Taking a trip to Fugitives Drift was something I had never really envisaged myself doing. It’s off the beaten track from that of the cliché tourist check list when visiting South Africa, and it’s not an overly energetic experience – which as you’re aware I am always seeking. That being said it was probably the most relaxing and mentally invigorating experiences I have had in a long time.
Heading from Cheetah Ridge in Nambiti along past the South African wilderness we began out journey. Passing the Rorke’s Drift and the local alpaca en route, a gate awaited our entry into Fugitives Drift. Pulling up outside I felt like I was about to enter some kind of heath retreat as it was that quiet and laid out in a very welcoming way. Only a few members of staff were beavering around with one dedicated to greeting us and checking us in. After a 1hr 30 commute from my previous stop at Cheetah ridge, I couldn’t wait to drop my bags off and have a shower. Luckily I was in one of the stunning lodges, which was conveniently a short trot from the main communal area.
My room was what I’d call the ultimate definition of bliss. It was rustic chic with a gorgeous bed, a sofa area and a bath that looked out into a vision of pure stillness. No television or electronics were there which to be honest was a genius idea. Initially I was thinking how the devil I was going to cope, but sometimes you use that as your ‘go to’, when really you miss what’s happening around you. There were homemade products in the form of lotions including bath salts which I fell in love with. I must admit sitting in a bath next to a huge window watching the world and the birds tweet outside, was quite possibly the best part of my trip and even now when I’m attempting to relax I think back to it. It was there I had a rare time, as for once I stopped my racing mind. I truly embraced Fugitives Drift and everything it was about.
The whole idea of this place is to embark travellers on a journey through the heritage of South African history, and that is in the form of the Anglo battle of Zulu. You stay at the lodge then whatever day you book for, you are taken on a tour guiding you through the history, all of which is not too far away. You can see the Isandlwana and Rorke’s Drift battlefields from the 1879 Anglo Zulu war. It is actually a family run company who have been hosting holiday makers for years, and has been passed from one generation to the next after the father tragically past away.
Without a shadow of a doubt, pure passion and drive is whirling around this place, with all staff eager to share their love of the history. We were taken on a walking tour of the famous battle fields and the museum that stands proud. It wasn’t necessarily something I would of chosen to do, but none the less it was very interesting and really opened my eyes to all the history. They offer two tours and you are driven by a member of the staff who takes you on a detailed guide. On the ride there an audio recording sets the scene with staff readily waiting any questions from the group.
Back at the main place you dined with other people staying at the lodge in their huge dining hall, for lunch and dinner. Many had chats around an open roaring fire in the evening in the main area outside, giving plenty of opportunity to meet other people and discuss where and what you’d been exploring.
It was somewhere I found that simply reading a book in the ambient setting was plenty, regardless if you went to see the famous battle fields or not. There was enough to keep you occupied, but ideally aimed at all those looking for a slower pace to unwind. There is actually an outdoor swimming pool but when I went in September it was a little too chilly for that! There are lots of hidden nooks where you can curl up with a book, but checking out the panoramic views up at the library has to be one of my favourite things. History with a dash of chill is the Fugitives Drift.
Accommodation ranges from R2500 peak season with two people sharing. To find out more about my South Africa trip check out my blog here. Also have a look at the Fugitives Drift official website.
*This accommodation was complimentary but all opinions are that of my own*
Louise Joy says
This looks amazing and so lovely, sometimes it's definitely worth going off the beaten track! x
Annie Bean says
Yeah totally. Sometimes being a tourist without being a typical tourist is good!
Emily Thorpe says
Visiting South Africa is definitely on my list of places to go! And while your visit to the Ango Zulu Battlefields may not have been cliche, it sounds like such an incredible experience!
Musings & More
Annie Bean says
You must go! Game drive was a life changing experience. It really was an incredible experience.
Joanna Victoria -x says
This looks like such a lovely place. What an incredible experience
Annie Bean says
Yeah it truly was!
Dannii Martin says
Visiting South Africa is high on my list. This post has made me want to go even more now.
Annie Bean says
I am so pleased! You should check out my other SA posts
Nayna Kanabar says
What a beautiful place to visit, the scenery is amazing.
Annie Bean says
The views were my favourite part really. It was so surreal.
Becca @ Amuse Your Bouche says
This sounds so interesting! I absolutely love South Africa, it's got such a fascinating history.
Annie Bean says
I hadn't really investiagted its history much before, but it is so interesting.
Anna Nuttall says
Beautiful photos, it look so peaceful. I bet it was an amazing visit. xx
http://www.annanuttall.com
Annie Bean says
Thanks Anna 🙂 It was very beautiful.
Liz Mays says
I like how relaxing and slow-paced it was. We need more of that kind of travel in our lives, don't we?
Annie Bean says
Exactly Liz! Sometimes you forget to unwind on holiday and instead pack so much into it.
Emily Rose Vass says
I've always wanted to visit South Africa, this looks incredible!
Annie Bean says
You really must. Safari was my favourite but this was up there with being an awesome experience.
Stella Olojola says
This is so beautiful. What an incredible place to visit.
Annie Bean says
Yep Stella you're right – so beautiful! You should have a look on their website or follow the SA tourist board on twitter.
Caffeinated Reactions says
Wow! What a beautiful place! The scenery looks absolutely gorgeous!
Annie Bean says
Those views were unreal.
Lilinha Angel says
Such an interesting place to visit. the accommodation looks fantastic! 🙂
http://lilinhaangel.com/
Annie Bean says
Totally! Yeah I was a bit worried having no means of communication anywhere, but it was really mentally invigorating!
beautyqueenuk says
The views are just stunning, not something I feel I could ever tired of looking at x
Annie Bean says
I know! I always thought I'd get bored at something like this, when reading about it on paper – absolute opposite.
Cattitude & Co. says
This looks like a lovely place, your photographs are just gorgeous!
Annie Bean says
Thank you that means a lot! I was trying so hard to capture how beautiful it was.
Hannah Heartss says
Looks like a lovely place – I hope I get to visit one day x
Annie Bean says
It is actually really reasonable to fly over to SA
Lubka Henry says
Absolutely love your stunning pictures! You made me dream of a new trip now 🙂
Annie Bean says
Thank you! 🙂
Claire Cly says
What a fantastic place to visit, your photos are absolutely amazing 🙂
Annie Bean says
You should check out their website for more information. Thanks! It was really tough to try and capture!
ana de jesus says
One of my housemates is South African and they have been urging me to go asap. This post just intensified that sentiment.
Annie Bean says
Glad to hear it! If you need any tips or help with planning a trip let me know.
Elizabeth S says
That sounds like the perfect place to go and relax and then go get a bit of culture and history when you feel like it. Beautiful photos!
Annie Bean says
Thank you! Glad you liked the photos
Jemma @ Celery and Cupcakes says
South Africa is on my list of places to visit one day/ This looks lovely!
Annie Bean says
You have to go it is absolutely beautiful!
Melanie Ed says
My sister went to South Africa this year for a holiday and had a great time. It does look lovely there x
Annie Bean says
Really what did she get up to whilst she was there? Game drive?
Ashleigh - www.beingashleigh.com says
I absolutely would love to go South Africa. The views here look amazing!
Ashleigh x
http://www.beingashleigh.com – UK fashion, lifestyle and travel blog
Life-As-Mum says
What a wonderful experience. Looks like such a beautiful and amazing place