Fugitives' Drift - Battlefields - Isandlwana & Rorke's Drift

Fugitives' Drift - Accommodation

Fugitives' Drift boasts two 'camps' - The Lodge and The Guest House. Both offer a high standard of fully catered, en-suite accommodation and are 600m apart.

We also offer more basic self-catering accommodation at Umzinyathi House which is 2km from The Lodge.

All our guests, whether staying at The Lodge, The Guest House, Umzinyathi House , experience the same tours with the same guide or lecturer.

The Lodge:

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 verandah affording views over the plains flanking the Buffalo River Gorge.

The Lodge is also home to our newly renovated Annex, or Cottage. The Cottage has been redesigned to have two en-suite bedrooms and a sitting-room. One bathroom has a shower and bath, the other is a small shower-room. It is ideal for small families or couples travelling together. Pictures of the Cottage are included on our Lodge Photo Gallery.

Another feature of the Lodge is the beautiful, shady, well established garden, home to innumerable birds, and the most spectacular large swimming pool situated on a secluded spur on the lip of the Buffalo River gorge.

Enjoy superb cuisine, a unique fusion of home and modern flavours, in the splendid atmosphere of a veritable museum of Zulu War memorabilia.

The Guest House

In its original state The Guest House was the home of Mr Johan Potgieter and his family. “Mr Pot” was immortalised in Gillian Rattray’s award winning book “The Springing of the Year”. He was one of the great storytellers of this area.

Mr Pot’s house has been turned into the most charming sitting and dining room, filled with fascinating memorabilia. The original verandahs have been retained. It also has an outside eating area which has a stunning view across a plain with Isandlwana in the distance.

Cottages have large, en-suite bedrooms that are individually decorated and all have private verandahs with sweeping views of the reserve and surrounding battlefields.
The Guest House boasts a sparkling pool that overlooks Isandlwana and the indigenous bushveld.

Superb food and personal service are a feature of this outstanding facility.

Umzinyathi Farmhouse

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 Zulu War and where as a young boy, David Rattray spent many holidays. It was from George Buntting that David developed his passion for history and his particular interest in the Anglo Zulu War.

The farmhouse is at the top of the reserve and has a wonderful view of Isandlwana. It has 3 bedrooms (and a very small 4th bedroom), sitting room with fire place, dining room, kitchen and only 1 bathroom, with a bath, basin and toilet. There is a double rose hot shower outside.

Guests interested in this accommodation must be aware that this house, although having electricity, comfortable beds and hot water, is somewhat rustic. David did not want the dwelling changed on account of his special childhood memories here.

KwaGeorge

An addition to Fugitives’ Drift is in the grounds of Umzinyathi Farmhouse; aptly named “KwaGeorge” which means, “Place of George” in the Zulu language.

Kwa George consists of a twin bedroom, en suite shower and verandah.

All meals are included in the rate. Meals are served at the Lodge or Guest House. This does mean that guests staying at KwaGeorge will be required to drive themselves to and from the Lodge or Guest House for all meals and for the tours.