Description
The Rattray family go hand in hand with Battlefields tourism, having been brilliantly guiding visitors around the key sites for centuries. Fugitive’s Drift is their British colonial-style hotel and private game reserve, and the seminal place to stay in this attractive region. The mere handful of rooms means a sedate, soothing atmosphere, with giraffe and zebra regularly passing by. But the real reason to be here are trips to nearby Isandlwana and Rorke’s Drift, infamous Anglo-Zulu War locations, in the company of Andrew Rattray – and rightly so.
Accommodation
There are two places to stay on the reserve. Beside the main, farm-style Lodge are eight spacious, luxurious chalets, each seducing with a private veranda, gazing over plains and the Buffalo River Gorge.
The smaller Guesthouse has six simpler rooms, also with verandas. There’s a pool in each location – the one at the Lodge attractively ringed by gardens – and a tranquil air encouraging quiet contemplation.
Facilities
The Lodge houses an impressive museum of Battlefields-related memorabilia, artefacts and relics. Delicious South African dinners – together the occasional English-style roast – are served at a convivial high table with excellent wines, while the contemporary Harford Library offers a dedicated kitchen, integrated audio/visual system for compelling lunchtime talks and sublime Buffalo River Gorge views. A balcony provides more photo opportunities.
Activities
More magical storyteller than guide, Andrew Rattray conducts world-renowned daily tours of Rorke’s Drift and Isandlwana, bringing to life pivotal moments in KwaZulu-Natal and South Africa’s history. Game-viewing – looking for giraffe, zebra and some of the 275 bird species on foot or horse – makes a diverting follow-up, as do fly-fishing and bike trails around the 2,000-acre reserve.
Child Policy
Children are welcome, and babysitting can be provided upon request. Specialised children's Battlefield tours are followed by game walks. Children’s mountain bikes are also available.
The Best of South Africa Travel map displays the locations of the destinations and accommodation that we have selected and visited; for each item, hovering over or clicking the marker will display a short summary and photo of that place or hotel, and hotel pricing. Follow the links in the info box to the full page listing which has much more information.
Note that the online map offers both a satellite view (click satellite in the top right) and, for some locations, a street level view (Drag the person in the top left onto the map). These let you explore the country; and when you wish to explore in person, or if you have any questions about the places you see, give our staff a call, or request a quote. Our staff regularly visit the places and accommodation that we feature.
When you book a holiday with us we will provide full driving instructions for reaching your accommodation, where necessary; these can be used by yourself, or you could enjoy the luxury of a driver. Alternatively we will arrange private (car rather than coach) transfers for you; helicopter transfers are also possible for some destinations.
Dear Ash
We are home safely from our wonderful holiday. We had the best time and cannot thank you enough for all your perfect organisation. Each part of our itinerary was fabulous and so different. Everyone we met was kind; nothing was ever too much trouble at the lodges and on the tours; the food and drink were excellent and we have certainly got a taste for luxury accommodation!!
The holiday far exceeded our expectations and we wouldn't hesitate to recommend you to others. We will do a Tripadvisor review later this week. We are thinking of visiting the Cape Town area in a couple of years and hope
you will be interested in helping us arrange it.
Thank you again for everything
H.F. who stayed here in June 2019.
Fugitive's Drift , KwaZulu-Natal has been rated 1 time, with an overall rating of 5.00 out of 5.
