Fugitives Drift Lodge

We stayed at Fugitives lodge for only two nights but wished we had stayed longer due to the friendly staff, watching wildlife including monkeys from our terrace and sharing the good food with other guests and staff. On arrival we enjoyed cooling off in the swimming pool and then chilling out in the amazing library building overlooking the river. The Isandlwana tour was outstanding brought to life by the guide who's Zulu grandfather fought there. After lunch we experienced the Rorkes drift tour with a different guide which was also excellent. The lodge had its own impressive museum with fascinating artefacts and small shop. Guest are encouraged to walk around the area to appreciate the wildlife including giraffe and zebra. The extensive gravel roads to reach the property add to the adventure but give yourself plenty of time to drive there safely.

We stayed at Fugitives lodge for just one night and as all the reviews state it is the height of luxury with attentive and happy staff and good food. We even had the lovely Grace sing to us after dinner. Most guests stay 3 nights and that would be wonderful to take advantage of all it has to offer but alas we only had one night. We did both the Rorkes drift tour and the Isandlwana tour both of which were excellent. It’s been on my hubby’s bucket list and we weren’t disappointed. The battles were brought to life and at times we had tears in our eyes. They really were marvellous. The roads are bad but we have been on many that were in even poorer condition - do just take your time. The lodge have really good directions on their websites and fave us clear instructions on how to get to our next destination.

Potential travellers might be daunted by the tips on how difficult the roads are to Fugitive’s Drift but don’t be put off because when you arrive you’ll soon realise it’s more than worth it. Nicky and her team made us feel so welcome, especially Grace, Douglas , Annika and the girls. The lodges are comfortable and sited around the central complex meaning you soon get to know the other guests. Facilities are great with a library and museum to learn about the historic sites when you’re not visiting them. The battlefield tours are engrossing, especially Rorke’s Drift where Bryan’s description brings it to life on the site of the siege. Best of all, meals are preceded by a gathering for drinks around the boma followed by a communal dinner around one long table with all the guests and staff; by the end of the stay the Rorke’s Drift team feel like old friends. Food is delicious and all Nicky’s team make a point of ensuring guests are happy without being too intrusive - we can’t praise them enough.

I can’t speak highly enough of this experience. It is without doubt the best combination of luxury accommodation, outstanding food and incredible historical site visits I’ve ever encountered. We woke to a sunrise view of Isandlwana hill each morning and the days only got better from there. The Rattray family and friends have built something incredible here and I can only hope I’m lucky enough to return one day. Everyone we encountered art the lodge was incredible but particular thanks to Grace (all round boss of hospitality and the host with the most), Doug (Anglo-Zulu war expert and raconteur extraordinaire), Brian (an absolute legend and the most electrifying Isandlwana tour guide), Stuey (real life action man, seemingly addicted to danger) and Micko (a man with the most ridiculous life experiences I’ve ever heard). This is a genuine bucket list experience, and one you’ll never forget.

An absolutely outstanding place. Everything about this lodge is perfect. We came here for the Battlefields obviously but this establishment is worthy of a trip on its own merit. The only negative would be the dirt track road you have to drive up for 30 minutes to get here, it's okay, even in our VW Polo rental car it was okay as long as you take your time but from the moment you arrive the place is fabulous! Every single member of staff is completely on their game, I've been fortunate to stay in many fine hotels but this was easily the best and the most friendly and genuine service we've ever received. It would be impossible to single out any one member of staff as all of them are exceptional. The views around the property are gorgeous and then there's the bonus of the game, such as giraffe and antelope that are roaming around. You receive full board here and breakfast and lunch are lovely but when it comes to the evening meal they really excel. We stayed 4 nights and every course, of every dinner was exquisite. Meals were served communally and we loved that too as fellow guests were all friendly and interesting too and it was so nice to spend the evening making new acquaintances. There's a lovely little pool on the premises, which we used several times plus there are various areas such as a small museum and a charming library area to pass some pleasant time in. Drinks are reasonably priced and always served with the broadest of smiles. Finally, the reason we came here was for the proximity to the Zula war battlefields and the lodge run 2 excellent tours from here both of which were also fabulous and highly informative, you do pay separately for these but they were worth every penny. There was also a free walking tour each afternoon which we also enjoyed. I really can't say enough positives about this property, it really was a perfect stay and we were sorry to leave. (BTW, they even washed our rental car for us on the day of departure!) 100% recommended

We are about to leave the lodge after what has been a simply outstanding three-night stay. From our warm initial welcome on arrival through every aspect of the stay, we have felt like welcome family guests as opposed to paying visitors. Grace, the lady in charge of looking after guests’ food, drinks and well-being within the grounds, is such a wonderful lady, thoughtful, constantly smiling and singing, and she remembers those little details that make all the difference. Our room is huge and comfortable, with literally the largest bed I have ever seen! The indoor seats, like those on the good-sized verandah, overlook the reserve within which the lodge is set - wonderful view! The bathroom is enormous, with a vast indoor shower, outdoor shower and separate bath! The lodge as a whole feels spacious and luxurious but equally like a large family space. Sitting round the fire together before eating dinner round a large communal table, plus lunch with the owners and selected staff, adds to the family feel. Meals are uniformly excellent! We did the two flagship tours, to the Isandlwana and Rorke’s Drift battlefields, on consecutive days. You can do them both on the same day, and other guests we met were doing that, but I can imagine it would be a pretty tiring day from sheer information overload! Both tours were superb - I am not particularly into battlefields, but was totally taken in by the wonderful, evocative storytelling of Bryan (Isandlwana) and Stewie (Rorke’s Drift). We also had time to do the Graves Walk with Simiso (also well worth doing, and it rounds off the story of those 24 hours or so in January 1879), plus two of the self-guided trails around the reserve, which were clearly signposted and both really enjoyable to do. These three nights have been a slightly unexpected highlight of our South Africa trip, and I would unreservedly recommend this lodge.