Fugitives' Drift Lodge

$265 - $545

per person sharing

At A Glance

R4,500 - R9,200

Per Person Sharing

Destinations
Children Under 12 Welcome

Accommodation Highlights

Perfect Battlefield location in a Natural Heritage site
Built on the site of the original Rattray family homestead
Diverse birdlife and game viewing
Spacious suites all with private verandas
Family-owned and -run lodge

Overview of Fugitives’ Drift Lodge

South Africa, KwaZulu-Natal, Battlefields

Fugitives’ Drift Lodge is a country-style lodge set on a hillside above the Buffalo River Gorge and has been designed to complement its natural surroundings. You are surrounded by artefacts and cultural items from the Zulu Wars and need only sit back and listen to engaging stories about the fascinating people and history of the region.

The Buffalo River offers excellent fishing while the birdlife is both diverse and abundant. Head out on game drives to spot zebra, giraffe and a variety of antelope species that have recently been reintroduced to the property. Learn about the local isiZulu culture on a self-drive tour of the nearby village and explore the other nearby battlefields on organised day tours with the lodge’s experienced and expert guides. The truly adventurous can book a helicopter tour of the battlefields to get a bird’s eye view of how opposing forces where helped or hindered by the area’s varied topography.

Fugitives’ Drift is not only for military or history buffs: anyone can enjoy the peace of the kwaZulu-Natal countryside and the discreet service that this luxurious lodge offers adventurous travellers.

Bookings & Pricing

Competitive Rates For Unforgettable Experiences
  • AUD Australian Dollar
  • CAD Canadian Dollar
  • EUR Euro
  • GBP Pound Sterling
  • SGD Singapore Dollar
  • USD US Dollar
  • ZAR Rand

1 Jan 2026 - 30 Apr 2026

Full Board (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

$545

1 May 2026 - 31 Jul 2026

Full Board (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

$265

1 Aug 2026 - 31 Dec 2026

Full Board (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

$545
Enquire Now

Our rates are per person sharing unless we note differently.

Please treat all pricing as a guide only:
  • All rates are subject to availability and may change without notice.
  • Single supplements may apply.
  • Request a quote or speak to one of our African Safari Experts for the best, most current rates available.
Our Best Price Promise

If you’re able to find a better quote for your itinerary let us know and we’ll match it.

Highlights & Activities

What's on offer whilst on this itinerary?
Perfect Battlefield location in a Natural Heritage site
Built on the site of the original Rattray family homestead
Diverse birdlife and game viewing
Spacious suites all with private verandas
Family-owned and -run lodge

Biking

Bird watching

Day tours

Guided walks

Feefo logo

Rooms at Fugitives' Drift Lodge

Unwind and relax, in your own private luxury
  • Each bedroom has an en suite bathroom and a private veranda offering views of the plains flanking the Buffalo River Gorge.

Luxury Room

Fugitives’ Drift Lodge has 10 spacious rooms. Each one has an en suite bathroom and a private veranda offering views of the plains flanking the Buffalo River Gorge. Two sets of rooms are inter-leading, making them ideal for small groups travelling together.rnrnThe lodge also offers inter-leading rooms, available upon request that is perfect for families.

General Facilities

Enjoy an afternoon’s bird watching in the beautifully kept gardens or cool off in the large swimming pool as you look out over the Buffalo River Gorge.

The lodge has a sole-use venue for larger private gatherings like special-occasion birthday parties.

The Harford Library has a dedicated kitchenette and Internet access,

Babysitting service

Children's club

Laundry service

Swimming pool

Dining

Meals at Fugitives’ Drift Lodge consist of a delicious combination of local and contemporary flavours and are enjoyed amidst the displayed artifacts of the Anglo-Zulu Wars.

Expert Opinion

We know because we go
Jessica Robertson

Jessica Robertson

Africa Safari Expert

Not only are the suites beautiful, the views impressive and the food delicious, but they also offer some of the best guides in the area with the passion of the father and founder being passed down to the sons and the rest of their staff. A truly great lodge in every aspect.

View Profile

Why Travel With Go2Africa?

