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Fugitives' Drift Guest House, KwaZulu Natal Battlefields | Timbuktu Travel
KwaZulu Natal Battlefields

Fugitives' Drift Guest House

Travel and Leisure Worlds Best Awards for number 1 tour operator in the world 2024 and number 2 tour operator in the world 2025
We're one of the World's Best Tour Operators!
Named three years running in Travel+Leisure World's Best, including No.1 in 2024

About Fugitives' Drift Guest House

Green and peaceful hillsides that once rang with the clash of battle.
Aspects of South Africa's volatile history are the very fabric of Fugitives' Drift, from the lodge's period architecture to its historic battlefield location. Book a stay, and the knowledgeable historians and guides on staff bring will them all to life. For this is where the battles of Isandlwana and Rorke's Drift took place during the 1879 Anglo-Zulu War. It's also the former home of Johan Potgieter, a charismatic lay historian whose tradition of storytelling was later adopted by the Rattray family. David and Nicky Rattray pioneered heritage tourism here, designing tours that bring the Anglo-Zulu War to life.
KwaZulu Natal Battlefields , South Africa
From $190 per person/per night
Retreat
6 Rooms
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Property details

The property

Tucked into a cluster of trees, the guesthouse has been drastically renovated, yet retains traces of the intimate homestead it once was, from the sweeping veranda to the fascinating memorabilia. The outdoors communal area is the best place to be between tours, with its open-sided thatched dining room (satisfaction guaranteed) and firepit ringed with camp chairs. The open-plan lounge has cosy nooks and a glowing hearth, and clear views of Isandlwana in the distance.

The rooms

Six spacious, individually designed cottages are fitted with quality furnishings, historical details, generous double (or twin) beds, and an en-suite bathroom with a tub and walk-in shower. From private verandas, the views of the plains towards the Buffalo River Gorge are grand. Around the guesthouse is a pleasant garden with green lawns and mature trees – sit on your porch and birdwatch, or enjoy a whisky or two.

Activities

The property and battlefields sit on a 2200-hectare Natural Heritage Site, and the guides here (some of South Africa's finest) bring everything to life through provocative and precise storytelling. You'll wander the grave-pocked fields and gaze across the now-peaceful plains, picturing the bloody battle during which 22,000 Zulu warriors overwhelmed a British column. Take a break from the action by hiking to see the plains game, horse-back riding or mountain biking. The natural world is calm and quite stunning.
Why we love it

Why we love it

If you're a history buff, you'll be in heaven here amidst truly learned scholars of South Africa.
Insiders tip

Insiders Tip

You'll want to spend at least two days here to really soak up the history, the setting and your surroundings.
Something to think about

Something to think about

If you fancy a bit more luxury, the neighbouring Fugitives' Drift Lodge has a smidge more style.
Trips

Tours & Trips

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South Africa for culture vultures
South Africa

South Africa for culture vultures

8 nights from $5.3K per person

Explore Kwa-Zulu Natal
South Africa

Explore Kwa-Zulu Natal

11 nights from $3.8K per person

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How to book Fugitives' Drift Guest House

How do I book Fugitives' Drift Guest House?

Fugitives' Drift Guest House can be booked with Timbuktu as part of a tailor-made South Africa trip, rather than as a standalone room reservation. Start online, customising one of our recommended South Africa trips featuring Fugitives' Drift Guest House or get advice and suggestions from one of our South Africa specialists who will design the trip around your dates, check availability and handle every booking for you.

How much does it cost to stay at Fugitives' Drift Guest House?

Stays at Fugitives' Drift Guest House start from around $190 per person per night as part of a tailor-made trip. The exact price depends on your travel dates, room type and the shape of the rest of your itinerary. A Timbuktu travel specialist can give you an accurate quote for your dates.

Fugitives' Drift Guest House

South Africa

KwaZulu Natal Battlefields

Delve into the history of South Africa in the hills that once cried with the cacophony of battle.