About
Safari meets history at this intimate, 12-bed bolthole. Not only is Isibindi located just five miles from the seminal Battlefields sites of Rorke’s Drift and Isandlwana, but the lodge also sits scenically within its own private eco-reserve. Game drives and walks are thus available, with giraffe and zebra the wildlife top trumps, as are immersive visits to nearby Zulu homesteads. Guests stay in local-style beehive huts, and there’s a large pool.
Accommodation
Scattered among thorn trees, six beehive huts are stylistically inspired by traditional Zulu homes. Inside are ceiling fans, electricity and bathtubs yet the real joy is outside, through French windows. There you’ll find a private viewing deck looking across the bush below, with wildlife regularly visible. The Honeymoon suite includes a sunken bath for two.
Facilities
Boasting its own breathtaking views, that large pool is bordered by vast boulders. Inside the main lodge awaits a homely lounge, a library and a convivial, tree-carved bar. Dinners are served out on a main veranda one night, then amid the al-fresco boma beside a roaring fire the next. Full of flair, Isibindi’s chef has earned a reputation for creative – and creatively-presented – reprises of South African classics.
Activities
Prices include one daily game drive travelling through grasslands, valleys and riverbanks. Walks can also be undertaken, including picnics and there’s excellent birdwatching. Battlefields tours are readily available, along with an evening visit to a traditional Zulu umuzi homestead, featuring a dance performance and homemade dishes like isijingi (pumpkin mash) and inyama (meat and potato stew). Longer day-trip visits are possible too. Family trips to swim in a gentle river can be arranged in the summer months after good rains.
Child Policy
All ages are welcome, and pre-teens can share (two maximum) rooms with parents using small beds. Earlier dinner times are provided for those under 8, and babysitting’s available with prior notice. Family trips to swim in a gentle river can be arranged.
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.