25 Years of Safari Expertise ​

For over 25 years, we've been crafting personalised African safaris, shaped by our first-hand knowledge and deep local connections. ​

We Know Because We Go

Our deep roots in Africa mean we have invaluable expertise about every destination, every lodge, every experience, and every hidden gem we recommend. ​

24/7 Support

From your first enquiry until you safely return home, we're by your side, handling every detail with 24/7 support. And because of the hard-earned trust we've built with our on-the-ground partners, we know they'll go above and beyond for you, just as we do.​

Every Adventure Makes a Difference ​

As part of the Nawiri Group, every trip helps protect vital ecosystems and local communities, supporting them as they thrive together.​

Complete Financial Protection

Our clients are fully covered by our supplier default insurance, and our accreditation bond with the Southern Africa Tourism Services Association.

World-Class Recognition, Trusted by Travellers​

Recognised by Condé Nast Traveler, Travel + Leisure, and the World Travel Awards, we take pride in being among the world's best. But more than accolades, it's the voices of our travellers that matter most – Feefo.​

Interested to know more? Click the link to find out all about Go2Africa’s Big 5 Guarantee

Enquire Now
Feefo logo

Traveller Reviews

  • CW
    Corrine White
    traveler

    The battlefields was awesome and the Rafferty’s Fugitive Drift was definitely the best place to stay. Doug Rafferty’s rendition of the battle at Isandlwana was exceptionally moving and brought us all to tears. Both he and Andrew are a credit to their father.

  • JR
    Jessica Robertson
    employee

    Not only are the suites beautiful, the views impressive and the food delicious, but they also offer some of the best guides in the area with the passion of the father and founder being passed down to the sons and the rest of their staff. A truly great lodge in every aspect.

  • KS
    Kate Salisbury
    traveler

    Fugitives Drift is lovely, the tours are excellent although probably a bit geared towards the real war history enthusiast than someone like us but it was great. Food was good, nice family run property.

  • SB
    Steve Benson
    traveler

    The following morning we left to go to Fugitive Drift, as primarily my wife was very keen to see the battlefields. We arrived and initially booked a lodge for one night, but we both thoroughly enjoyed it so much that we then stayed a 2nd night. The other guests here were so friendly and fun to be with, as were the staff and the meals were great and fun with everyone around one big table along with the owner, and this made you feel like you were part of the family. The tours of the battlefields with the talks explaining everything that happened were excellent, and I was really surprised how much I ended up enjoying this. I would highly recommend this to anyone to do it, if they ever get the chance.

  • IS
    Ian Stirling
    traveler

    1st class in every way from the staff to the tours, thoughtful and very moving. The food was also very good.

CW
Corrine White
traveler

The battlefields was awesome and the Rafferty’s Fugitive Drift was definitely the best place to stay. Doug Rafferty’s rendition of the battle at Isandlwana was exceptionally moving and brought us all to tears. Both he and Andrew are a credit to their father.

JR
Jessica Robertson
employee

Not only are the suites beautiful, the views impressive and the food delicious, but they also offer some of the best guides in the area with the passion of the father and founder being passed down to the sons and the rest of their staff. A truly great lodge in every aspect.

KS
Kate Salisbury
traveler

Fugitives Drift is lovely, the tours are excellent although probably a bit geared towards the real war history enthusiast than someone like us but it was great. Food was good, nice family run property.

SB
Steve Benson
traveler

The following morning we left to go to Fugitive Drift, as primarily my wife was very keen to see the battlefields. We arrived and initially booked a lodge for one night, but we both thoroughly enjoyed it so much that we then stayed a 2nd night. The other guests here were so friendly and fun to be with, as were the staff and the meals were great and fun with everyone around one big table along with the owner, and this made you feel like you were part of the family. The tours of the battlefields with the talks explaining everything that happened were excellent, and I was really surprised how much I ended up enjoying this. I would highly recommend this to anyone to do it, if they ever get the chance.

IS
Ian Stirling
traveler

1st class in every way from the staff to the tours, thoughtful and very moving. The food was also very good.