Battlefields

SPION KOP LODGE
The lodge overlooks the Spionkop battlefield and is located on a 700 hectare game farm, the land once being the Headquarters of General Sir Redvers Buller. The original homestead has 8 beautifully appointed suites-each with a verandah looking onto the gardens. The main building houses a small library containing many historic books, a lounge and sun lounge. There is a dining room with stunning views, cosy pub and a rock swimming pool in the gardens. Tours of the surrounding battlefields with a knowledgeable guide can be arranged as can activities such as game viewing in the nearby Spion Kop Game Reserve and canoeing on the Tugela River.

WOODRIDGE COUNTRY HOTEL
This stylish 4 star hotel is located close to Nottingham Road and makes an ideal base from which to explore the varied surrounding countryside known as the ‘Midlands Meander’. The chalets overlook the formal gardens towards the Balgowan valley and are perfect for families as they also have a loft area with 2 beds accessed by an external stairway (suitable for children between the age of 8 and 12). There are also suites which look out over the swimming pools to the Woodridge Nature Reserve. The hotel is noted for its fine cuisine and boasts four dining experiences which include a boma, riverside breakfast dining, restaurant and informal grill room. Numerous sporting and leisure activities are available on and off site.

THREE TREES HILL
The lodge, named after the hill on which General Sir Charles Warren had his Headquarters, faces the atmospheric peak of Spionkop. The six cottages have been built using mostly wood and iron to resemble the housing kits brought out in 19th century. Each has a verandah with magnificent views –even from the bath! In the main house, guest areas include a sundeck and wide verandah which are ideal for sundowners overlooking the hills, library with many historical books, lounge and dining room. There is a swimming pool in the gardens. Tours of Spionkop, the bloodiest battle of the war for both Briton and Boer, are conducted daily (charge applicable).

FUGITIVES' DRIFT GUEST HOUSE
Nearby to the lodge is the Guest House, originally owned by Mr Potgieter and known as Mr Pot’s house. The old farmhouse has been converted into a charming sitting room and dining room, filled with fascinating memorabilia. There are six large en suite cottages, each individually decorated and all having a private verandah from which there are sweeping views of the reserve and surrounding battlefields. There is a small swimming pool in the gardens. Daily tours are operated to the surrounding battlefields by expert guides (charges applicable). Other activities include bird watching, horse riding and walks. A hallmark of Fugitives’ is the relaxed and friendly atmosphere.

FUGITIVES' DRIFT LODGE
The lodge is close to the historic battlefield and 'sphinx' of Isandlwana. It has always been regarded as ‘the place to stay' and the legacy left by David Rattray continues to be upheld and a visit here is sure to leave you with a lasting impression. The lodge, on the site of the original Rattray homestead, has 6 attractive cottage bedrooms each with a private verandah giving views of the plains flanking the Buffalo River gorge. A feature of the lodge is the beautiful shady garden, home to innumerable birds, and the most stunning swimming pool situated on a secluded spur on the lip of the gorge. Daily tours are operated to the surrounding battlefields by expert guides (charges applicable).

ISANDLWANA LODGE
This excellent lodge is situated on one of the most remarkable historic sites and visually stunning locations in Southern Africa – overlooking the Isandlwana battlefield. Each of the 13 bedrooms has a private balcony with views over spectacular scenery. The décor of the lodge is a mixture of ethnic and modern styles, and the furniture is crafted from indigenous African woods. In the ambience of the lounge, thatched dining room or bar there is ample opportunity to mix with fellow guests. The resident historian, Rob Gerrard, and his colleagues undertake fascinating guided half day and full day battlefield & cultural tours (charge applicable). For relaxation after a day of sightseeing there is a swimming pool.

DAWSONS GAME & TROUT LODGE
This new lodge is well located when driving from the Drakensberg Mountains or battlefields to the Kruger National Park area or from Swaziland into South Africa. It lies where the High and Lowveld escarpments meet and this gives dramatically different climates, flora and fauna. There are eight individually styled Colonial bedrooms each with air-conditioning, fireplace and private balcony. Facilities include a restaurant, bar, lounge, library and in the gardens is a swimming pool. Various activities are available and include guided game drives and walks to view the plains game, angling for trout, bass and yellow fish, horse riding and scenic forest and waterfalls walks.