Isandlwana Lodge

Stayed 3 nights only the 2 of us in the entire hotel. From the moment we arrived to the moment we left we were made to feel at home, staff very welcoming, couldnt do enough for you. Ruddie, chef James and all the staff were fab. Rooms beautiful with views across the breathtaking vista. Food was devine chef James announces meals, tailoring to your tastes and dietary requirements, service fabulous, drinks very reasonable. Couldn't fault it at all. Went on 2 tours of the battlefields with Dalton, again we were alone, he was amazing... we detoured off to fugitives drift aswell. Nothing was too much trouble. We would highly recommend this place it is magical. One tip, unless you know the roads do not drive here. We got a driver to take us. Even our professional driver would not drive the road at night, cows and livestock wander the winding fast roads and motorways and the mist comes down at night. Best to just sit back and let a professional do this for you during daylight, took just over 3 hours from Durban airport. Overall 12 out of 10!!! Thanks team for being so hospitable and entertaining us and Dalton for being an amazing guide.

Stayed here two nights in April 2024. Really quirky boutique hotel in a fabulous location with views across the plains for miles. Hotel is tastefully decorated with a real African feel to it, food is good and everything is clean and presentable. The hotel emanates peace and tranquility with the only noise from birds and animals. The iconic Isandlwana Mountain is prominent in the distance where you can watch the sun set on the battlefield and contemplate what those fighting were going through newly 150 years ago.

Great boutique hotel with an interesting look. The rooms were spacious and clean, the shower was like sranding under a waterfall best ever😂 The views from our room were spectacular, overlooking the Isandlwana mountain. The pool area was clean and tidy with a great view. Ricardo and his staff were as friendly as you can get and looked after our every needs. The food was plentiful and tasty and severed in a nice dining area. Only real downside wqs Wifi was only in the hotel lobby.

Amazing, stunning location and accommodation. VERY friendly welcome, ALL staff were so friendly, welcoming and helpful. Full of smiles. Delicious food. Very interesting place. Rorke's Drift tour highly recommended.

This hotel was one of the standout experiences from our trip to South Africa. We arrived late at the hotel as we had landed in Durban about 1800 and the weather en route to the hotel was very foggy but were instantly made welcome with food and drink. The hotel is an amazing structure built into the hillside with marvellous views over the battlefield area of Isandlwana. Our room named after the then Zulu King was very comfortable with the same fantastic views and a lovely quiet balcony. We could watch the cattle being moved early in the morning and returning home at night. We stayed three nights, choosing to visit Isandlwana battlefield on our first morning and Rorkes Drift in the afternoon. It was fascinating to hear about the battles and see the geographical location of where the different parties were. Dalton, our guide, made the whole experience come alive. He is a Zulu and the great grandson of the then local chief but presented the information about why the battles took place giving information about the breviaries on both sides. Everyone at the lodge made us so welcome and were very attentive to our every need. We had a much needed rest the second day, enjoying a swim and being able to take in the wonderful views. The food was outstanding. A wonderful experience.

Even if you are not interested in the Battlefield etc this is a wonderful location. If you are driving in yourself its 7km from the nearest made up road (depending on you arrival direction) however the access was no issue at all. We drove around the area on a number of non-made up roads with no problems in an ordinary hire car. As you approach you start to get the feeling for the lodge as you see it up on the hillside. On arrival you are greeted by the member of staff on the gate and then drive up a slope to the car park (they washed my car before we left). The staff help you with your luggage up a slight incline to the lodge, with rock hyrax looking on. The lodge is quite small and thus has quite a family type atmosphere. The rooms are below the main lodge and have all your need inc a shower and a balcony outside with chairs and table. Tea and coffee in the room. The view I will come on to later. The main lodge has a reception, inside seating area, dinning are and bar. There is a terrace outside with seating and tables. Breakfast had a buffer type with cereal, fruit, water and juices, with tea and coffee. Then a hot menu choice. Lunch and dinner were in the same location. Lunch was with a choice of, normally a starter and a choice of two main dishes. Dinner consisted of a starter, soup and a choice of two main courses plus a dessert. However for both meals the chef would provide an alternative should someone not like what was on offer etc. Indeed between parties departing and arriving we were offered a choice by the chef for lunch and dinner, when at breakfast. The food was great and the fact we managed lunch as well (which we often don't) speaks volumes. Staff were always friendly and often very talkative. Now for the view, whether from your balcony, terrace, bar or even at lunch the view goes beyond words. A panorama that you cannot really convey in pictures. The view covers a lot of the battlefield and our guide started us off there to show the key points. I could have stayed forever just looking at the view. The lodge offers trips. We choose a guided tour of Isandlwana, in morning and Rorkes drift in the afternoon. Our guide, Dalton, was a Zulu whose great, great etc grandfather took part in the battle. His guiding was totally unbiased and acknowledged bravery and mistakes on both sides. It was an honor to have such a person take us round, and he helped us get fuel at the local town which was a massive help. We stayed here 3 nights. Day 1 was the tour, day two just at the lodge. The latter may not be for everyone but given the birdlife and the view I was more than happy. Its a place I will never forget and would love the chance of going back here.

From ramshackle vehicles to shabby decor and unprofessional staff, this really is one of the poorest places I’ve ever been to! The rooms are dirty, have naked electrical points and lack warmth! The food is decidedly average, food is served with thumbs in the plate and dirty glasses As for the bar, WOW! understocked with cheap liquor and NO service! Overall a very poor experience, if I ever go again, I’ll stay in the township below!

We had an amazing trip here in Aug 22. The staff and facilities really couldn't do enough. We had a most enjoyable stay. The setting of the lodge is unbeatable, the views from the deck and the room balcony was fantastic. We made the most of the trips available to Rorke's Drift and having been to SA a few times now have to say it's one of my highlights. When we went back to Ballito we spoke about our trip and all our friends were discussing how they felt they'd not realised the places to go on their doorstep. Hopefully some of them will take our recommendation and book in at Isandlwana Lodge

This exceptional hotel is a jewel in the KwaZulu Natal crown. The Lodge nestles in the hills overlooking the KZ battlefields offering fantastic views of the whole area. The highest quality of accomodation and restaurant service are offered with outstanding KZN decor throughout. Ten out of ten. The battlefield tour was a little protracted but offered a detailed insight into this historic location. Well done Dalton.