subject: Kzn Battlefields Accommodation [print this page] The Isandlwana and Rorkes Drift areas of KwaZulu-Natal are famous throughout South Africa for the great battles that took place during the Zulu War of 1879.
A 5,000-acre Natural Heritage Site and nature reserve now overlooks both Isandlwana and Rorkes Drift, offering a world-class experience in heritage tourism. The battles of Isandlwana and Rorke's Drift are perhaps the most famous of all the Zulu War battle sites in the region.
Famous Battles
The British invasion of Zululand had consisted of three major columns led by Lord Chelmsford which forded the Buffalo River at Rorke's Drift, yet within days the invasion was in jeopardy. In a battle rated as one of the greatest military disasters in British colonial history, part of Lord Chelmsfords central column had been almost annihilated at Isandlwana.
The struggling survivors made their way back into Natal across the mighty Buffalo River, but not without some cost as Lieutenants Melvill and Coghill died in an attempt to save the Queen's colours, which would earn them both the first posthumous Victoria Crosses in history. Those wouldn't be the last Victoria Crosses to be handed out for Lord Chelmsford's men as a great wing of the Zulu army went on to attack the British garrison at Rorke's Drift. In a battle that lasted all night, 139 British soldiers were attacked by 4,000 Zulu warriors. More Victoria Crosses were won that evening than in any other battle in history.
Battlefield Tours
Today, Fugitives' Drift has become World-renowned for its battlefield tours where guests can savour this extraordinary saga. Here guests can learn about the bravery and mobility of the Zulu army and the defeat of the British Army at the Battle of Isandlwana, as well as the famous story of Rorke's Drift, from the finest guides in South Africa.
Thought-provoking and often emotionally charged, these tours are conducted daily to Isandlwana and Rorkes Drift. Flagship tours to Isandlwana and Rorke's Drift are led by registered tour guides who are all superb storytellers and make the history of that day come alive for visitors.
Battlefield Accommodation
Nicky and the late David Rattray created the Fugitives Drift Lodge in 1989 to pioneer Heritage Tourism in South Africa. Offering award-winning accommodation in either the Lodge or the Guest House, the spacious and luxurious en-suite cottages, each with their own private verandas and broad views over the plains flanking the Buffalo River Gorge, await discerning travellers.
The extensive experience of the Rattrays in the hospitality industry, as well as their love of South Africa, its people and its unique history, can be seen in every aspect of these bespoke en-suite cottages. Swimming pools set in their colourful, well established gardens are also available and the gardens themselves are home to innumerable bird species.
Awe-inspiring battlefield tours, bespoke well appointed accommodation and a world-class heritage tourism experience await the discerning traveller visiting KwaZulu-Natal's famous battlefields along with horse riding, mountain biking and game walks.
