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FUGITIVE'S DRIFT LODGE

Fugitive's Drift Lodge is the realisation of a dream for one of South Africa's most visionary and compelling historians. David Rattray, a master story-teller who has won world renown for his extraordinary ability to bring South Africa's explosive history to life, owns and runs Fugitive's Drift as a testimony to the amazing events that took place on January 22nd, 1879.

On this day of Shakespearean tragedy, when the sun was blocked out by an ominous solar eclipse, the mighty British army was to be utterly routed by a force of fearless warriors belonging to the previously little-know Zulu people. This great battle of Isandlwana was to be the most crushing defeat ever suffered by the British army in any of its colonies, and the most decisive defeat ever inflicted on a modern army by a technologically less advanced enemy.

For it was on this day that a column of 1,253 of Her Majesty's soldiers, all armed with modern breech-loading rifles, and supported by canons and even rocket-launchers, was destroyed by a great force of 20,000 Zulu warriors, armed with no more than spears and shields; virtually every single British soldier was slain within a period of less than 2 hours, sending shock-waves throughout an empire that encompassed over a quarter of the globe at the time

That very same night, not 5 miles from Isandlwana at a small mission station known as Rorke's Drift, a group of 100 sick and wounded British soldiers was to fend off a ferocious assault by an army of 8,000 Zulu warriors, earning more Victoria Crosses for bravery in the process than at any other battle in the history of the British Empire. This battle was the subject of two classic movies, Zulu and Zulu Dawn, but the real story is even more incredible than the celluloid versions. It is no exaggeration to say that January 22nd 1879 is one of the most significant days in South African, Zulu, and British history.

Apart from the attraction of the two nearby battlefields, both of which are virtually unchanged from the fateful "Day of the Dead Moon", Fugitive's Drift has much to offer the nature enthusiast. The 4,000 acre property is a registered Natural Heritage Site, and guests are encouraged to participate in walks and drives through the spectacular reserve. Game species include giraffe, zebra, wildebeest, hartebeest, as well as variety of smaller antelope species, and over 250 species of birds. Set in the foothills of the Drakensberg Mountains, with 11 miles of river frontage on the great Buffalo River, the scenery is magnificent and the walking fantastic.

The Lodge is rustically charming. Its terracotta buildings and comfortable en suite cottages are secluded in the trees, but have sweeping views over the plains of the reserve as well as the mountains of Isandlawana and the Oskarberg at Rorke's Drift. Tea, cocktails and after-dinner drinks are taken around the fire, under a canopy of interlacing trees. Evening meals are served in a large dining room, which also houses a library and an extensive collection of relics and memorabilia from the Anglo-Zulu war. At night, by candlelight, the atmosphere is magical and nostalgic. The cuisine is delicious, fresh and hearty; the atmosphere intellectual and friendly.

Fugitives Drift is a very, very special place, a memorable experience that we thoroughly recommend. Both the Lodge and the reserve have much to offer, but the uniqueness of Fugitive's Drift lies in the nearby battlefields, and the magical ability of David Rattray and his colleagues to bring the drama of this fateful day to light.

But Fugitive's Drift is not just about military history, nor is it only of interest to the military enthusiast - Fugitive's Drift is an intellectual and a spiritual experience in an inspirational setting, a passionate encounter with all of history's great elements: political intrigue, betrayal, bravery, and the clash of two fundamentally different cultures. Nobody with an interest in humanity and the human condition can experience Fugitive's Drift and leave unmoved.

To find out more about Fugitive's Drift Lodge, or to make a reservation, call on

27-11-463-7889 or email us.

LIYATSHWA SAFARIS PORTFOLIO - Zululand and Battlefields