Situated on the stunning Fugitives' Drift property, the award-winning Fugitives' Drift Guest House offers an extraordinary retreat in KwaZulu Natal's most evocative region - the Battlefields. This family-owned guest house reflects the owners' love of South Africa, its people and the area.
Enjoy expertly led and narrated tours with a professional guide through the the battlefields of Isandlwana and Rorke's Drift. It's not all about history though: saddle up a horse and head out for a horse-back safari in a wildlife reserve or grab the opportunity to go fishing on the nearby Buffalo River.
Accomodation
Both the Lodge and Guest House have spacious and luxurious en-suite cottages which all have private verandahs and broad views over the plains flanking the Buffalo River Gorge. The Lodge and Guest House both have swimming pools set in their colourful, well established gardens which are home to innumerable bird species.
The Lodge
The Lodge is also home to our Annex, or Cottage. The Cottage has been redesigned to have two en-suite bedrooms and a sitting-room. One bathroom has a shower and bath, the other is a small shower-room. It is ideal for small families or couples travelling together.
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.
The Guest House
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 boasts a sparkling pool that overlooks Isandlwana and the indigenous bushveld.
Mr Pot’s house has been turned into the most charming sitting and dining room, filled with fascinating memorabilia. The original verandahs have been retained. It also has an outside eating area which has a stunning view across a plain with Isandlwana in the distance.
Umzinyathi Farmhouse
The farmhouse is at the top of the reserve and has a wonderful view of Isandlwana. It has 3 bedrooms (and a very small 4th bedroom), sitting room with fire place, dining room, kitchen and only 1 bathroom, with a bath, basin and toilet. There is a double rose hot shower outside.
The farmhouse is a charming stone and corrugated iron roof building built in the 1920’s. It was the home of George Buntting, who was an expert on the Zulu War and where as a young boy, David Rattray spent many holidays.
Kwa George
All meals are included in this rate. Meals are served at the Lodge or Guest House. This does mean that guests staying at KwaGeorge will be required to drive themselves to and from the Lodge or Guest House for all meals and for the tours.
An addition to Fugitives’ Drift is in the grounds of Umzinyathi Farmhouse; aptly named “KwaGeorge” which means, “Place of George” in the Zulu language. Kwa George consists of a twin bedroom, en suite shower and verandah.
Lodge Luxury Room
1 King BedFeatures a private patioLayout - Bedroom Food & Drink - Electric kettle, free bottled water, and free tea bags/instant coffeeSleep - Premium bedding, turndown service, and bed sheets Bathroom - Shower, bathrobes, and a hair dryerPractical - Safe, guidebooks, and wardrobe or closetComfort - Daily housekeeping and portable fanAccessibility - Visual fire alarmNeed to Know - Toothbrush and toothpaste not availableNon-Smoking
1 King BedFeatures a private patioLayout - Bedroom Food & Drink - Electric kettle, free bottled water, and free tea bags/instant coffeeSleep - Premium bedding, turndown service, and bed sheets Bathroom - Shower, bathrobes, and a hair dryerPractical - Safe, guidebooks, and wardrobe or closetComfort - Daily housekeeping and portable fanAccessibility - Visual fire alarmNeed to Know - Toothbrush and toothpaste not availableNon-Smoking
Umzinyathi House
2 Double Beds and 2 Twin BedsFeatures a private patioLayout - 3 bedrooms Food & Drink - Kitchen with electric kettle and free tea bags/instant coffeeSleep - Premium bedding, turndown service, and bed sheets Bathroom - 3 bathrooms, shower, bathrobes, and a hair dryerPractical - Safe, guidebooks, and wardrobe or closetComfort - Daily housekeeping and portable fanAccessibility - Visual fire alarmNeed to Know - Toothbrush and toothpaste not availableNon-Smoking
2 Double Beds and 2 Twin BedsFeatures a private patioLayout - 3 bedrooms Food & Drink - Kitchen with electric kettle and free tea bags/instant coffeeSleep - Premium bedding, turndown service, and bed sheets Bathroom - 3 bathrooms, shower, bathrobes, and a hair dryerPractical - Safe, guidebooks, and wardrobe or closetComfort - Daily housekeeping and portable fanAccessibility - Visual fire alarmNeed to Know - Toothbrush and toothpaste not availableNon-Smoking
Kwa-George
2 Twin BedsPatio with garden viewsFood & Drink - Electric kettle, free bottled water, and free tea bags/instant coffeeSleep - Premium bedding, turndown service, and bed sheets Bathroom - Private bathroom, shower, bathrobes, and a hair dryerPractical - Safe, guidebooks, and wardrobe or closetComfort - Daily housekeeping and portable fanAccessibility - Visual fire alarmNeed to Know - Toothbrush and toothpaste not availableNon-Smoking
2 Twin BedsPatio with garden viewsFood & Drink - Electric kettle, free bottled water, and free tea bags/instant coffeeSleep - Premium bedding, turndown service, and bed sheets Bathroom - Private bathroom, shower, bathrobes, and a hair dryerPractical - Safe, guidebooks, and wardrobe or closetComfort - Daily housekeeping and portable fanAccessibility - Visual fire alarmNeed to Know - Toothbrush and toothpaste not availableNon-Smoking
Dining
Enjoy superb cuisine, a unique fusion of home and modern flavours, in the splendid atmosphere of a veritable museum of Anglo Zulu War memorabilia.
