Fugitives’ Drift (The African Collective)

Fugitives’ Drift, set in a 5000 acre game reserve with 22km of river frontage, is a place where the Anglo-Zulu War of 1879 is brought back to life.

This private game reserve, a registered Natural Heritage Site, overlooks the famous battle sites of Isandlwana and Rorke’s Drift. The Lodge and Guest House face roughly north-east and have commanding views 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.

On the skyline, north-west of the Lodge, the Oscarberg mountain at Rorke’s Drift is a commanding feature. The lower part of the Lodge’s garden overlooks a plain, often teeming with wildlife, which drops off abruptly into the Buffalo River Gorge to the site where Lts. Melville and Coghill were killed trying to save the Queen’s Colour of their famous regiment. They earned the first posthumous Victoria Crosses in history and are buried in a spectacular setting only a 15 minutes’ walk from both the Lodge and the Guest House.

The Lodge

Fugitives’ Drift Lodge is situated on the site of the original Rattray homestead, where David Rattray’s parents, David and Gillian, came for their holidays. It was here the seeds of this unique operation took root.

The Lodge is the most luxurious of all of our accommodation options; each spacious room has an en-suite bathroom with both inside and outside showers, air-conditioning, a mini-fridge, and a veranda with views of the plains flanking the Buffalo River Gorge. Enjoy superb cuisine, taken communally in the large dining room or – weather permitting – out on the deck. There is also a sparkling swimming pool, with fantastic views out over Isandlwana and Rorkes’ Drift.

The Guest House

In its original state, the guest house was the home of 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 since been turned into a most charming sitting and dining room, filled with fascinating memorabilia. The original verandas have been retained, and it has an outside eating area with a stunning view across a plain with Isandlwana rising up in the distance.

Guest house rooms are comfortable and individually decorated, with ceiling fans, en-suite bathrooms, and verandas with views out into the garden and onto the indigenous bushveld. The guest house also boasts a delightful pool and relaxing garden.

Umzinyathi & Kwa-George

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. After major renovations in 2015, it has three en-suite bedrooms, a sitting room with a fire place, a dining room, and a kitchen. Although the accommodation is self-catering, guests may choose to have some or all meals at the Lodge or Guest House at an additional cost. Should guests decide to take this accommodation, they will need to travel to and from the Lodge or the Guest House for tours and/ or meals (a 5-10 minute drive).