Fugitives’ Drift is world famous for its battlefield tours, led by knowledgeable and highly-qualified lecturers, steeped in the history of the region and telling the tale as they were taught to tell it by the renowned historian, David Rattray.
At Fugitives’ Drift Guest House there are 6 luxury twin en suite rooms. The Guest House was once the home of Mr and Mrs Potgieter who were immortalised in Gillian Rattray’s award-winning book “The Springing of the Year”. This old farmhouse has been altered and now forms the sitting and dining room. The original verandahs have been retained and the outside eating area has views across the plain with Isandlwana in the distance. The luxury en-suite rooms all have verandahs and sweeping views of the reserve. The Guest House has a large swimming pool with views across the plain.
Tours of Isandlwana start early, with guests departing in a vehicle listening to a tape narrated by David Rattray explaining the background to the Anglo-Zulu War. There is a stop at 9:00 for a comfort break and to view the museum at Isandlwana. The lecture on the battlefield begins at 9:45 until around 11:45, when tea, coffee and refreshments are served. Another tape, this time describing the story of the survivors and events after the battle of Isandlwana is played en route back to the Guest House, returning for lunch at 13:00.
Tours of Rorke’s Drift departs at 15:00. Guests have time to look through the museum at Rorke’s Drift before the lecture begins at 16:00. There is very little walking involved.
The lecture concludes around 18:00 and guests are then given the opportunity to look around the memorials and graveyard before returning to the Guest House.
