Isandlwana Lodge

Each of Isandlwana Lodge’s 12 Luxury En-suite Rooms which all feature either twin or double beds, a comfy seating area and a large desk/dressing table. Both air conditioning and overhead fans are provided to help maintain a comfortable temperature. The bedroom leads to an en-suite bathroom with a large vanity and sophisticated design. The rooms face out over the sweeping landscape of the Zululand Hills and the Isandlwana Mountain, which can be admired from the comfort of your private balcony with outdoor seating.

Guests at Isandlwana Lodge can look forward to three delicious home-cooked meals each day, all freshly prepared by the lodge’s chefs. In the evenings, enjoy sundowners and snacks beside the pool and admire the long shadows cast by the rocks and hills as the sun dips below the horizon, turning the sky a burning orange. Meals can be enjoyed in the thatched dining room, with a glass of local wine and incredible views of the plains.

Take a historical trip to the Isandlwana Battlefield, and learn about the events of 140 years ago, when British troops attempted to invade and were met by the brave Zulu Warriors who were not ready to give up their homeland. Follow in the footsteps of the advancing British forces until they were met by tens of thousands of warriors, their soldiers decimated.

Admire the incredible artefacts displayed at Isandlwana’s museum. Lectures and stories will be delivered throughout the day, giving a rich account of the events after the battle, and guests can view the white stone piles marking the graves of the fallen.

Guests can also travel to Rorke’s Drift, another famous battlefield from the Anglo-Zulu War where 139 British soldiers defended a medical base from 4,000 Zulu warriors and, against the odds, survived. Many of the British soldiers were wounded, sick or disabled, but they managed to defend themselves over the course of an entire night until the Zulu forces relented. After the battle, 11 Victoria Crosses and 5 Distinguished Conduct Medals were awarded to the troops, the most that has ever been given for a single battle.

Wander along the Fugitives Trail and take in the sight of what was once a battlefield, now just endless plains of natural beauty. During the warmer months, visitors can take a dip in the turquoise waters of the Buffalo River, not far from the burial place of Lieutenants Melville and Coghill, who both died in an attempt to rescue the Queen’s Colour after the Battle of Isandlwana. This walk takes approximately 3 hours.

Explore the cycling and horse trails and view the rural and remote settlements at KwaZulu-Natal. Guests can choose to either travel on one of the lodge’s bikes or one the back of one of the trained horses or large ponies. An experienced rider and guide will join you and teach you about the history of the area as you follow in the tracks of the Zulu Warriors from over a century ago and admire the endless landscape.

Guests can visit the Mkhuze game reserve and listen to the gentle melodies of the 300 bird species that reside within the Isandlwana region. Over 70 of the bird types can be seen from the lodge and its surrounding area, including vivid yellow Weaver Birds who build artistic spherical nests.

Visit the remote and scenic parts of Zululand on a guided cultural tour, and encounter Zulu families who have had little contact with Europeans. Guests will be able to visit the stunning Qhudeni Mountain, which reaches a staggering 6,000 feet and overlooks rich forests, rivers and ravines. Tours set off from the lodge at 10 am, and guests will reach Qhudeni via the recently established dirt roads. Discover a different way of living, surrounded by natural beauty.