Fugitives' Drift is in a malaria-free area. Summer is the rainy season and thunderstorms often occur in the afternoons. The days are hot and there are quite often very cool overcast days in the summer. Winters are generally mild and dry with warm days and chilly mornings and evenings. Always be prepared for a sudden change in the temperature, it can get cold very quickly.
There is approximately 36km of dirt road. This is a good road and a 4x4 vehicle is not necessary. Please ensure you have sufficient fuel for your onward journey. Please note the gate at the entrance to the property is locked at 6:00 pm. Please advise beforehand if you are going to arrive later than this. There is no cell phone reception at Fugitives' Drift Lodge and Guest House.
Directions from Johannesburg (5 hours)
Take the N3 out of Johannesburg south towards Durban. Just before the Wilge Toll Plaza take the Villiers turnoff (R103) and head towards Warden.
Take the R34 to Vrede, Memel and Newcastle. Go through Newcastle and turn right onto the Ladysmith road (N11).
After 16km take the R621 to Dannhauser, Hattingspruit and Dundee.
In Dundee, at the 4th traffic light (in the main street) turn right on the R33 towards Greytown.
Signboard for Greytown R33 is on the left of the road. After 14km turn left onto dirt to Rorke's Drift, drive for 29km to Rorke's Drift.
Go beyond Rorke's Drift for 2km and turn left onto the D31 signed Fugitives' Drift.
Go along this road for 7km through the big black gate until you see signs for the Lodge and Guest House, on the right. (The gate is locked at 6pm).
Directions from Durban (3 and a half hours)
Take the N3 to Pietermaritzburg. Take the glide-off (R33) to Greytown. In Greytown follow signs to Dundee.
Continue along the R33 through Keates Drift, Tugela Ferry and Pomeroy. Please be aware of speed humps.
10km after Pomeroy take the dirt road turnoff to the right, marked Elandskraal.
At Elandskraal (which consists of a church and a trading store) turn left to Rorke's Drift.
Go for about 14km and before you get to Rorke's Drift turn right onto the D31, sign posted Fugitives' Drift.
Go for about 7km (through the big black gates) and follow the signs for the Guest House or the Lodge. (Please note that the gate is locked at 6pm).
Alternative route from Durban is via Mooi River, Colenso, Ladysmith and Dundee. In Dundee take the R33 towards Greytown and follow the directions as from Johannesburg above.
Directions from Hluhluwe/Umfolozi area (4 hours)
From Empangeni take the R34 inland to Melmoth, then the R68 to Babanango (beware of potholes) and Nqutu.
40km from Babanango (before Nqutu) take the turn-off to the left, marked Isandlwana.
Follow this road past the Isandlwana Battlefield for 9km, then turn left onto the D30 and follow signs to Rorke's Drift.
Turn left at the T-junction to Rorke's Drift.
Go 2km beyond Rorke's Drift and you will see D31, marked Fugitives' Drift, on your left.
Take this dirt road, go through big black gates and follow the signs for the Guest House and the Lodge. (Please note that the gate is locked at 6pm).