Dining Area
The original farmhouse has been converted into the dining room and there is also an outside eating area with a haunting view of the Isandlwana in the…
Dining Area
The original farmhouse has been converted into the dining room and there is also an outside eating area with a haunting view of the Isandlwana in the distance.
View on map
Recreation
Activities in and around Fugitive's Drift include horse riding, swimming, game drives, walking and fishing. The lodge also offers battlefield tours to bring the epic Zulu war to life. The lodge has just introduced 3 bike trails with ski piste grading: 1 green, 1 blue and 1 red so guests can cycle past zebra, giraffe, wildebeest & other non threatening game on 5,000 acres. There are 2 adults bikes & 2 children’s mountain bikes for 10 year olds.
Swimming Pool
No data available
Isandlwana Battlefield Tour
The lecture on the battlefield begins at 9:45 until around 11:45, when refreshments are served. The lecture takes place half way up the hill.
Rorke's Drift Battlefield Tour
The battle of Rorke’s Drift, 22nd January 1879. An account of this epic defence against impossible odds – an action in which 11 V.C.&rsquo…
Battlefield Kids
Fugitives’ Drift is renowned for delivering awe-inspiring battlefield tours that bring the battles of Rorke’s Drift and Isandlwana to life…
Horse Riding
The property is home to various plains game such as Wildebeest, Blesbok, Impala, Nyala, Zebra, Kudu, Giraffe and many more. Horse riding on the proper…
Mountain Biking
They have an ever expanding network of single track ranging from flat to steep, technical and some not so technical. They have lots of Jeep track (two…
Nature Walks
It is quite safe to walk on the property; Zulu guides are available to accompany those wishing to walk longer distances. The most popular walk is to t…
Bird Watching
No data available
Harford Library
With incredible views over the Buffalo River Gorge and the mountain of Isandlwana, the Harford Library offers a fantastic venue for friends who wish t…
Swimming Pool
View on mapIsandlwana Battlefield Tour
The lecture on the battlefield begins at 9:45 until around 11:45, when refreshments are served. The lecture takes place half way up the hill.
View on mapRorke's Drift Battlefield Tour
The battle of Rorke’s Drift, 22nd January 1879. An account of this epic defence against impossible odds – an action in which 11 V.C.’s were won. Departs at 15:00 (winter) or 15:15 (summer). Guests have time to look through the museum at Rorke’s Drift before the lecture begins at 16:00.
View on mapBattlefield Kids
Fugitives’ Drift is renowned for delivering awe-inspiring battlefield tours that bring the battles of Rorke’s Drift and Isandlwana to life. This experience gives a deep and tangible insight into some of the most moving of South Africa’s battlefields.
View on mapHorse Riding
The property is home to various plains game such as Wildebeest, Blesbok, Impala, Nyala, Zebra, Kudu, Giraffe and many more. Horse riding on the property is a great chance to view our game up close and to really appreciate the fauna and flora.
View on mapMountain Biking
They have an ever expanding network of single track ranging from flat to steep, technical and some not so technical. They have lots of Jeep track (two track). You are welcome to bring your own bicycle, but they do have 4 bikes available for guests use.
