~ Rorke's Drift ~ Kwazulu Natal ~ South Africa ~

The Anglo Zulu War of 1879 is famous for the great battles of Isandlwana and Rorke's Drift. Survivors from Isandlwana crossed the Buffalo River at a place forever after named "The Fugitives' Drift" and this spectacular property, a Natural Heritage Site, overlooking the "sphinx" of Isandlwana and the Oskarberg at Rorke's Drift, includes the site where Lieutenant Melvill and Lieutenant Coghill lost their lives saving the Queen's Colour of the 24th Regiment.

Owners David and Nicky Rattray, pioneers of Heritage Tourism in South Africa, have created an award winning lodge for visitors to savour this extraordinary saga, with accommodation offered at Fugitives' Drift Lodge itself and their beautiful Guest House several hundred yards away.

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. A 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 sundowners around a fire under a canopy of Paperbarks, with magical Isandlwana looming on the skyline, and 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, was the home of Mr Johan Potgieter and his family. "Mr Pot" was immortalised in Gillian Rattray's award winning tome "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 verandah has 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 has a small swimming pool. Superb food and personal service are a feature of this outstanding facility.

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