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.

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.

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