Where to stay in Fugitives’ Drift Natural Heritage Site
1 hand-picked glamping stay in and around the park.
Fugitives’ Drift Natural Heritage Site guide
Overview
Fugitives’ Drift lies on the Buffalo River in KwaZulu-Natal, between the battlefields of Isandlwana and Rorke’s Drift. It’s a private reserve and a Natural Heritage Site, named after the river crossing used by British soldiers fleeing the Battle of Isandlwana in January 1879.
The land is made of grassland, thornveld and the steep valley of the Buffalo River. The graves of two British officers who died at the crossing lie on the property.
Visitors come mainly for guided tours of the Anglo-Zulu War battlefields, as well as walks to see wildlife on the reserve.
Wildlife & Biodiversity
Wildlife
Giraffe, zebra, wildebeest, kudu and other antelope live on the reserve, and the river valley is good for birds.
Best Time to Visit
Short answer: May to October, in the dry winter, when the bush is thin and animals gather at water.
| Months | Season | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| May – Aug | Cool, dry season | The best game viewing. Mild days. |
| Sep – Oct | Spring | Warming up. Good game viewing. |
| Nov – Apr | Hot, wet season | Green and lush, with newborn animals and summer birds. |
Battlefield tours run all year, and winter days are usually clear.
Getting There
By air
| Airport | Best for | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| King Shaka International (DUR), Durban | Most fly-in visitors | About 3.5 hours by road. |
| O.R. Tambo International (JNB), Johannesburg | Long-haul arrivals and self-drive | About 4.5 hours by road. |
By road
From Dundee, drive south-east via the R33 and the Rorke’s Drift road. The last section is gravel.
Entrance & Fees
There's no separate reserve fee. Battlefield tours and activities are paid as part of your stay.
Confirm what is included when you book.
Fees last checked October 2026. No official fee schedule is published online.
