Accommodation in South Africa: Fugitives Drift Guesthouse

Fugitive's Drift is the ford (or 'drift') where many of fleeing British and colonial troops lucky enough to escape Isandlwana alive crossed the Buffalo River back into the Crown Colony of Natal.

Fugitive's Drift Guesthouse, The Battlefields

Lounge, Fugitive's Drift GuesthouseFugitive's Drift Guesthouse, The BattlefieldsStandard room, Fugitive's Drift GuesthouseFugitive's Drift Guesthouse, The BattlefieldsFugitive's Drift Guesthouse, The BattlefieldsFugitive's Drift Guesthouse, The BattlefieldsFugitive's Drift Guesthouse, The BattlefieldsLounge, Fugitive's Drift GuesthouseStandard room, Fugitive's Drift GuesthouseFugitive's Drift Guesthouse, The BattlefieldsPatio, Fugitive's Drift GuesthouseStandard room, Fugitive's Drift GuesthouseStandard room, Fugitive's Drift Guesthouse

• View Gallery
• Add ToTravel Planner

Fugitive's Drift is the ford (or 'drift') where many of fleeing British and colonial troops lucky enough to escape Isandlwana alive crossed the Buffalo River back into the Crown Colony of Natal.

Just on the Natal side of the river lie the graves of Lts Coghill and Melvill, awarded the first ever posthumous Victoria Crosses for their, ultimately unsuccessful, attempts to save the Regimental Colour.

Formerly a farmhouse, the guesthouse is decorated in simple African style, with stone floors, adobe walls and African art throughout. There is a nice sense of space and openness about the public areas, while the rooms all lead off a small, well-tended garden. The rooms are simply, but comfortably furnished, and have private verandas with views over the Fugitive's Drift Reserve, where plains antelope can be seen.

The tours to Isandlwana and Rorke's Drift, run daily, are the highlight of a stay here. The guesthouse is owned by Nicky, wife of the late David Rattray who was one of the foremost authorities on the Anglo-Zulu war, and someone for whom the real story lay in the individual human drama. His approach was groundbreaking, in that he spent his life amongst the Zulu people learning their stories of Isandlwana and Rorke's Drift and talking to people whose parents fought in these battles.

Today the guides at the lodge continue his legacy and it gives their stories a completeness and balance that cannot always be found in the traditional histories. Every guide and member of the guesthouse staff wants to share his enthusiasm and passion with you, making a visit to Fugitive's Drift an unforgettable experience.