iSibindi Zulu Lodge is situated in a private game reserve in the ruggedly beautiful Zululand. An architectural celebration of the Zulu nation, the lodge is a peaceful bushveld retreat which also offers a host of activities for our guests wanting to experience a combination of luxurious accommodation, gameviewing, battlefields and Zulu cultural experiences.

This 12 bed luxury lodge is a stone's throw away from the historically momentous Anglo-Zulu battlefields of Rorke's Drift and Isandlwana where Zulu and British clashed in a devestating battle which had enormous consequences for the Zulu people. The lodge also offers a choice of authentic Zulu cultural experiences. We also pride ourselves on continuing to receive numerous accolades on our cuisine!

Isibindi Game Reserve

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.

Battlefield tours

iSibindi 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.

Zulu Culture and History

Isibindi Zulu Lodge offers the rare opportunity of learning about the Zulu culture and traditions as they remain in Zululand today. A Zulu Cultural Evening begins just as the sun starts setting, casting our hills in soft golden light. Guests are led down a narrow path to the beat of drums. As one emerges into a clearing comming across a historical Zulu umuzi (homestead) the dancing bodies of Zulu men and women make for a profound experience. The traditional dances and their role in Zulu history and culture is explained amid the energetic displays. A Zulu Homestead Visit gives guests a rare chance to experience the life of a rural Zulu family which has remained largely unchanged over the past hundred years since Shaka Zulu forged this mighty nation.

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 Honey moon 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.

Activities

Battlefield tours

The battlefield tour starts at approximately 8h30 when guests head for Isandlwana, where the greatest defeat in British colonial history took place. Your historian describes the dramatic events of Isandlwana and surrounding area. At approximately 12h00 guests travel to Rorke's Drift where a picnic lunch is enjoyed.

The events of Rorke's Drift (the battle proceeded from Isandlwana to Rorke's Drift later in the day) are described, as well as a short tour of the museum. At Rorke's Drift the men are rewarded for their bravery with no less than 11 Victoria Crosses, the most number of Victoria Crosses evr to be one in a single battle. As the dramatic events of the day unfold, guests begin to envisage the tragedy and the bravery of these extraordinary battles that took place in this remote corner of Zululand. Guest return to the lodge at approximately 16h00.

Zulu Cultural Evening

Starts at approximately 16h30 when guests walk down to the uMuzi (traditional village) situated some 500m from the lodge. A short tour of the village accustoms guest to the layout and traditional aspects of a homestead. This is followed by traditional dancing, throughout which the different dances and their symbolism is explained by a Zulu interpreter. At approximately 18h30 guests will be invited into one of the beehives to enjoy a meal of traditional foods and drinks. At approximately 19h30 guests return to the lodge for tea and cake.

Zulu Homestead Visit

The Buffalo border is the Western boundary of the game reserve, across this boundary is traditional "Zululand". Guests are rowed across the river and then walk to a traditional homestead, largely unchanged for centuries, where a sangoma (Zulu witchdoctor) lives. A tour of the homestead is conducted by the sangoma who can also be encouraged to 'throw the bones', which is an ancient Zulu art of fortune telling and rain wishing.

Game drive and Game walks

Guest can enjoy early morning and evening game drives and safaris on the private game reserve. The numerous rivers that cut through the reserve and surrounding mountains make for some wonderfull scenery. Stop and ponder over the length of a giraffes beck or the twist in the magnificent Kudu's horns. Guests are also encouraged to do game walks, because there are none of the Big Five on the reserve this is quite safe.

River Rafting

Isibindi Adventures has been operating on the Buffalo River for 8 years. The river offers some of the most exciting whitewater rafting available in South Africa. Manager Craig van Heerden (who recently represented SA at the Camel World Trophy Whitewater Challenge on the Zambezi river) leads the day's rafting outing. Guests wear full safety gear and abide to stringent safety regulations. Grade's 2,3 and 4 rapids are offered. A full and fun day in the sun, viewing some of the most beautiful gorges in KwaZulu-Natal.

Directions to Isibindi Zulu

Driving time:

Jo-burg-Isibindi 4,5hrs
Durban-Isibindi via Tugela Ferry 3hrs(not recommended at night)
Durban-Isibindi via Ladysmith 3,5hrs
Empangeni-Isibindi 2,5hrs

Please let the Lodge know your approximate time of arrival and if you would like lunch on arrival.

Some important distances:

Newcastle-Dundee turnoff 35km
Dundee-Isibindi turnoff 44km
Greytown-Isibindi turnoff 90km
Rorke’s Drift-Isibindi
9km

Please drive safely.