Fugitives Drift Lodge

After over 4 hours transfer from Durban airport we arrived to the warmest of welcomes by the owners and their team. A quick but tasty lunch and we were off on the 1st of our battlefield tours, Rourke's Drift. The narration was detailed and passionate, painting the scene as faithfully as if you had been there. On our return to the lodge we were shown to our lodge, luggage already installed, where we marvelled at the view. Beautifully appointed, our lodge boasted 2 huge showers and a bath with a view! Pre dinner drinks and canapes served around the bouma allowed for pleasantries with fellow guests before dinner. Dinner is a set menu, plentiful and tasty. Day 2 started early with breakfast before heading out for our 2nd tour. It's hard to say we enjoyed the tour which centres on huge loss of life on both sides but the narrative is informative and respectful of the subject. Another delicious lunch, afternoon tea and dinner followed. Two nights does not do justice to this amazing oasis of peace. Special thanks to Grace for your joyful appreciation of life!

An 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!) 100% recommended

3 night stay in May. Probably the best 3 night stay ive ever had anywhere. Accommodation was superb, food outstanding, home cooked food - full of surprises. Dining with fellow travellers was interesting and enjoyable. The battlefields tours were comprehensive, compelling told by very credible guides. We were left with more questions which I think is at least in part the point if visiting. I rate the guides and the tours most highly. What a place, thankyou! Martin Hallam

A previous review said simply "Just GO" I couldn't put it better my self! A simply superb Lodge, nothing for the Staff was too much trouble, the food again beyond compare. And lastly the guides for the two tours we did, managed to build an incredible aurally visual image of the events that occur here approaching 140 years ago. I cannot recommend highly enough our experience here..... Oh try and rent a car larger than a Nissan Micra!

Fugitives Drift creates a unique environment - you feel at home the moment you arrive and getting to meet and socialise with other guests was the cherry on top of an excellent stay. Gorgeous, spotless rooms and excellent tours that take you back in time.

They say here that a significant proportion of those booked in don’t particularly want to come…one partner wanting to experience the battlefields and the other acquiescing. That was true in our case. By the time we left my wife was as sad as me to leave. The factual side: supreme comfort, amazing food, efficient management and stunning surroundings. The emotional side: every one was so welcoming and friendly from the Boss, Nicky, through her son Doug (who is one the funniest and most eloquent men I have ever met and who delivered an inspirational presentation at Rorkes Drift), via Mphiwa who did the same at Isandhlwana ( brilliant idea to have a Zulu do this in contrast) to the singing waitress and her colleagues. It is invidious to single out individual people perhaps as the collective make this place the epitome of a perfect African Lodge. (My wife hasn’t stopped telling me what a good choice I made!)