding. When visiting the battlefields their ability to put you there alongside the soldiers amd warriors has to be heard to understand. Also there knowledge of the Fauna and Flora of the area matches Mr Attenborough's efforts.Thank you Doug, Nicole, Miko, Stewie, and Brian for your unbounded enthusiasm in your vocation. We will return. Nothing it's perfect
- Jill (10/5): Exceptional -
- Chris (9/5): Superb -
- Lorraine (10/5): Personal and unique. Loved it - Most wonderful stay. Service and facilities outstanding. Room spacious, extremely comfortable with a lovely view. Food delicious and the two battlefield tours we completed were so informative and well told. I can’t speak highly enough about this place Nothing
- Laurence (10/5): Exceptional - The whole experience was fabulous. The owners / Lodge staff and Guides create a wonderful environment and make you exceptionally included. We took a tour of Isandlwana and Rourke's drift battle site and the guides Bryan and Stewie were excellent painting a vivid picture of these conflict with great descriptions and information. Our guided walk with Bryan to the Fugitive's grave on site was a moving experience. There are super set walks in the bush. Take a stick for the snakes said Bryan. Mealtimes were a treat always hosted by a member of the family or staff. Sitting round the Boma fire with a pre dinner drink with Douglas Rattray showing us a Martini Henry rifle and bayonete as used at the battles was fun and informative. Lovely gardens with lots of wildlife. I would suggest guests take the yellow route walk to Outlook ledge for a stunning view of the Buffalo river valley. The food was delicious. We love Bobotie. A special mention to Grace who looked after us at meal times. We had fun and she never stops singing. When I arrived my white
Laurence Boyle Nothing
- Merrill (10/5): Outstanding tours, excellent and attentive staff, friendly, welcoming amidst a beautiful setting. - The tours were outstanding. The tour guides were exceptional - their story telling brought the battles to life. A very emotional and humbling experience. Nothing. No complaints at all.
- Michael (10/5): A really memorable experience - Fugitives Drift Lodge does hospitality with a capital H. From the minute you arrive you are welcomed as part of the family. Our highlight was talking with the family, the staff and the other guests, not just on the tours but also during the hosted lunches and dinners. We learned a lot from them on a variety of topics far wider than the military history for which they are famous. We also enjoyed both guided and unguided walks on the estate and browsing the exhibits in the museum and reading room. Nothing. We stayed two nights which was fine to squeeze in everything we wanted to do but wished we had stayed for three!
- Lauren (9/5): Superb - Great staff, great accommodation
- Keith (8/5): Douglas,Theo and Brian were outstanding -
- Alfrieda (10/5): Exceptional - The Battlefield tour information was so well balanced, emotive & respectful to both sides. All round a great experience. Lovely to learn about all the outreach programs, exciting plans & events for the future. Nothing
- Brian (9/5): Get the real Isaldwana experience - It was an excellent experience to get the real local story of those 2 famous battles. It was thoroughly enjoyable. It's a long trip as the roads in the Free State are not well maintained, but in spite of that it was well worth the journey
- Mike (7/5): Good -
- Tanya (10/5): Exceptional -
- Sarah (9/5): Superb - Lovely room, excellent attentive staff and the battlefield tours were amazing. Nothing not to like
- Jennifer (9/5): Superb - Beautiful cottage to stay in. The staff were really friendly and helpful. At dinner, all the guests sat round the table together. It was quite a trek to get there, over rough tracks, but it was different. I thought that the price of the tour to Rorke's Drift was a bit expensive, especially when you are a local.
- Phillip (10/5): Superb trip! - We arrived to find we had been upgraded to the main lodge. Good start!
The welcome was really warm and friendly and the food was exceptional. We liked the idea of communal dining so that we met other people straightaway. The two tours to Rorkes Drift and Isandlwana were interesting and thought provoking. The guides were fantastic storytellers and made the events come alive. Fantastic trip overall. The roads leading to the Lodge were unmade and very rough. We were in a normal small saloon car and were anxious at times. I don't think we would have been happy if the weather wasn't good. You really want a 4x4 for peace of mind. Other than that, nothing but praise for the location, organisation and the views! Only wished we had booked two nights instead of one!
- Megan (8/5): Very good -
- Peter (10/5): Exceptional - The tours were excellent.
The staff and owners
We felt we were reliving the earlier time of KZN history.
- Treacle (10/5): Superb in every way with incredible staff - Hot breakfast to order and lovely continental breakfast available too Nothing
- Hind (10/5): Perfect - Both 10/10 Nothing at all
Photos