Situated in a private game reserve, Isibindi Eco-Reserve, approximately 5km from the world-renowned battlefield of Rorke’s Drift, this luxury 12-bed lodge is a unique combination of luxurious accommodation, wildlife, and historical and cultural tours.
Architecturally inspired by the traditional beehive shape, the beehive suites offer panoramic views of the game reserve and its diverse habitats ranging from montane grassland to riverine forests. Guests are encouraged to explore the game reserve in morning and evening game drives. They offer daily battlefield tours to the nearby Anglo-Zulu battlefields of Rorke’s Drift and Isandlwana. The iSibindi Eco-Reserve also has a traditional village, which offers authentic tours where guests are offered the opportunity of exploring traditional Zulu food and drink and enjoying an evening of energetic Zulu dancing.
A cultural tour to an ancient Zulu homestead across the Buffalo River (which forms the border of the game reserve) allows guests to interact with Zulu people who have been largely unaffected by modern development.
Activities:
- Battlefield Tours: (Local historians used) – The battlefield tour starts at approximately 8h30 when guests head for Isandlwana. This battle was considered the greatest defeat in British colonial history and as the dramatic events of the day unfold, guests begin to envisage the tragedy and the bravery of this extraordinary battle that took place during a solar eclipse. At approximately 12:00 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 same day) are described, as well as a short tour of the museum. Eleven Victoria Crosses were awarded at Rorke’s Drift for bravery, unequalled in British history. Guest return to the lodge during the late afternoon. Please note that the gate entrance is not included in the rate as they are subject to change;
- 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 Zulu homestead. This is followed by traditional dancing, and talks on the different dances and their symbolism. At approximately 18:30 guests will be invited into one of the beehives to enjoy a meal of traditional food and drink. At approximately 19:30 guests return to the lodge for tea and something sweet;
- 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 asked to ‘throw the bones’, a Zulu tradition of fortune telling and rain wishing.
Electricity:
There is electricity at Isibindi Zulu Lodge. The rooms have overhead fans, power points and tea/coffee making facilities.
What to bring:
Please bring sun block and sunhat for game-drives and walks, mosquito repellent, windbreaker and light walking shoes. Keen birders should bring a birding book and binoculars. We have a small collection of battlefield literature for growing enthusiasts.
