RORKES DRIFT Attractions

KwaZulu Natal Destinations

Rorkes Drift, Battlefields

Isandlwana Lodge at Rorkes Drift

Rorke’s Drift, 46 kilometres southeast of Dundee, describes a natural crossing presented by a rocky outcrop that allows one to cross the Buffalo River on foot. To give one an idea of its significance, just 4 kilometres down from the drift the river enters a gorge and from here there is no easy crossing until it joins up with the Tugela River.

Rorke’s Drift thus provides an easy route from the northern plateau of Natal into Zululand, past the Isandlwana and Siphezi mountains. It was named after James Rorke who farmed near the crossing. After his death, the farm was taken over by a Swedish Mission that was to play a strategic role in one of the fiercest battles of the Anglo-Zulu War.

The countryside around Rorke’s Drift still manages to give true meaning to the description ‘unspoilt beauty’, and it is hard to imagine that this peaceful, undulating landscape was the scene of such violence. A visit to the Rorke’s Drift Battle Museum, which has received worldwide attention for its displays of the Anglo-Zulu War, gives an incredible audiovisual depiction of the Rorke’s Drift battle and others, and is well worth a visit.

The arts and crafts centre, which started as a workshop run by the Evangelical Lutheran Church, began when black artists received training from Swedish art teachers. Today the centre has received as much acclaim as the museum and the likes of Azaria Mbatha, sculptor Zuminkosi Zulu and lino-cut artist John Muafangejo received their training here. Students from here have gone on to achieve international acclaim, and today the centre specialises in hand woven tapestries, pottery and silkscreen fabrics.

Featured Attractions in (or near) Rorkes Drift

AmaZulu Game Reserve

Boasting 10 000 hectares, the Amazulu Private Game Reserve is made up of a varied ecosystem. This diversity includes savannah, mountains and wetlands which makes it the ideal home to the "Big Five" as well as giraffe, warthog and hyena not to mention over 15 different antelope species, hippopotamus and ... more information

Chelmsford Nature Reserve

The Chelmsford Nature Reserve, situated on the Ngagane River, lies just 70 kilometres from Ladysmith and is the site of the third largest dam in KwaZulu Natal, a wonderful venue for swimming, soaking up the sun and enjoying various water sports. The dam, which takes three hours to circumnavigate ... more information

Ithala Game Reserve

This magnificent Ithala Game reserve, tumbling from the heights of the Ngotshe Mountains a thousand meters down into a deep valley, carved over the aeons by the Phongolo River revealing the world's oldest rock formations, is a game viewers paradise. Situated in the rugged, mountainous thornveld of northern ... more information

Ntendeka Wilderness Area

South Africa's smallest and arguably most beautiful wilderness area is Ntendeka, consisting of 5 250 ha of undulating grasslands, verdant forests and dramatic cliffs with breathtaking waterfalls. Rivers and streams have formed deep valleys and the varied topography has resulted in great ... more information

Pondoro Private Game Reserve

The Pondoro Private Game Reserve comprises a pristine malaria free wilderness area of some 2500 hectares. Access to the reserve is restricted, enabling guests at Pakamisa to enjoy the exclusive experience of natural African bushveld with its unparalleled abundance of wildlife and exotic vegetation. Guests can ... more information

Spioenkop Dam Nature Reserve

Lying virtually at the foot of the rugged Spioenkop Mountain, the dam was the site of one of the most bloody battles to ensue during the Anglo-Boer War in an attempt to lift the Siege of Ladysmith, Spioenkop Dam Nature Reserve is 4 400 hectares of thorn savannah that contrast magnificently with the ... more information

Thanda Private Game Reserve

Situated 23km north of Hluhluwe in northern Zululand, Thanda Private Game Reserve is a celebration of the Zulu people and their rich culture. Not only will guests have the opportunity to learn more about their history and traditions, the people from the adjacent tribal land will benefit in many ... more information

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Things To Do in Rorkes Drift

Zulu Homestead Visit

Where: Rorkes Drift
How much (per person): On Request

When staying at Isibindi Zulu Lodge a separate day trip to a Zulu Homestead gives guests a rare chance to experience the life of a rural Zul ... more information

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