A name now synonomous with the best in Heritage Tourism, David Rattray and his team have the international reputation of delivering thrilling, moving entertainment and wonderful food and hospitality in world class lodges.

Since 1989 Fugitives’ Drift continues to thrill people from all over the world with their detailed presentations of the famous battles of the Anglo-Zulu War and in particular the battles of Isandlwana and Rorke’s Drift.

The formula of entertaining guests with moving presentations on site and whilst traversing the country concerned vividly brings to life mental imagery of the scenes as they unfold, leaving noone unmoved.

The lodges themselves provide superb homely comfort in very comfortable surroundings, South African farm style. Guests dine together and socialise easily whilst reliving the day’s experience. The chef of course is at least partly responsible for the general atmosphere of bonhomie in the lodges with award-winning cuisine and fine wines, his fusion of local and modern flavours is superb.

The Zulu War of 1879 is renowned for these two geat battles and this spectacular property overlooks both battlefields and the site where Lieutenant Melvill and Lieutenant Coghill famously lost their lives saving the Queens’s Colour. The scenery is dramatic and when brought to life by the finest guides in South Africa becomes utterly fantastic. Game walks and horserides through the reserve are offered along with fishing on the Buffalo River.

Britain’s military involvement in the province did not end here and this war was closely followed by the Anglo-Boer in which, as Kipling said, the Brits “were taught no end of a lesson” at Colenso, Ladysmith and Spioenkop. Rattray’s newest addition, Three Tree Hill Lodge, hosts guests wishing to learn about this further extraordinary chapter of our colonial military past.

Fugitives’ Drift Lodge - originally the Rattray homestead - comprises eight luxury cottages each with their own verandah with glorious views over the African plain. The lodge has a beautiful, shady and well-established garden and a lovely large swimming pool for those lazier moments. The dining room and lounge are veritable museums of Zulu War memorabilia.

The Guest House is the converted  home of Mr Pot - one of the area’s great storeytellers. A charming sitting and dining room, again filled with historical pieces now occupy the house and the six guest cottages have verandahs looking towards Isandlwana in the distance. There is a boma for firelit dining outdoors and the shimmering pool overlooks the natural bushveld.

In the foothills of the Drakensberg, Three Tree Hill is set in some of South Africa’s most stunning scenery facing the atmospheric peak of Spioenkop and the valley below teeming with wildlife. Colonial design with library the lodge has a relaxed atmosphere and each of the six cottages has its own deck and Spioenkop is visible from every bath!