Why did we hand pick Isandlwana Lodge?
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- Set right on the edge of the momentuous battlefield of Isandlwana
- Magnificent views over the beautiful landscape on which these tragic battles took place
- Other than the historic engagement, numerous outdoor pursuits are available

Isandlwana Lodge

about this venue Check Availability
Book Online
Price tier (pps): R200 R1500+
Child policy: 8 years and older
71km from Rorkes Drift
-28.3589, 30.6537
About
Imaginatively built on the side of Nyoni Rock in the shape of a shield, Isandlwana Lodge offers those seeking a traditional African vacation twelve luxury rooms, all en-suite and tastefully decorated in a mixture of customary and modern styles, and is a perfect winter tourist destination right in the heart of the historic Zulu battlefields.
The lodge rooms all have private balconies overlooking Isandlwana Mountain, the plains, distant mountain peaks and the local Zulu village, while the guest house is an attractive thatched roof building flanked by the lodge and village, and can be rented as a three bedroom, two bathroom house or as two separate units.
The larger side has two twin-bedded rooms sleeping four people, a large lounge with dining area and a full kitchen. The smaller unit is a twin bedroom-sitting room combination with a small kitchen.
Tours of the Zulu Battlefield sites of Isandlwana and Rorke’s Drift and other Anglo-Zulu/Anglo-Boer war sites are conducted by resident historian Rob Gerrard or one of his associates, while Dalton Ngobese is the Zulu guide who conducts the battlefield and cultural tours for Isandlwana Lodge.
Guests can unwind in the pool built among the rocks after a day on the battlefields or enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of the lounge and library, where you can hone up on your history before a specialist chef serves up some of the best food in Kwazulu Natal.
Other activities include walking trails, horse riding, birding tours, photographic safaris, and the ever-popular visit to a Zulu village where guests can experience the life and customs of the Zulu people in an authentic setting.
Rates & Summary
Main Lodge
10 Standard Rooms
Each sleeps 2 in Queen-size/twin beds
En-suite bath and shower
Views over the battlefields
2 Deluxe Rooms
Each sleeps 2 in King-size/twin beds
Larger than standard rooms
En-suite bath and large shower
Views over the battlefields and village
Guest House
1 Large Unit
Sleeps 4 people in 2 rooms
Bathroom with shower over bath
Lounge/dining area and kitchen
1 Smaller Unit
Sleeps 2 in sitting room combination
Bathroom with bath
Small kitchen
The whole guest house can be booked out for exclusive use
Pricing
- For pricing detail, click on CHECK AVAILABILITY & BOOK ONLINE above
Catering
Full Board at the Main Lodge
Self-catering at the Guest House
Kids
Children 7 years and over are welcome.
Maximum of 1 child under 12 can share with parents.
Why Stay Here?
Isandlwana Lodge, stylish and thought-provoking, is carved into the side of the Nyoni Rock just below where the Zulu commander stood during the Battle of Isandlwana on the 22nd of January 1879. The lodge has magnificent views over the battlefields from almost every vantage point, offers accommodation in luxurious African-style rooms and gives guests a deep insight into the historic Anglo-Zulu wars, with a variety of other outdoor and cultural activities available. There is no better place to step back in time, breathe fresh air, and enjoy total relaxation and a sweeping view of Isandlwana Mountain.
Summary
- Set right on the edge of the momentuous battlefield of Isandlwana
- Magnificent views over the beautiful landscape on which these tragic battles took place
- Other than the historic engagement, numerous outdoor pursuits are available
Privacy
The Guest House is particularly private when booked for exclusive use.
Things to consider Bringing
Sunblock, hat, walking shoes, swimming costume, swimming towels, binoculars for bird watching.
Road Conditions
The 9 km gravel approach road to the lodge is suitable for all vehicles.
Activities & Attractions
- Swimming pool
- Library
- Bird watching
- Hiking trails
- Horse trails
- Cultural tours
- Battlefield tours
Details
Accommodation & Hospitality
- Communal lounge
- Dining table
- Verandah / patio
- Ceiling fans
- Heater included
- Fireplace
- Firewood provided
- Bed linen supplied
- Bathroom towels supplied
- Hair dryer available
- Daily housekeeping
- Laundry service available
- Ironing service available
- Self-service tea and coffee available
- No smoking indoors
Catering & Kitchen
- Full board
- Restaurant
- Licensed
Utilities
- Water supply good for drinking
- Electric geysers
- Eskom electricity
Leisure Amenities
- Swimming pool
- Library
Business & Connectivity
- Wi-Fi
- Good cell phone reception
- Conference facilities available
Access & Convenience
- Limited wheelchair friendliness
- Babysitting available
- Child friendly
- No pets allowed
- Off street parking
- Nearest shops further than 50km
- Nearest fuel further than 50km
Payment
- Credit cards accepted
- EFT accepted
- Cash accepted
Security
- Personal safe
- 24 hour security
Gallery
Map
Blog
Zululand & the Battlefields
KwaZulu Natal
About
It was from the bush and grassland of northern KwaZulu-Natal that the impis of King Shaka emerged, sweeping down onto the other tribes of the hinterland and eventually engaging the British forces and shaking the very roots of the Empire. At the height of its power, the Zulu nation covered 30 000km2, but 60 years after it was first formed, its reign was over. In those 60 years, the Zulus shaped the future of the country and were engaged in battles with the Boers and the British, but these were not the only bloody conflicts in the region.
