Kwa Zulu Natal, bush, beach, battlefields & safari - self drive

Stories of the Anglo-Zulu war have endured and enchanted for almost a century and a half. The famous battles of Isandlwana and Rorke’s Drift have captured the interests and imaginations of countless people for generations, as they did in Victorian Britain.

The epic of Isandlwana was a battle which shook imperial Britain to its core and questioned the illusion of European superiority. How did a force, armed largely with spears and shields, overcome a modern British army?

The tour departs after breakfast, at 7:30. On the way to Isandlwana, guests listen to a tape narrated by David Rattray which gives a 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 and end at around 11:30, when 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 Lodge or Guest House, returning for lunch at 13:00.

The stories of the Anglo-Zulu war have endured for almost a century and a half. The battle of Rorke’s Drift is one of the most famous battles in the English-speaking world and was later the subject of the 1964 Hollywood blockbuster, Zulu.

A brave little band of British soldiers, many sick and disabled, held out all night against an overwhelming Zulu force. Douglas Rattray’s emotionally charged talk covers the battle at Rorke’s Drift through the experiences of the individual soldiers who, through great acts of selflessness and bravery, managed to hold out in the face of such dire odds.

Eleven Victoria Crosses and five Distinguished Conduct Medals were awarded for actions at Rorke’s Drift, restoring British military honour and securing its reputation as one of the most remarkable stands in British military history.

The tour to 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 a just before 18:00 and guests are then given the opportunity to look around the memorials and graveyard before returning to the Lodge and Guest House.

In 1879, the British invaded Zululand. The central of the three major invading columns forded the Buffalo River at Rorke’s Drift. Within days, Lord Chelmsford’s invasion was in jeopardy. Part of his central column had been almost annihilated at Isandlwana, in a battle rated as one of the greatest military disasters in British colonial history. A few survivors struggled back into Natal, crossing the mighty Buffalo River at the Fugitives’ Drift.

A few hundred yards from our lodge, two officers died in a heroic attempt to save the Queen’s Colour of their regiment, and became the first men in history to earn posthumous Victoria Crosses. We are privileged to have these brave men, Lieutenants Melvill and Coghill, buried where they fell on our property.

Join one of our complimentary daily guided walks down to the graves of Melvill and Coghill. The graves walk takes approximately one hour and includes 3km of stunning views across the Buffalo River and, often, encounters with wildlife. It is a relatively easy walk, but does involve a short climb.

Fugitives’ Drift is renowned for delivering awe-inspiring battlefield tours that bring the battles of Rorke’s Drift and Isandlwana to life. This experience gives a deep and tangible insight into some of the most moving of South Africa’s battlefields. Fugitives’ Drift is expanding on these experiences
with the addition of dedicated tours for children under 12 years of age.

While our world-renowned tours set off with the parents, shorter, more interactive tours on the property, led by a guide, will engage and inspire their children with stories of the bravery and courage of the British soldiers and Zulu warriors. These tours will be followed by a game walk and a more cultural encounter, which can be tailored to suit the individual needs or ages of the children.

Fugitives' Drift has an ever-expanding network of single track ranging from flat to steep, technical and not-so-technical. We have lots of Jeep track (two track).

Enjoy breath-taking views, and viewing the array of plains game that live on the reserve - such as giraffe, zebra, blesbok, kudu, wildebeest, impala, and more.

You do need to bring your own bicycle and helmet if this is an activity that you are interested in.

Fugitives Drift Lodge and Guest House are nestled amid the green slopes of the 2500-hectare Fugitives Drift Nature Reserve. The reserve is home to an abundance of indigenous flora and fauna species, including zebra, giraffe, different kind of antelope and approximately 300 species of bird.

These walking trails can be enjoyed at your leisure, either with or without one of our trained field guides.

Our informative guides are certified with the Field Guide Association of South Africa and have an extensive knowledge of all aspects of our African bushveld. The guided tours take guests along scenic walking trails through the reserve surrounds, while focusing attention on the vegetation, spoor, game (large and small!), birds, insects, medicinal properties and other fascinating facts.

Guests can experience the diversity of our reserve safely on foot as a relaxed and informative activity – the duration and distance of the walks can be tailored to suit guest’s individual walking preference, but generally last for 2 hours, covering 2 or 3 km.

For those keen on fly fishing, our game reserve is bordered by the Buffalo River Gorge and provides a fantastic fishing spot. Spend a morning in spectacular and tranquil surroundings, fishing for Natal Yellow Fish

Natal Yellowfish, also affectionately known as Scaly (Yellowfish), are a freshwater fish endemic to eastern South Africa, and KZN in particular. They can grow up to 65cm in length and weigh up to 4.5kg. The are an incredibly strong fighting fish, and readily take a well drifted fly.

Kindly note that you will need to bring your own equipment. Fishing in the Buffalo River is also season dependent and can only be done between May and October (with the best time being June – September).

Please also note that all fishing is strictly catch-and-release.

Another exciting excursion is to Blood River. This is where a battle was fought between the Boers and the Zulus on the 16th December (now a public holiday in South Africa), 1838. This trip is well worth the drive: 64 life-sized solid bronze wagons now sit on the site of the battle and are quite remarkable.

This facility is a delightful place to have lunch or while away a couple of hours taking in the view.
It is also an ideal venue for a party.

For Conference Use - Includes a mid-morning tea-break, bottled water & mints. Lunch and afternoon tea is included in the overnight rate. Screen & Projector for use. Rate is charged per day.