View on mapNature Walks
It is quite safe to walk on the property; Zulu guides are available to accompany those wishing to walk longer distances. The most popular walk is to the great ledge overlooking several hundred square miles of unspoilt Zululand. There is no charge for this walk.
View on mapBird Watching
View on mapHarford Library
With incredible views over the Buffalo River Gorge and the mountain of Isandlwana, the Harford Library offers a fantastic venue for friends who wish to relax and celebrate, or for executive groups to meet and contemplate the important business lessons which can be drawn from these remarkable stories.
View on mapPricing
Select a date on the calendar to view details about the itinerary. If a price is not displayed on any date, click CHECK RATES for the day your want to depart to load prices for your required dates
At Travel Concierge, we take pride in being able to negotiate the best holiday deals at Fugitives' Drift Lodge and Guesthouse. Our calendar search tool allows you to view holiday prices at Fugitives' Drift Lodge and Guesthouse for different days within each month so that you can find the cheapest price at Fugitives' Drift Lodge and Guesthouse for your requirements. Our calendar search displays Fugitives' Drift Lodge and Guesthouse holiday prices upto 11 months in advance. If you want to book Fugitives' Drift Lodge and Guesthouse further in advance, we can book The Battlefields holidays at Fugitives' Drift Lodge and Guesthouse in 2026 and 2027. For all The Battlefields 2026 holidays and The Battlefields 2027 holidays you will have to call us for pricing.
At Travel Concierge, we take pride in being able to negotiate the best holiday deals at Fugitives' Drift Lodge and Guesthouse. Use the search form below to find holiday prices at Fugitives' Drift Lodge and Guesthouse. Our Fugitives' Drift Lodge and Guesthouse holiday search will provide prices up to 11 months in advance of departure. We can book The Battlefields holidays at Fugitives' Drift Lodge and Guesthouse in 2026 and 2027. For all Fugitives' Drift Lodge and Guesthouse 2026 holidays and Fugitives' Drift Lodge and Guesthouse 2027 holidays you will have to call us for pricing.
Location
With a stay at Fugitives' Drift Lodge in Msinga, you'll be 5.8 mi (9.3 km) from Rorke's Drift Battlefield and 17.1 mi (27.5 km) from Isandlwana Battlefield. This lodge is within the region of Ncome Museum and Blood River Heritage Site.
Array
(
[TripAdvisorCache] => Array
(
[id] => 1614
[hotel_id] => 17097
[tripadvisor_id] => 1463164
[total_reviews] => 644
[reviews_rating] => 5
[latitude] => -28.390425
[longitude] => 30.609167
[created] => 2016-02-19 20:27:22
[updated] => 2025-04-26 19:20:16
[subratings] => [{"rating_image_url":"https:\/\/static.tacdn.com\/img2\/ratings\/traveler\/ss5.0.svg","name":"rate_location","value":"4.9","localized_name":"Location"},{"rating_image_url":"https:\/\/static.tacdn.com\/img2\/ratings\/traveler\/ss5.0.svg","name":"rate_sleep","value":"4.8","localized_name":"Sleep Quality"},{"rating_image_url":"https:\/\/static.tacdn.com\/img2\/ratings\/traveler\/ss5.0.svg","name":"rate_room","value":"4.8","localized_name":"Rooms"},{"rating_image_url":"https:\/\/static.tacdn.com\/img2\/ratings\/traveler\/ss5.0.svg","name":"rate_service","value":"4.9","localized_name":"Service"},{"rating_image_url":"https:\/\/static.tacdn.com\/img2\/ratings\/traveler\/ss4.5.svg","name":"rate_value","value":"4.7","localized_name":"Value"},{"rating_image_url":"https:\/\/static.tacdn.com\/img2\/ratings\/traveler\/ss5.0.svg","name":"rate_cleanliness","value":"4.8","localized_name":"Cleanliness"}]
