Fugitives' Drift Lodge

KwaZulu-Natal, Battlefields, South Africa
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4.9 /5
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Based on over 1000 Verified Reviews.

Overview

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.

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

Activities

  • Day tours
  • Bird watching
  • Biking
  • Guided walks
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.
Jessica Robertson

Jessica Robertson

Africa Safari Expert

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Rooms

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.

The lodge also offers inter-leading rooms, available upon request that is perfect for families.

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,

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.

General facilities

  • Children's Club
  • Laundry service
  • Swimming Pool
  • Babysitting service available
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Traveller Reviews

Fugitives' Drift Lodge
CW

Corrine White

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 the ir father.
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KS

Kate Salisbury

"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

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 o ther 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.
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IS

Ian Stirling

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

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