Fugitives Drift Lodge

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.

A previous review said simply "Just GO" I couldn't put it better my self! A simply superb Lodge, nothing for the Staff was too much trouble, the food again beyond compare. And lastly the guides for the two tours we did, managed to build an incredible aurally visual image of the events that occur here approaching 140 years ago. I cannot recommend highly enough our experience here..... Oh try and rent a car larger than a Nissan Micra!

An Amazing experience staying at Fugitives Drift! The Guides are extremely knowledgeable and have a passion for what they do. Our tours to the Isandwlana and Rorkes Drift Battlefields were both extremely insightful. The guides take you back in time, making you feel like you're experiencing History as it happened. Would highly recommend to any history buff! The service at Fugitives Drift was also extremely good. The staff are friendly and attentive, and the food was exceptional!

They say here that a significant proportion of those booked in don’t particularly want to come…one partner wanting to experience the battlefields and the other acquiescing. That was true in our case. By the time we left my wife was as sad as me to leave. The factual side: supreme comfort, amazing food, efficient management and stunning surroundings. The emotional side: every one was so welcoming and friendly from the Boss, Nicky, through her son Doug (who is one the funniest and most eloquent men I have ever met and who delivered an inspirational presentation at Rorkes Drift), via Mphiwa who did the same at Isandhlwana ( brilliant idea to have a Zulu do this in contrast) to the singing waitress and her colleagues. It is invidious to single out individual people perhaps as the collective make this place the epitome of a perfect African Lodge. (My wife hasn’t stopped telling me what a good choice I made!)

Fantastic setting. We stayed in the main lodge - enormous room/bathroom - beautiful views. You eat dinner altogether with the other guests, which is great cos you are all there for the same experience - food is fab too. All the staff are great and they really helped us out as we were running late!! The tours of Rorkes Drift and Isandlwana are a must - thank you so much for the detailed explanations - really moving talks. Make sure you have a good 4x4 or SUV for travelling around