About Fugitives' Drift Lodge
The Rattray family, pioneers of Heritage Tourism in South Africa, offer visitors an opportunity to experience the extraordinary saga of the Anglo Zulu War. The Lodge and Guest House are set within the 2500 hectare Fugitives’ Drift Game Reserve, which overlooks the battlefield of Isandlwana and is home to giraffe, plains game and numerous birds.
The Lodge houses a veritable museum of memorabilia, artefacts and relics. In a stunning setting overlooking Isandlwana and the Buffalo River, the spacious Harford Library provides a contemporary venue for lunch, parties, or simply to relax.
Both the Lodge and Guest House have extremely comfortable and spacious en suite rooms, each with a verandah. Both the Lodge and the Guest House have swimming pools, each surrounded by tranquil indigenous gardens. Friendly, personal service and good food create a relaxed atmosphere.
The 15-mile river frontage on the Buffalo River Gorge also includes the graves of Lieutenants Melvill VC and Coghill VC who lost their lives saving the Queen’s Colour. Fugitives’ Drift is a Natural Heritage Site and offers game viewing, walks (both self-guided and guided) and fly-fishing. World-renowned battlefield tours are conducted daily to Rorke’s Drift and Isandlwana by Andrew and Douglas Rattray, and other registered tour guides.
Perfect For
Battlefields
Birding
Cycling
Fishing
Flora
Hiking
History & Culture
Indigenous Culture / Art
Leisure
Nature
Relaxation
Wildlife
Wine
Bar
Communal Dining
Conference Centre
Internet Access (Complimentary)
Library
Malaria Free
Mobile Connectivity
Pool
Restaurant
Secure Parking
TV Room
Vegetarian
24-hour Security
Credit Card Facilities
Foreign Exchange
Laundry Service (Available)
Room Service
On Site
Bird Watching
Catch-and-release Fishing
Cycling
Fishing
Game Viewing
Game Walks
Walks (Guided)
Walks (Self Guided)
Wildlife Tours
Off Site
Battlefield Tours
Bird Watching
Cultural Tours
Fishing
Fly Fishing
Game Viewing
General Sightseeing
Golf
Hiking
Historical Tours
Mountain Biking
Fugitives' Drift Lodge
Douglas Rattray's Battlefields Experience
The Graves of Melvill & Coghill
The Lodge
Guest Impressions
Two night stay at Fugitives'' Drift Lodge
"What an amazing experience!! I really wasn''t expecting such luxury, sumptuous food or truly beautiful surroundings. I was overwhelmed by the attentiveness of the staff,from the coffee brought to our room each morning to wake us up, to the first class waiting on service at the evening meal. They even cleaned our rather dusty car for us, now that''s what I call good service!! I have never experienced such an exotic place to stay or location before & would recommend it to anyone."
- Adrienne Hennessey from United Kingdom
Verified Historical Feedback • Portfolio Collection
Accommodation Options
Lodge room
The Lodge is the most luxurious accommodation offered, and was fully renovated in 2017. Spacious and luxurious en-suite cottages have private verandahs, air-conditionning, and both inside and outside showers. The Lodge has a swimming pool with a fantastic view, and is where the Harford Library and Museum are located. We have 2 sets of rooms that are interleading ie can accommodate 2 families requiring interleading rooms.
Guest House
Fugitives’ Drift lodge and Guest House are located inside the Fugitives’ Drift game reserve on the lip of the Buffalo River gorge, at an altitude of 3,450 feet.
The Guest House has a commanding view of the peak of Isandlwana, and of the rough country the fugitives from the battle had to traverse in order to get back across the Buffalo River into Natal.
The guest house was once the home of Mr. and Mrs. Potgieter who were immortalized in Gillian Rattray’s award-winning book, 'The Springing of the Year'. This old farmhouse has been altered and now forms the most charming sitting and dining room. The original verandas have been retained and there is a lovely outside eating area. There are 6 superior twin en-suite rooms, all with views of the garden, which has an abundance of bird life in it. We also have two rooms for guides and drivers. The guest house has a large swimming pool; also hosting spectacular views across the plain.
Guests at the Guest House are able to take part in our world-renowned tours to the Isandlwana and Rorke's Drift battlefields. For more information, please follow the 'Battlefield Tours' tab on the homepage.
Kwa George
This small cottage is in the grounds of Umzinyathi Farmhouse; aptly named “Kwa-George” which means, “Place of George” in the Zulu language. Kwa-George consists of a basic twin bedroom, en suite bathroom with a shower, and veranda. Should you decide to take this accommodation you will need to travel to and from the lodge or the guest house for meals as well as tours (a 5-10 minute drive).