After the Zulu empire was broken, the English and the Boers fought for control of South Africa, with many battles taking place in Natal. While the best-known battles in the area are undoubtedly Isandlwana and Rorke’s Drift, as well as the siege of Ladysmith, there is fascinating history to be had at countless other ones.
The beauty of the scenery clashes harshly with the devastating past, while the rough terrain makes one wonder how the machines of war were manhandled across the country, and how the Zulu impis managed to cover such vast distances in a single day, barefoot.
The regions of Zululand and the Battlefields merge together and are hard to separate, stretching from the northern and western KwaZulu-Natal borders to the towns of Ladysmith and Colenso in the south and towards the Elephant Coast in the east.
Zululand has managed to remain largely unaffected by industrial expansion and much of it remains farmland, timber plantations and rural wilderness, including beautiful Big-Five game reserves and grasslands.
On the other hand there is the industrial hub of Richards Bay, the largest port in South Africa.
Tourism revolves around the natural beauty and diversity, as well as the haunting battlefields on which so many lost their lives and which are simply fascinating to visit, especially with a knowledgeable guide, of which there are a few.
Since this is the birthplace of the Zulu nation, it is also the place to come to grips with Zulu tradition, culture and history.
A number of cultural experiences exist, where tourists can become immersed in the local tradition and culture, learning a huge amount and enjoying themselves even more.
A few reserves in the region offer good game-viewing, from Weenen and Spioenkop in the south up to Ithala in the north. The diverse ecosystem means that hundreds of bird species are present, and a few notable bird-watching spots include the Dlinza and Ongoye forests, as well as the wetlands of Richards Bay.
An area as large and diverse will always have an almost endless array of attractions, and Zululand and the Battlefields are no different, from fishing in Richards Bay to horse-riding, mountain-biking, game-viewing and bird-watching. There is even a brewery to lighten the spirits when the history gets a little heavy.
Look out for
Zululand Brewery in Eshowe is a great place to pop in for a relaxing Zulu Blonde Export Ale, a beer that has won awards and rave reviews internationally. While you’re sitting at The Happy George Bar, ask around for recommendations on what’s new to do in the area.
The Dlinza and Ongoye Forests are serious birding hotspots and both are easily accessible. In fact, the Dlinza aerial boardwalk is something that even non-birders will enjoy and appreciate.
Isandlwana and Rorke’s Drift are the two seminal battlefields in the Battlefields tour and are both intensely fascinating and moving. A good guide is invaluable in bringing them to life. Ulundi and Blood River are also well worth visiting, giving different insights into the bloodshed that shaped this land.
Take a hike up Majuba or Spioenkop mountains, both of which offer sensational views in addition to stirring battlefield history. The historic O’Neills cottage, where a peace treaty was signed to end the first Anglo-War, lies at the base of Majuba.
The majestic Ithala Game Reserve in the very north of KwaZulu-Natal offers good game-viewing and bird-watching, as well as epic scenery of mountains and valleys. While there is a variety of accommodation, the pick of it is undoubtedly the bush camps that can be booked out for your group.
Every year the Zulu nation holds the Reed Ceremony near the eNyokeni Royal residence in Nongoma north of Melmoth, thousands of maidens gathering to pay their respect to their king. This happens in spring and visitors from all over the world come to watch the women dance and sing to King Goodwill Zwelithini in his ceremonial regalia.
The eMakhosini Ophate Heritage Park should not be missed by anyone with a sense of history. It is the birthplace of the Zulu clan and what is known as the Valley of the Kings. The Spirit of eMakhosini memorial and an educational multimedia centre are worth a visit, and there is also game, including the rare oribi antelope and black rhino.
Immerse yourself in the Zulu culture at a place like Shakaland and watch Zulu dancing, ask a sangoma (witch doctor) for his sage advice, sample traditional Zulu beer, listen to singing and perhaps try out a few simple phrases for yourself. Arts and crafts are also on sale and make wonderful gifts and souvenirs.
When to go
To Do
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