Fugitives Drift Review | African Safari Blog

David Rattray is synonymous with Fugitives Drift. His love and hard work put this obscure corner of Zululand on the world map. Initially, by him pioneering the new tourism sector of historical tours in South Africa and then by attracting the great and good of this world including several members of the British Royal Family to this area who consequently were important in financing the influential David Rattray Foundation.

I had not visited the lodge in several years. What struck me this time around was not the excellence of the historical lectures on the Anglo Zulu wars in situ on the battlefields of Rorke's Drift and Isandlwana, not the excellence of the hospitality, the hosts, the comfortable cottages nor the dining but the sheer beauty of the place.

With almost 2500 hectares over hill and dale overlooking the Buffalo River stocked with almost 2000 head of game, the private reserve of Fugitives Drift is stupendously beautiful. In many ways, I could almost ignore my strong interest in the history of the area and just indulge my senses. They keep a stable of horses and I was happy to do an outride to the distant cliff overlooking the river. I passed blue wildebeest, impala, a herd of giraffe and zebra with no skittishness on their part, mainly due to the fact that they had become habituated and there are no alpha predators stalking their existence. The flora of acacia trees, giant and bitter aloes and savannah was pure and untouched. With vantage points giving vistas of distant mountains and valleys, this natural paradise is inviting you to explore.

People will always come to Fugitives Drift to hear and feel the history but for a younger generation, the natural attractions will be perhaps a stronger pull. The reserve has several mountain bike trails crossing it and the area is host to two annual mountain bike races. With picnics on the river and natural bush walks, this is an area where city dwellers can detox from the stresses of modern life. Zululand demands a slower pace of life and in coming to Fugitives, you too will be able to enjoy that pace, at least for a few days.

Fugitives Drift Review

Aberdare National Park Safari

White Water Rafting Uganda

Celebrating David Livingstone In Zambia

Design in Cape Town

Kurland Hotel Review

Cottars 1920s Camp Review

Remote Lodges in Africa

As always one will find an intrepid soul who has taken the plunge and built a lodge or camp in what can only be described as the "Middle of Nowhere". This page is dedicated to those who are wanting to experience isolation like no other.

Africa's Ultimate Bucket List

It has become very fashionable to compile a list of things to see and do before one meets their maker. Here at Uyaphi.com we already have our "Ultimate Bucket List" of things in Africa that we have to do and see.

Best Baths in Africa

You can never be as relaxed as you are as in a bath. Now image that bath having one fantastic view out over the plains of Africa with wildlife and birdlife passing you by. That is what this page is all about, simply "The best Baths in Africa".

Star Beds in Africa

One of the newer and more exciting options safari lodges and camps throughout Africa are starting to offer is what is called a "Star Bed". Essentially a luxurious platform in the wilds overlooking a vantage point and open to the stars.

Africa's Most Luxurious Lodges

It might come as a surprise to many that some of the most luxurious and desired accommodation establishments on earth are found right here in Africa. This is our showcase of the most luxurious options that we have on offer.

Kruger Family Friendly Lodges

These are our favourite lodges and camps in and around the Kruger Park that offer family-friendly facilities and activities. Most lodges say that they take kids but there is only a handful that have the facilities to keep them busy, these lodges offer daily activities, kids safari options and baby sittings options.