[reviews] => [{"id":"1001948184","lang":"en","location_id":"1463164","published_date":"2025-04-11T05:56:09-0400","rating":5,"helpful_votes":"0","rating_image_url":"https:\/\/www.tripadvisor.com\/img\/cdsi\/img2\/ratings\/traveler\/s5.0-24002-5.svg","url":"https:\/\/www.tripadvisor.com\/ShowUserReviews-g608447-d1463164-r1001948184-Fugitives_Drift_Lodge-Rorke_s_Drift_KwaZulu_Natal.html?m=24002#review1001948184","trip_type":null,"travel_date":"2025-04","text":"I always get a feeling when first booking how good somewhere is going to be but nothing prepared me for this. Right from the start and the way that they handled my enquiries about extra trips and...","user":{"username":"aswrtb7","user_location":{"name":"Rednal, United Kingdom","id":"1936639"}},"title":"No superlatives are good enough","is_machine_translated":false},{"id":"1000778370","lang":"en","location_id":"1463164","published_date":"2025-04-02T03:32:55-0400","rating":5,"helpful_votes":"0","rating_image_url":"https:\/\/www.tripadvisor.com\/img\/cdsi\/img2\/ratings\/traveler\/s5.0-24002-5.svg","url":"https:\/\/www.tripadvisor.com\/ShowUserReviews-g608447-d1463164-r1000778370-Fugitives_Drift_Lodge-Rorke_s_Drift_KwaZulu_Natal.html?m=24002#review1000778370","trip_type":null,"travel_date":"2025-03","text":"Fantastic setting. We stayed in the main lodge - enormous room\/bathroom - beautiful views. You eat dinner altogether with the other guests, which is great cos you are all there for the same...","user":{"username":"lesleys823","user_location":{"name":null,"id":null}},"title":"Totally Moving Experience!","is_machine_translated":false},{"id":"1000405613","lang":"en","location_id":"1463164","published_date":"2025-03-30T07:19:03-0400","rating":5,"helpful_votes":"1","rating_image_url":"https:\/\/www.tripadvisor.com\/img\/cdsi\/img2\/ratings\/traveler\/s5.0-24002-5.svg","url":"https:\/\/www.tripadvisor.com\/ShowUserReviews-g608447-d1463164-r1000405613-Fugitives_Drift_Lodge-Rorke_s_Drift_KwaZulu_Natal.html?m=24002#review1000405613","trip_type":"Couples","travel_date":"2025-03","text":"Fugitives Drift is an absolute must if you are interested in military history, if you like wildlife or even if you just love to relax in an amazing setting. The staff are all incredibly friendly and...","user":{"username":"55M555","user_location":{"name":"Cotswolds, United Kingdom","id":"186281"}},"title":"Treat yourself to this wonderful lodge","is_machine_translated":false}]
[write_review] => https://www.tripadvisor.com/UserReview-g608447-d1463164-Fugitives_Drift_Lodge-Rorke_s_Drift_KwaZulu_Natal.html?m=24002
[url] => https://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g608447-d1463164-Reviews-Fugitives_Drift_Lodge-Rorke_s_Drift_KwaZulu_Natal.html?m=24002
)
[rating] => 5
[num_reviews] => 644
[write_review] => https://www.tripadvisor.com/UserReview-g608447-d1463164-Fugitives_Drift_Lodge-Rorke_s_Drift_KwaZulu_Natal.html?m=24002
[url] => https://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g608447-d1463164-Reviews-Fugitives_Drift_Lodge-Rorke_s_Drift_KwaZulu_Natal.html?m=24002
[reviews] => Array
(
[0] => Array
(
[id] => 1001948184
[lang] => en
[location_id] => 1463164
[published_date] => 2025-04-11T05:56:09-0400
[rating] => 5
[helpful_votes] => 0
[rating_image_url] => https://www.tripadvisor.com/img/cdsi/img2/ratings/traveler/s5.0-24002-5.svg
[url] => https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews-g608447-d1463164-r1001948184-Fugitives_Drift_Lodge-Rorke_s_Drift_KwaZulu_Natal.html?m=24002#review1001948184
[trip_type] =>
[travel_date] => 2025-04
[text] => I always get a feeling when first booking how good somewhere is going to be but nothing prepared me for this. Right from the start and the way that they handled my enquiries about extra trips and...
