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Drakensberg - Kwazulu Natal
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 the "sphinx"
of 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.
Owners David and Nicky Rattray, pioneers of Heritage Tourism in South
Africa, have created an award winning lodge for visitors to savour
this extraordinary saga, with accommodation offered at Fugitives'
Drift Lodge itself and their beautiful Guest House several hundred
yards away.
The Lodge is situated on the site of the original Rattray homestead where
David's parents, Peter and Gillian, came for their holidays and here the
seeds of this unique operation took root in those early years.
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.
The Guest House, in its original state, was the home of Mr Johan Potgieter and
his family. "Mr Pot" was immortalised in Gillian Rattray's award
winning tome "The Springing of the Year". He was one of the
great storytellers of this area.
Mr Pot's house has been turned into the most charming sitting and dining
room filled with fascinating memorabilia. The original verandah has
been retained. It also has an outside eating area which has a stunning
view across a plain with Isandlwana in the distance.
Cottages have large en-suite bedrooms that are individually decorated
and all have private verandahs with sweeping views of the reserve and
surrounding battlefields. The Guest House has a small swimming pool.
Superb food and personal service are a feature of this outstanding facility.
We also offer the following tours and services:
MANGENI FALLS
MASONDO
WALKS, FISHING AND HORSE RIDING
MALARIA
Fugitives' Drift is malaria free.
TRANSFERS
CHILDREN
Children sharing with parents on extra beds will be charged at a special
fee. The normal rate will apply for children occupying separate rooms.
Unfortunately we cannot accommodate children under the age of 12 on
the tours. Children under 6 are not permitted into the dining room.
WHAT TO BRING
The dress code is casual. For the tours you will need comfortable walking
shoes, a hat, sun block, binoculars, sunglasses and a light jersey/jacket
for the summer and in winter a warm jacket/fleece. A light rain proof
jacket can come in very handy.
CLIMATE
Summer is our rainy season and we often have thunderstorms in the afternoons.
The days are hot and we quite often have very cool overcast days in
the summer. Our winters are generally mild and dry with warm days and
chilly mornings and evenings. Always be prepared for a sudden change
in the temperature, it can get cold very quickly.
THREE TREE HILL LODGE
Surrounded by the Drakensberg Mountains and overlooking the Spioenkop
Nature Reserve lies Three Tree Hill Lodge. Please view on Roaming Africa's
website.
Fugitives' Drift, an experience not to be missed and never forgotten
Contact Details
Tel: 034 - 642 1843 / 271 8051
Fax: 034- 271 8053
Email: fugdrift@trustnet.co.za
/ info@fugitives-drift-lodge.com
Website: www.fugitives-drift-lodge.com
ROAMING AFRICA OFFERS YOU AN ALL
AFRICA EXPERIENCE !
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