Things to do in South Africa

Off-road adventure at Fugitives’ Drift

Just head out into the reserve where you can often see antelope leaping in the tall grass or one of the many exotic bird species…

By Nicky Rattray

Founder and Owner of Fugitives' Drift Lodge

Not only is it embedded in history, but Fugitives’ Drift Lodge is one of those few places in South Africa from where, if you wanted, you could explore a private game reserve completely on your own. Without a predator in sight, giraffe, zebra, impala and bushbuck are just but a few of the thriving creatures that traverse this land.

With 5,000 acres and 22km of river frontage at your doorstep, there’s enough natural beauty to keep you entertained for days whether you want to take advantage of our adventurous activities or enjoy a solitary wander. In the summer, the bushveld transforms verdantly with plenty of wildlife scattering the plains. Just grab a map from reception and head out into the reserve where you can often see antelope leaping in the tall grass or one of the many exotic bird species like the African hornbill with its piping call and the purple-crested turaco.

A network of running and walking trails range from 3kms to a more challenging 12kms, each one leading to different look out points where you can catch your breath and enjoy the wild vistas. The adrenaline-inducing Fugitives’ Trail is our signature five-mile track running from Isandlwana back to the lodge and involves covering rough terrain and swimming parts of the Buffalo River depending on the water levels. There’s also room for more placid adventures. An entire day could be dedicated to fly-water fishing, casting your line for freshwater yellowfish, even if it’s just to gaze at the idyllic riverbank views.

Available in these itineraries…

Itinerary

KwaZulu-Natal Bush, Beach and Battlefields Self-Drive
by Becky Souissi

Length10 Days

Price range£4,425 - £5,250pp

Alfred & Nicky Rattray

Nicky and David Rattray moved to Rorke’s Drift in 1989 where they built Fugitives’ Drift Lodge. Self-effacing and modest, Nicky’s determination to make a home for her family has never been more evident than in the last several years where she continued running the lodge on her own. Nicky shared the same aspirations for the local Zulu people as her husband and continues their work as Chairperson of the David Rattray Foundation while extensively involved in the activities of KHULA Education

Plan your holiday withAlfred&

Your journey will start with one of our UK team – someone like Laura, who's travelled extensively in South Africa. They’ll shape your ideas into the trip of a lifetime. But they won't do it alone. They'll draw on the expertise of our contacts on the ground, connecting you to the people who'll make your holiday one you'll always remember - ex banker who can show you the hottest foodie spots in Cape Town, the award-winning young sommelier who can introduce you to Stellenbosch's finest wines and the walking safari ranger who can guide you to the best game.

Laura Preston

Travel Expert for Alfred&

Having travelled extensively through Africa, Laura has a wealth of experience. She is passionate about Tanzania’s diversity from the quiet wilds of Ruaha that feel completely private to the silvery sands of Zanzibar and Stone Town’s spice-laced streets. In South Africa, she sought out the best views over Table Mountain, cocktail in hand, as well as the lesser-visited Kruger conservancies for more exclusive safaris. But her favourite place in the world has to be the Serengeti for its wide-open plains and incredible game that epitomise that feeling of Africa.
Wayne Howarth

Head Safari Guide at Kariega Game Reserve

Wayne loves being outdoors and has spent most of his life between the family farm and working on Private Game Reserves in the Eastern Cape. He has been guiding at Kariega for 12 years. His qualifications include Field Guide Association of South Africa (FGASA) Level 2, Advance Rifle Handling, Skippers Licence Category R and first aid. One of his career highlights was becoming a finalist in the 2021 Safari Guide of the Year competition.
Rupesh Kassen

Founder and guide of Eat Like A Local

Rupesh Kassen abandoned his decade-long career in banking to move to East Africa, where he trained and worked as a chef. He later became immersed in South Africa’s food scene and worked as a food critic before setting up Eat Like A Local in Cape Town. Rupesh now offers guided food tours to showcase the city and its diverse culture and history through food.
Fundi Ziqubu

Sommelier

Fundi was born in Durban and fell in love with wine when it was introduced to her by a few Capetonian friends. On discovering her passion she got the chance to study wine with the department of tourism in collaboration with the Sommeliers Academy. Being appointed sommelier at Lanzerac was a career highlight and in 2019 Fundi was named most up-and-coming wine steward by the Distell Inter-Hotel challenge.
Ntobeko Ntshingila

Duty Manager at Three Tree Hill Lodge

Ntobeko has been part of the Three Trees family for 13 years and describes it as a lovely journey with lots of room for growth and experience. She has her own family, including a daughter of 18, and a son, aged three. She lives in a nearby village with her parents, four siblings and three nephews. When not spending time with her family she manages her broiler chicken business, which brings her extra income.
Cheryl Blackburn

Owner and guide, Three Tree Hill Lodge

Being born in the Kruger National Park instilled in Cheryl a love of nature and wildlife. Having lived and worked as a guide in the Kruger reserve, and also in Botswana, she eventually got the opportunity to run her own lodge, with her growing family, in the lush KwaZulu Natal Drakensberg region. She still finds time to guide guests on foot, tracking white rhino in the neighbouring Spioenkop Game Reserve.