The Anglo Zulu War of 1879 is famous for the great battles of Isandlwana and Rorke's Drift. Survivors from Isandlwana crossed the Buffalo River at a place forever after named "The Fugitives' Drift" and this spectacular property, a Natural Heritage Site, overlooking Isandlwana and the Oskarberg at Rorke's Drift, includes the site where Lieutenant Melvill and Lieutenant Coghill lost their lives saving the Queen's Colour of the 24th Regiment.

At Fugitives Drift Lodge spacious, luxury en-suite cottages each have 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, home to innumerable birds, and the most spectacular large swimming pool situated on a secluded spur on the lip of the Buffalo River Gorge. Enjoy sundowners around a fire under a canopy of Paperbarks, with magical Isandlwana looming on the skyline, and superb cuisine, a unique fusion of home and modern flavours, in the splendid atmosphere of a veritable museum of Zulu War memorabilia.

Battlefield Tours

Fugitives Drift Lodge is renowned for its battlefield tours to all the Zulu War and Anglo-Boer War battle sites in the region. Our flagship tours to Isandlwana and Rorke’s Drift are led by registered tour guides who are superb storytellers, making the history of that day come alive, and long, family associations with the area and its people allow us to offer you some unique, Zulu perspectives.

Learn in gripping detail of the bravery and mobility of the Zulu army that defeated the British, on the Day of the Dead Moon. Listen at sunset to the famous story of Rorke’s Drift, where 100 British soldiers were attacked by 4,000 Zulu warriors, winning more Victoria Crosses than in any other battle in history.