[user] => Array
(
[username] => aswrtb7
[user_location] => Array
(
[name] => Rednal, United Kingdom
[id] => 1936639
)
)
[title] => No superlatives are good enough
[is_machine_translated] =>
)
[1] => Array
(
[id] => 1000778370
[lang] => en
[location_id] => 1463164
[published_date] => 2025-04-02T03:32:55-0400
[rating] => 5
[helpful_votes] => 0
[rating_image_url] => https://www.tripadvisor.com/img/cdsi/img2/ratings/traveler/s5.0-24002-5.svg
[url] => https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews-g608447-d1463164-r1000778370-Fugitives_Drift_Lodge-Rorke_s_Drift_KwaZulu_Natal.html?m=24002#review1000778370
[trip_type] =>
[travel_date] => 2025-03
[text] => Fantastic setting. We stayed in the main lodge - enormous room/bathroom - beautiful views. You eat dinner altogether with the other guests, which is great cos you are all there for the same...
[user] => Array
(
[username] => lesleys823
[user_location] => Array
(
[name] =>
[id] =>
)
)
[title] => Totally Moving Experience!
[is_machine_translated] =>
)
[2] => Array
(
[id] => 1000405613
[lang] => en
[location_id] => 1463164
[published_date] => 2025-03-30T07:19:03-0400
[rating] => 5
[helpful_votes] => 1
[rating_image_url] => https://www.tripadvisor.com/img/cdsi/img2/ratings/traveler/s5.0-24002-5.svg
[url] => https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews-g608447-d1463164-r1000405613-Fugitives_Drift_Lodge-Rorke_s_Drift_KwaZulu_Natal.html?m=24002#review1000405613
[trip_type] => Couples
[travel_date] => 2025-03
[text] => Fugitives Drift is an absolute must if you are interested in military history, if you like wildlife or even if you just love to relax in an amazing setting. The staff are all incredibly friendly and...
[user] => Array
(
[username] => 55M555
[user_location] => Array
(
[name] => Cotswolds, United Kingdom
[id] => 186281
)
)
[title] => Treat yourself to this wonderful lodge
[is_machine_translated] =>
)
)
[subratings] => Array
(
[0] => Array
(
[rating_image_url] => https://static.tacdn.com/img2/ratings/traveler/ss5.0.svg
[name] => rate_location
[value] => 4.9
[localized_name] => Location
)
[1] => Array
(
[rating_image_url] => https://static.tacdn.com/img2/ratings/traveler/ss5.0.svg
[name] => rate_sleep
[value] => 4.8
[localized_name] => Sleep Quality
)
[2] => Array
(
[rating_image_url] => https://static.tacdn.com/img2/ratings/traveler/ss5.0.svg
[name] => rate_room
[value] => 4.8
[localized_name] => Rooms
)
[3] => Array
(
[rating_image_url] => https://static.tacdn.com/img2/ratings/traveler/ss5.0.svg
[name] => rate_service
[value] => 4.9
[localized_name] => Service
)
[4] => Array
(
[rating_image_url] => https://static.tacdn.com/img2/ratings/traveler/ss4.5.svg
[name] => rate_value
[value] => 4.7
[localized_name] => Value
)
[5] => Array
(
[rating_image_url] => https://static.tacdn.com/img2/ratings/traveler/ss5.0.svg
[name] => rate_cleanliness
[value] => 4.8
[localized_name] => Cleanliness
)
)
)
Reviews
If you are planning a The Battlefields holiday at Fugitives' Drift Lodge and Guesthouse why not check reviews from other travellers who have recently returned from their holiday in The Battlefields. Find hints and tips from real travellers who have experienced a Fugitives' Drift Lodge and Guesthouse holiday to ensure that your holiday in Fugitives' Drift Lodge and Guesthouse, The Battlefields is as fulfilling as you want it to be. Many of the staff at Travel Concierge have visited The Battlefields and will be able to give first hand information about Fugitives' Drift Lodge and Guesthouse. Call us now and get ideas and recommendations from our team of The Battlefields experts.
Rating
644 Reviews
Average ratings
TripAdvisor Traveller reviews
aswrtb7
No superlatives are good enough
I always get a feeling when first booking how good somewhere is going to be but nothing prepared me for this. Right from the start and the way that they handled my enquiries about extra trips and...
lesleys823
Totally Moving Experience!
Fantastic setting. We stayed in the main lodge - enormous room/bathroom - beautiful views. You eat dinner altogether with the other guests, which is great cos you are all there for the same...
55M555
Treat yourself to this wonderful lodge
Fugitives Drift is an absolute must if you are interested in military history, if you like wildlife or even if you just love to relax in an amazing setting. The staff are all incredibly friendly and...
