Location: South Africa » Kwazulu Natal » Battlefields » Anglo Zulu » DundeeFugitives' Drift LodgeFugitives' Drift Lodge, accommodation in Dundee Kwazulu NatalDescriptionThe Rattray family, pioneers of Heritage Tourism in South Africa, created these award-winning facilities to allow visitors to savour the extraordinary saga of the Anglo-Zulu War. Had one tried to dream up geography and topography for a clash between those two great empires, one could hardly have come up with more fantastic scenery than that which is found on and around the famous battlefields of Isandlwana and Rorke’s Drift. This spectacular property is a Natural Heritage Site. Walks and horse rides through the reserve to view abundant game and birdlife as well as fishing the 20km frontage of the Buffalo River. Fugitives’ Drift is world famous for its battlefield tours, escorted by knowledgeable and highly-qualified lecturers, steeped in the history of the region and telling the tale as they were taught to tell it by the renowned historian David Rattray. Accommodation at the Lodge consists of eight spacious luxury en-suite rooms. Each has 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, which is home to innumerable birds. A swimming pool is situated on a ledge, overlooking the river valley. The original farmhouse forms a charming sitting and dining room for the Guest House, which is set away from the Lodge. The Guest House has six large en-suite bedrooms, all with private verandahs. The rooms and swimming pool have sweeping views over the reserve to the surrounding battlefields. We also have a guide’s / driver’s room. Umzinyathi House, the original homestead of George Bunting, is our rustic self-catering 3 bedroom farm house at the top of the Reserve having commanding views of Isandlwana. Kwa George is a garden cottage in the grounds of Umzinyathi House, tastefully decorated; it consists of an en suite bedroom with shower. Both these options offer a cheaper alternative to the Lodge and Guest House. Indulge in sundowners around the fire and dine in the splendid atmosphere of a veritable museum of Zulu War memorabilia. Superb food and personal service are central to the fine hospitality we offer at Fugitives’ Drift.   
  
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Special offersaugust-2010
R2600 per person per night
All rates include English breakfast, buffet lunch, 5 course dinner, tea & coffee, all tours and taxes.
Applies to new bookings only.
DirectionsFROM JOHANNESBURG (5 HOURS)
Take the N3 out of Johannesburg south towards Durban. Just before the Wilge Toll Plaza take the Villiers turnoff (R103) and head towards Warden. Take the R34 to Vrede, Memel and Newcastle. Go through Newcastle and turn right onto the Ladysmith road (N11). After 16km take the R621 to Dannhauser, Hattingspruit and Dundee. In Dundee, at the 4th traffic light (in the main street) turn right on the R33 towards Greytown. Signboard for Greytown R33 is on the left of the road. After 14km turn left onto dirt to Rorke’s Drift, drive for 29km to Rorke’s Drift. Go beyond Rorke’s Drift for 2km and turn left onto the D31 signed Fugitives’ Drift. Go along this road for 7km through the big black gate until you see signs for the Lodge and Guest House, on the right. (The gate is locked at 6pm).
FROM DURBAN (3 AND A HALF HOURS)
Take the N3 to Pietermaritzburg. Take the glide-off (R33) to Greytown. In Greytown follow signs to Dundee. Continue along the R33 through Keates Drift, Tugela Ferry and Pomeroy. Please be aware of speed humps. 10km after Pomeroy take the dirt road turnoff to the right, marked Elandskraal. At Elandskraal (which consists of a church and a trading store) turn left to Rorke’s Drift. Go for about 14km and before you get to Rorke’s Drift turn right onto the D31, sign posted Fugitives’ Drift. Go for about 7km (through the big black gates) and follow the signs for the Guest House or the Lodge. (Please note that the gate is locked at 6pm).
Alternative route from Durban is via Mooi River, Colenso, Ladysmith and Dundee. In Dundee take the R33 towards Greytown and follow the directions as from Johannesburg above.
FROM HLUHLUWE / UMFOLOZI AREA (4 HOURS)
From Empangeni take the R34 inland to Melmoth, then the R68 to Babanango (beware of potholes) and Nqutu. 40km from Babanango (before Nqutu) take the turn-off to the left, marked Isandlwana. Follow this road past the Isandlwana Battlefield for 9km, then turn left onto the D30 and follow signs to Rorke’s Drift. Turn left at the T-junction to Rorke’s Drift. Go 2km beyond Rorke’s Drift and you will see D31, marked Fugitives’ Drift, on your left. Take this dirt road, go through big black gates and follow the signs for the Guest House and the Lodge. (Please note that the gate is locked at 6pm).
APPROXIMATE DRIVING TIMES:
Dundee 1 hour
Ladysmith 1 and 3/4 hours
Empangeni 3 hours
Nelspruit 6 to 7 hours  
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Fugitives' Drift Lodge
+27 (0)34 642 1843
+27 (0)34 271 8053