Isibindi Zulu Lodge Rorkes Drift

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Email Isibindi Zulu Lodge Reservations: booksa@madbookings.com

iSibindi Zulu Lodge is situated within the 4000 acre Isibindi Eco-Reserve which offers diverse habitats ranging from montane grassland and valley thornveld to riverine forests. The reserve is home to abundant indigenous game, morning and evening game drives are offered and there is excellent bird watching. It is also quite safe to walk or take a picnic along one of the meandering river beds and view Giraffe, Zebra,Wildebeest, etc.

Sibindi Zulu Lodge offers guided tours of the Anglo-Zulu battlefields. Tours must be pre-booked so that arrangements can be made with our preferred guides to take the tours. The chilling accounts of the battles of Rorke's Drift and Isandlwana present a deeper insight of the rich history in the area. Presented alongside the military narrative, a complete picture of the impact of the Anglo-Zulu campaign on both the Zulu and British nations is formed.

Isibindi Zulu Lodge Accommodation

Bedrooms
Architecturally inspired by the traditional Zulu beehive shape, the beehive suites offer panoramic views of the game reserve and its diverse habitats ranging from montane grassland to riverine forests.

Each Beehive suite has its own viewing deck overlooking the game reserve and the surrounding hills like Rorke's Drift. All rooms are en-suite with separate bath and spacious shower.

The Honeymoon suite, comanding views of a particularly game rich area of the reserve, has a romantic sunken stone bath. The rooms are individually set along the ridge ensuring ones privacy in this tranquil environment.

Main Lodge
The main lodge set amongst huge Buffalo Thorn Trees and dolorite boulders boasts a homely lounge with a large fireplace, a library, a unique bar carved out of a Wait-a-Bit Thorn Tree, a swimming pool with a view and spacious verandah. The privately set swimming pool has breathtaking views over the game reserve. Guests gather around the bar in the evenings to recall the days safari on the Anglo-Zulu Battlefields or a game walk on the game reserve.

Isibindi Zulu Lodge takes pride in its cuisine and has developed a reputation for its unique presentation of South African Fair. Breakfasts and lunches are either served al fresco at the swimming pool or on the verandah.

Isibindi Zulu Lodge Activities

Battlefield tours
The tour includes a description of the context of the Anglo-Zulu War and events leading up to the outbreak of hostilities in January 1879. The battlefield tour starts at approximately 8h30 when guests are collected by their guide and head for Isandlwana. This battle was considered the greatest defeat in British colonial history and as the dramatic events of the day unfold, guests begin to envisage the tragedy and the bravery of this extraordinary battle that took place during a solar eclipse.

At approximately 12h00 guests travel to Rorke's Drift to enjoy a picnic lunch. The events of Rorke's Drift (the battle proceeded from Isandlwana to Rorke's Drift later in the same day) are described, as well as a short tour of the museum. Eleven Victoria Crosses were awarded at Rorke’s Drift for bravery, this being the largest amount awarded to any single regiment in British history.

Other battlefields and sites of historical interest in the area, such as Fugitives Drift; the site of the death of the French Prince Imperial and Blood River can be visited by prior arrangement.

Tours usually last a day, but are tailor-made to suit your particular interests and can also be arranged as a half day activity. This activity needs to be pre-booked.

Zulu Boma Dinner
At iSiBiNDi Zulu Lodge you are offered the opportunity of learning about the Zulu culture which still retains many of its traditional aspects. A Zulu Experience, as we call it, usually starts just as the sun starts to set, shedding golden light over the koppies (hills). Guests are lead down a winding, narrow path through dense bush to a clearing. As you emerge into the clearing, you come upon a traditional Zulu umuzi (family homestead). Here, you smell the smoke from the cooking fire and hear the cattle lowing, the beating of drums and the singing of the dancers. Before sun set, you are given an energetic and powerful performance of Zulu dancing and singing, the fading light adding to the magic of this unforgettable experience. A tour of a traditional home is also given to explain more about the Zulu ways.

A Zulu meal follows comprising traditional cuisine such as phutu (stiff maize meal porridge), isijingi (sweet pumpkin mash), umngqush (samp and beans with butter) and inyama (meat and potato stew) and is served in the Kraal of the Umuzi, under the night sky(weather depending). A knowledgeable guide is present throughout the experience to answer any questions and to share the Zulu traditions and customs with you.

(Provided for any guests staying 2 or more nights. If staying only one night, must be requested).

Zulu Homestead Visit
This is a full day trip departing after breakfast. We head off to Elandskraal Store first, which is a traditional Zulu trading store where you can buy pots, curios and mingle with the locals. From there we go to a farmhouse to meet a lovely family involved in subsistence farming, who will show you around and explain how they farm. This is followed by a visit to a local village halfway between Rorke’s Drift and Isandlwana. Our lead Zulu dancer at the Lodge – Senzo, will escort and explain the everyday life of the people living here as well as hopefully seeing the resident Sangoma (witchdoctor). If she’s home, she will invite us into her house and explain her beliefs and practices and also show her special muti (magic potions). After this tour we drive to the nearby Museum for a picnic lunch and also have the opportunity to buy from the craft shop there. We usually return to the lodge around 3-3:30pm.

Game Drives/Walks
Guided game drives and walks are available on request and subject to availability. All drives are in open game viewing vehicles to enable 360 degree viewing. The game farm can also be explored on foot as we have no dangerous predators, making it safe to walk. Do bear in mind that there are snakes in the bush, so always keep your eyes open! We encourage you to walk as much as you like.

We have 18 species of hoofed mammals on the reserve, including Giraffe, Burchell’s Zebra, Black Wildebeest (White-tailed Gnu), Blue Wildebeest (Common Gnu), Red Hartebeest, Nyala, Bushbuck, Blesbok, Waterbuck, Common and Mountain Reedbuck, Impala, Kudu, Grey Duiker, Steenbok and Warthog. There is also a diverse array of carnivores including the elusive Leopard and smaller species such as Black-backed Jackal, 3 Mongoose species, Caracal (Lynx), 2 otter species and the Honey Badger (Ratel). The birdlife here is abundant and extremely rewarding for keen birders. Even novice birders will have a fabulous time spotting! Our species list currently stands at 234.

Fishing
The Buffalo River forms the eastern boundary of the reserve and provides some excellent fishing opportunities. Barbel and Yellowfish (Scaly) are both to be found in the river. Guests must bring all their own fishing equipment, including bait. Transport to the river is on foot (about a 5km walk) or by 4 x 4 vehicle.

Special
If travelling with children, a trip to the low flowing Isibindi River can be arranged for a bit of a swim and perhaps some tube riding down this gentle flowing River. (Parents supervision required and at own risk)

Picnics can also be arranged for guests wishing to picnic on the reserve.

Bush breakfasts can also be provided with prior arrangement; this will consist of a game drive with a break somewhere in the bush to enjoy a breakfast cooked to order.

Email Isibindi Zulu Lodge Reservations: booksa@madbookings.com