Umzinyathi Farm House
The farmhouse is a charming stone and corrugated iron roof building built in the 1920’s. It was the home of George Buntting, who was an expert on the Anglo-Zulu War. The farmhouse is at the top of the reserve and has a wonderful view of Isandlwana. It has 3 en-suite bedrooms (King, Queen and twin rooms), a sitting room with a fireplace, a dining room, and a kitchen. Although the accommodation is self-catering, you may choose to have some or all meals at the lodge at an additional cost. Should you decide to take this accommodation, you will need to travel to and from the lodge or the guest house for tours and/ or meals (a 5-10 minute drive).
Fugitives' Drift Lodge
The Lodge is the most luxurious accommodation offered, and was fully renovated in 2017. Spacious and luxurious en-suite cottages have private verandahs, air-conditionning, and both inside and outside showers. The Lodge has a swimming pool with a fantastic view, and is where the Harford Library and Museum are located. We have 2 sets of rooms that are interleading ie can accommodate 2 families requiring interleading rooms.
Fugitives' Drift Guest House
Charming rooms set in the garden of the Guest House are all en suite with bath and shower. A private veranda as well as air-conditioning, fridge and tea and coffee making facilities add to your comfort.
Umzinyathi House
The farmhouse is a charming stone and corrugated iron roof building built in the 1920’s. It was the home of George Buntting, who was an expert on the Anglo-Zulu War. The farmhouse is at the top of the reserve and has a wonderful view of Isandlwana. It has 3 en-suite bedrooms (king, queen and twin rooms), a sitting room with a fireplace, a dining room, and a kitchen. Although the accommodation is self-catering, you may choose to have some or all meals at the lodge at an additional cost. Should you decide to take this accommodation, you will need to travel to and from the lodge or the guest house for tours and/ or meals (a 5-10 minute drive).
Dining & Cuisine
Fugitives Drift Lodge
Enjoy superb cuisine, taken communally in the large dining room at the Lodge, or – weather permitting – out on the deck.
Guests staying at the Guest House enjoy meals communally either in the dining room or on the veranda
Standard Room Amenities
Air Conditioning
Balcony / Deck
Bath
Complimentary Wi-Fi
Dressing Gowns
Electrical Outlets
Fan
Fridge
Heated Towel Rails
Heater
Internet Access (Complimentary)
Laundry Facilities
Laundry Service (Available)
Mosquito Nets
Outside Shower
Pure Cotton Linen
Safe
Shower
Tea / Coffee
Verandah
Wheelchair Friendly
At a Glance
-
Rating:
★★★★★
- Rooms: 18
- Check In: 13:00
- Check Out: 10:00
- Languages: Afrikaans, English, Zulu
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Portfolio Expert Review
"The Rattrays bring so much passion and emotion to the history of the battles of Rorke’s Drift and Isandlwana – arguably Britain’s worst defeat ever, an eclipse of the sun, and later incredible acts of bravery from a hospital under siege (10 VCs awarded) - all in one day. You couldn’t script it. A great combination of game reserve, wonderful food and Anglo-Zulu war history. After a day spent on the battlefields, stories are shared around the fire and at the dinner table. The artefacts in the lodge and Harford Library are also fascinating, testament to the Rattray family’s legacy. Fugitive’s Drift is a must-visit."
— Ian, CEO. Entrepreneur. Father. Action-man
Verified Visit
From the Archives
We've proudly represented Fugitives' Drift Lodge since 1996. Here is a nostalgic look at their entry from our 2017 Printed Guide Book.
LODGE - RORKE'S DRIFT
"Be captivated by the story of the Anglo-Zulu War with the award-winning battle eld experience offered by the Rattray family. The 2 000ha Fugitives' Drift Game Reserve has views of Isandlwana and is home to giraffe, plains game and numerous birds. Surrounded by indigenous gardens, the lodge houses a veritable museum of memorabilia and artefacts. Overlooking Isandlwana and the Buffalo River, the spacious modern Harford Library is ideal for lunch, parties or simply to relax. Both the lodge and guest house have comfortable, spacious cottages with verandahs and swimming pools. Friendly, personal service and good food create a relaxed atmosphere. Rorke's Drift and Isandlwana tours are conducted daily by a knowledgeable team of registered guides. 8 Lodge rooms, 6 Guest House rooms, function room."
Vintage Portfolio Collection • 2017 Edition
Downloads
Other / General
- fugitives_drift_safety_protocols1.pdf
- african_safari_collective_lodges.pdf
- fugitives_drift_safety_protocols.pdf
- 2025_04_30_fairview_house_and_fugitives_drift_confirmation_of_passenger_liability_2024_2025.pdf
- 2025_04_30_fairview_house_and_fugitives_drift_confirmation_of_general_public_liability_2024_2025.pdf.pdf
Activities
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