Fugitives Drift Lodge

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

Fugitives Drift Lodge is set in the most scenic setting in the heart of KwaZulu Natal. The staff and beyond friendly and helpful and the food is amazing, not to mention the luxurious accommodation. We went on the Isandlwana tour, led by a Zulu whose grandfather had actually fought in the battle, and Rorke's Drift tour, led by the very charismatic Doug Rattray. Both tours were narrated excellently and knowledgeably with just enough drama to bring the battles to life. If battlefield tours are your thing, this is a must do.

We arrived at Fugitives’ Drift Lodge only to realise we had mistakenly booked the wrong date. What could have been a disaster was swiftly turned into a memorable experience, thanks to the incredible hospitality of the entire team. Their accommodating nature set the tone for a truly wonderful stay. The guided tours of the battlefields were an absolute highlight. The guide’s depth of knowledge and the effort to create an immersive and engaging experience were exceptional. This wasn’t just a tour; it was a journey through history brought vividly to life. Fugitives’ Drift is a place where hospitality meets history, and we highly recommend it to anyone seeking a unique and enriching getaway.

I would thoroughly recommnd a stay here even for those only moderately interested in history, and particularly the battlefields at Isandlwana and Rourke's Drift. We apparently weren't the first couple where one is more enthusiastic than the other (me being the latter) but there is no doubt that, due to most excellent tours from Brian and Stuey, no one would come away unaffected and not having learned a great deal from a multitude of different angles. The tours were sensitively delivered (I'd wrongly feared that we would get a biased perspective). Battle strategy was more interesting than I'd imagined, brought home with personal stories about individual characters. The tours were both really well crafted, taking the time to take us to important areas and great views so that the passion and knowledge of the guides could be shared so generously with their guests. Even a fast-incoming lightening storm was deftly handled and added to the sense of drama! The staff are fantastic, and only reflect that - whilst of course this runs as a business - the impression one gets is that the first priority is only to share their passion for this area of Angl-Zulu history, in a balanced and sensitive way. Senior gappies Lucy and Jim, as well as Seb and Will all add to the experience, and Jim's walking tour was an added bonus! The accommodation was lovely, just perfect. I'd booked the Guest Hoise but we're moved to the Lodge, into a lovely room with a most fantastic view from the balcony. I wasn't brave enough for the outside shower but it was a lovely feature for my husband. The room and bathroom were both spacious with lovely toiletries. The bed had a great mozzy net, and was extremely comfortable. Insect spray was provided, also a nice touch. Housekeeping was fabulous. And, last but not in any way least, was the food. Excellent excellent dishes, so tasty and beautifully prepared. Very much worth a mention in its own right. Top restaurant quality. I do hope more people find Fugitives Drift. The amount of work and passion behind everything deserves to be seen by more and more people. TIP - being in proper countryside, be away the approach roads are rough tracks. Not to put you off as the benefit is proper stunning scenery, but allow enough time to do this at a relaxed pace!

More than expected … great staff … who genuinely want to help make the experience work … I have travelled extensively … this I have to say was one of places which stands out … nothing was a problem … the tours amazing … I found out so much more than I expected The food … wow … the feel of the place … comfortable … calm … educational … engaging I wish I could have stopped another day … thank you for creating great memories

Wonderful stay here while visiting the Zulu war sites in the area with Doug and his colleagues. This is a beautiful, modern property which is truly luxurious. I stayed in a huge lodge room with an incredible view from the balcony over the local area. An even better view comes from the library which looks down onto the Buffalo river and across towards fugitive's trail. There is also a small museum on site with a lot of information. Meals are served in the dining area, lounge or veranda depending on weather. All were fantastic and plentiful, there always seemed to be an excuse to serve food at any time during the day! There is also a well stocked bar. The tours I had with Doug, Bryan and Mphiwa were beyond my expectations. All have incredible knowledge of the history, with the added bonus that Mphiwa's grandfather fought at Isandlwana and can bring personal Zulu perspective to the battle from the oral history passed down. On the way to and from the tours you can hear David Rattray describe the events leading up to the events you are about to relive. This really helps to set the scene for the day. All the staff were friendly, helpful and engaging; cleaning and groundskeeping was happening all day and the room and communal areas were spotless. Nature surrounds you and you will regularly see giraffe, zebra and various deer type (sorry!) animals on the way into and out of the site. This was a lovely, relaxing, interesting and pampered stay, my thanks to all the staff.