Isandlwana Lodge is an upmarket facility built on the Nyoni Rock below where the Zulu commander stood during the Battle of Isandlwana on 22 January, 1879. It is built of native stone with a thatched roof and offers 12 bedrooms, all en-suite, with private balconies. Isandlwana Lodge is within easy reach of some of South Africa’s major game reserves and it is an easy driving distance from Rorke’s Drift and Anglo Boer. Rob Gerrard, FRGS, resident historian at Isandlwana Lodge, takes guests on tours of the battlefields where he makes history come alive.
Accommodation
Isandlwana Lodge offers twelve luxury rooms all en-suite and tastefully decorated in a mixture of ethnic, traditional and modern styles. The bedrooms and the main level of the lodge provide unsurpassed views of Isandlwana Mountain, the charming cultural village below and the mountain ranges in the distance. The rooms are attractive with furniture made of African woods and fabrics that are hand-painted or silk-screened. The over-all theme is in keeping with the natural look of the Zulu Village of which the Lodge is a part.
Unwind in our pool built among the rocks after a day on the battlefields. Enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of the library where you can hone up on your history. Make new friends in the pleasant surroundings of our lounge and allow our specialist chef to provide you with some of the best food in KwaZulu-Natal or just relax on your private balcony.
Activities
Isandlwana and Rorke’s Drift are flagship tours. Other Anglo Zulu and Anglo Boer tours require prior arrangement.
BATTLEFIELD TOURS
Join resident historian, Rob Gerrard on battlefield tours and be enthralled by this powerful story, and by intriguing tales of Kings and Generals, warriors and soldiers who fought at Isandlwana. Flagship tours are Isandlwana and Rorke’s Drift. Tours of other Anglo-Zulu and Anglo Boer war sites should be booked in advance. Day trips to the nearby sites including interesting areas such as Ncome (Blood River) Battlefield; Talana Museum and the Prince Imperial Monument.
GAME RESERVES
Isandlwana Lodge is within comfortable driving distance of several of South Africa’s most spectacular game reserves, enabling guests to combine enjoyment of Zululand’s rich wildlife heritage as well as the living history of the battlefields. Visit the infamous Umfolozi and Hluhluwe Game Reserves as well as the superb Mkhuze Game Reserve.
HORSE RIDING
Ride as far as the eye can see with no fence or boundary is a rare treat to most. As one savors the experience, it is easy to imagine the creak of ox wagons, the crack of rifles, the chant of warriors and the smells of gunpowder, leather and smoky bivouacs under the vast African sky. This is an outsourced activity and booking is available on request.
ISANDLWANA HISTORIC RESERVE
You may walk through the Isandlwana Historic Reserve where you will see various birds and game such as Impala and Zebra. In certain parts, you may find cairns (piles of white stones) which mark mass graves of British soldiers who fought and died at Isandlwana.
FUGITIVE’S TRAIL WALK
This walk is approximately 3 hours and should be taken only by the physically fit. It is a must for those really interested in the Battle of Isandlwana. At times, in the summer months, one will have to swim the Buffalo River. Other times, it is possible to skip across on the rocks.
BIRDING TOURS
There are over 300 species of birds which may be seen in the region of Isandlwana during the year. In the immediate area of the Lodge, there are over 70 species.
CULTURAL & PHOTOGRAPHIC TOURS
Our cultural tours to Qhudeni are generally taken by a European guide, accompanied by a Zulu and take a full day. A region of large mountains, huge ravines, rivers and natural forests. Qhudeni Mountain stands 6000 feet above sea level. Only recently have dirt roads been blazed into this region to allow taxis and other off-road automobiles access. One can encounter Zulu women and children who have had little or no contact with Europeans.
One always has to decide what to do and where to go as the tour progresses due to the condition of the dirt roads. For those keen on photography, this tour is an opportunity of a lifetime for capturing some spectacular scenery on film. The cultural events offered at Isandlwana village may be seen at Qhudeni, but in more natural environments due to the remoteness of the area.
DAY TRIPS IN ZULULAND
There are a number of trips one can take on one’s own which are within easy driving distance of Isandlwana Lodge.
MANGENI FALLS
This is the spot where Chelmsford was having tea when the Zulus attacked the camp at Isandlwana. During the winter months there is very little water, but the gorge is beautiful. The surrounding area offers some of the most magnificent scenery in Zululand. In late afternoon, the Cape Bald Ibis come to roost on the rocks. It is about a twenty minute drive from the Lodge.
PRINCE IMPERIAL MONUMENT
Journey to the spot where the Prince Imperial was killed during the Anglo Zulu War. The Prince was the last of the Bonaparte line and the only child of Empress Eugenie who was broken-hearted at the death of her son.
BLOOD RIVER
The laager of bronze wagons that formed the fortress for Boers in the battle with the Zulus on 16 December 1838 is worth a visit to the site.
TALANA MUSEUM
Known as the finest museum in KwaZulu Natal, Talana is located on the outskirts of Dundee at the site of the first battle of the Second Anglo Boer War
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