KwaZulu Natal

10/1/2009

The Zulu are a Bantu ethnic group of 10-11 million people living primarily in the KwaZulu Natal Province of South Africa. They comprise the largest cultural group in South Africa today, and the Zulu Kingdom is renowned for its role in South African and British history during the 19th century.

Recognizing the importance and relevance of this tumultuous historic period David and Nicky Rattray pioneered Heritage Tourism in South Africa and created an award winning lodge in KwaZulu Natal, Fugitive's Drift Lodge and Guest House, for visitors to savor the extraordinary saga of the Anglo-Zulu War. Led by some of the finest guides in South Africa, thought-provoking and often emotionally charged tours are conducted daily to the battlefield sites of Isandlwana and Rorke's Drift.

Fugitive's Drift Lodge has recently completed construction of the Harford Library, providing a multi-purpose venue for guests at the center of the Lodge grounds. Henry "Charlie" Harford was David Rattray's favorite personality in his tales of the Anglo-Zulu War. He referred to him as "our beloved beetle-collector". Harford, born in 1852, emigrated to Pinetown, Natal, with his father in 1864. He went back to England in 1870 to join the 99th Regiment of Foot then returned to Natal in 1878, becoming, thanks to his fluency in Zulu, Staff Officer to Commandant Lonsdale of the Natal Native Contingent. Harford's particular appeal to David was his keen interest in entomology - the subject of David's degree - and he is probably best remembered for stopping the skirmish at Sihayo's Stronghold in order to retrieve a rare beetle and pickle it in gin.

In addition to a tremendously rich cultural history, KwaZulu Natal boasts excellent game-viewing opportunities at the acclaimed Phinda Private Game Reserve; gourmet dining, a stunning landscape and tranquility at Cleopatra's Mountain Farmhouse.

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