KwaZulu Natal is home to South Africa’s most prestigious golf courses and country clubs.
With these fine golfing destinations being located in panoramic locations along the
North Coast, it’s no wonder the region remains a popular golfing destination.
Nestled along the Thompsons Bay coastline in Shaka’s Rock just north of Durban, the
newly-built Sala Beach House is the perfect home-away-from-home for golfers of all
handicaps who wish to explore the various golf courses in and around the Dolphin
Coast.

3 night Golf Package is availalable with green fees, transfers and golf cart rental.

North Coast Country Clubs and Golf Courses
Almost a stone’s throw from Sala Beach House, the North Coast’s country clubs and golf
courses are of international standards, surrounded by incredible natural beauty.

● Zimbali Country Club
Distance from Sala Beach House – 5,6km (12 minutes drive)
This private Tom Weiskopf-designed 18-hole course provides world-class, eco-
conscious golfing, a hybrid course of links and coastal forest, and breathtaking
sea views.

● Simbithi Country Club
Distance from Sala Beach House – 2,6km (7 minutes drive)
Another Peter Matkovich-designed wonder, the 18-hole Simbithi golf course
remains one of South Africa’s most prestigious golfing destinations, set on a 430-
hectare coastline paradise.

● Umhlali Country Club
Distance from Sala Beach House – 5,7km (12 minutes drive)
The Umhlali Country Club is notorious for its energetic ambience and social vibe.
The 18-hole Peter Matkovich-designed course is complemented by stunning
facilities that include tennis courts, squash courts, and bowls on-site for those
looking for a variety of activities.

● Prince’s Grant Golf Estate
Distance from Sala Beach House – 36,8km (35 minutes drive)
This Peter Matkovich-designed course was reconstructed in November 2020,
offering links and parkland layouts of large greens and impressive fairways – a
unique and challenging day out for golfers of all handicaps. The Prince’s Grant
Golf Course consistently ranks in South Africa’s Top 20 courses

Sala Beach Spa is a secluded and intimate spa designed to indulge you with the highest quality treatments in a calm and secluded atmosphere. Each Sala Beach Spa treatment is designed to cater to individual needs and is guided by a highly trained, intuitive therapist, ensuring a truly personalised experience. The products that are used include Terres d'Afrique and QMS Medicosmetics

To complete your Wellness journey, various meal plans and yoga, reiki or sound baths are available by prior arrangement.

The protected tidal pools and rocky coastline are home to interesting marine life, with over 50 species of fish, corals, a wide variety of invertebrates and big shoals swimming around. Highlights include Parrot fish, Damsels, Surgeons, Butterfly fish, Moray Eels and loads of other colourful fish.

Private guided snorkelling tours (2hr) and coastal walks (3hrs) available

Twice daily game drives are conducted to explore the magnificent hills and valleys of the Hluhluwe iMfolozi Park. Nothing is predictable in the bush; therefore each safari offers a potentially new and unique experience. Our guides will share their wealth of bush experience which involves the identifications of animals, trees, grasses, insects and birds. The medicinal uses of plants and local folk lore is also discussed as well as looking for the ever fascinating Big 5!

Guests can enjoy guided walks lasting 3-4 hours inside the park in Big 5 territory. No children under 14 years. Additional cost.

Treat yourself to a relaxing spa treatment - extra cost.

Visits into the local Mpembeni Community are offered as well as a visit to the Isibindi Foundation community centre.

SCUBA diving at Mabibi is phenomenal. Our professional lodge diving team can accommodate enthusiasts, from the beginner to the veteran. For those who don't dive, we have an Open Ocean Experience. An exciting launch through the surf in front of the lodge takes you beyond the breakers to a world of dolphins, whales and many other creatures. The warm Indian Ocean supports a myriad of fish and marine life.
Guests can sometimes swim with dolphins or whale sharks, or snorkel with Manta rays and giant turtles. Scuba Diving and ocean experience are at an extra cost.

Daily guided snorkeling is done a 5 minute walk away from the Lodge at low tide in our beautiful rock pools. Guided snorkelling is included in the rate.

In summer there are nocturnal walks and drives along the beach in search of pre-historic turtles laying their eggs. Witness the culmination of an incredible journey as giant Leatherback and Loggerhead turtles come ashore to lay their eggs in carefully prepared nests.

Turtle tracking is offered in the evening from November to end of February. The turtles lay their eggs from November to February. Hatchlings arrive from end December to end February.

Every precaution is taken to ensure these magnificent creatures are not disturbed during the laying process and data collected from the turtle drives is submitted to the Ezemvelo Turtle Monitoring program.
Turtle walks take place 3 times a week and are included in the rate.
Nightly turtle tracking in 4x4 vehicle is at an extra cost.

Open Ocean Experience. An exciting launch through the surf in front of the lodge takes you beyond the breakers to a world of dolphins, whales and many other creatures. The warm Indian Ocean supports a myriad of fish and marine life.

Guests can sometimes swim with dolphins or snorkel with Manta rays and giant turtles
Ocean Experience is an extra charge.

A leisurely drive along the lake shore looking for Hippo's , Birds and Crocodiles, then surrounded by the magical sounds of dusk settle with a drink to watch the sunset over the lake. Sundowners are Included in the rate, with either a glass of house wine, cider, local beer or soft drink per person.

Daily tours are on offer to visit the local rural Community of Mabibi. This includes a visit to the clinic and the school, as well as a homestead visit. Optional is to include a visit to the local Sangoma (witch doctor), which may incur a cost.

Standard tours are included in the rate.

Relax with a soothing treatment in the Sea Spa - extra charge.

Daily guided walks through the indigenous dune forest, where the local guides share their knowledge of the flora and fauna. This activity is included in the rate.

Take a fat bike out for a ride along the beach - great excercise and fun.