South African Lodges

Isandlwana Lodge Reviews & Information

Use the drop down below to find out more information about Isandlwana Lodge.

Below detailed information about the Isandlwana Lodge is available.
For any queries regarding this hotel, you are welcome to contact us.

Restaurants

Dining at the Isandlwana Lodge

Guests staying at the beautiful Isandlwana Lodge in KwaZulu-Natal enjoy delicious meals complemented by fine wines.  Spectacular views can be admired from the dining areas of this getaway retreat.

Activities, Sports & Leisure

Swimming
Guests staying at the Isandlwana Lodge in KwaZulu-Natal are invited to unwind in the outdoor swimming pool which is among the rocks making for an excellent place to relax.
Game viewing

The Isandlwana Lodge in KwaZulu-Natal is located within easy driving distance some of South Africa’s most spectacular game reserves, allowing guests to combine the enjoyment of Zululand’s abundant wildlife with the living history of the Zulu battlefields.

Umfolozi and Hluhluwe Game Reserves

The nearby Hluhluwe and Umfolozi game reserves are home to the "Big Five" being the elephant, lion, rhino, leopard, and buffalo.  These reserves are best known for the part they played in preventing the total extinction of Africa’s black rhino population. Both the white and black rhinos also live here.

Mhkuze Falls Game Reserve

The Mkhuze game reserve with its magnificent natural parkland beneath the Lebombo Mountains has become world famous for its abundance of colorful bird life.  More than 500 beautiful species of birds are in Mhkuze where visitors are encouraged to use the numerous hides on the riverbanks and lakesides to view the passing wildlife.

Other Safaris

Among numerous other reserves, the Itala Game Reserve in the north of the Isandlwana Lodge offers visitors an opportunity to enjoy close encounters with herds of giraffe, zebra and an amazing variety of antelope in a unique setting of valleys surrounded by almost mystical rock formations, reminders of the untamed and wild Africa.

Horse riding

The Isandlwana Lodge offers the memorable experience of horseback trails through the endless landscapes and remote rural Zulu settlements of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.

The horse rides are guided by an experienced guide who is knowledgeable about the rich history of the area.  Large trail ponies are tractable, reliable and sure-footed, therefore well suited to the rough terrain and long distances.  The horse riding equipment is well maintained with attention to the safety and comfort of riders.  The Isandlwana Lodge provides a few riding helmets, but guests should bring all other riding gear.

Nearby activities & attractions

Isandlwana Historic Reserve Tour

  •  Minimum: 2 People

Guests may enjoy the walk through the Isandlwana Historic Reserve where one can see various birds and game such as Impala and Zebra. In certain parts, guest may find cairns which are piles of white stones which mark the mass graves of British soldiers who died at Isandlwana, KwaZulu-Natal.

Fugitive's Trail Walk

  •  Minimum: 2 People

This walk takes about 3 hours and is suitable for the fit sports enthusiast.  It is a must for those interested in the Battle of Isandlwana.  Sometimes, during the summer months, hikers have to swim the Buffalo River.  Other times, it is possible to skip across on the rocks.

Birding Tours

  •  Length of Tour: Average 4 Hours
  •  Minimum 4 People

There are over 300 species of birds in the region of Isandlwana during the year. In the immediate area of the Lodge, one has the chance to encounter over 70 species. Walking tours are available which are led by a knowledgeable guide.
 
Cultural & Photographic Tours

  •  Length of Tour: Average 6-7 Hours

A European guide conducts the cultural tours to Qhudeni, accompanied by a Zulu lasting a full day. The tour departs from the Lodge at 10 am (subject to change) and returns around 4 pm This tour lead into one of the most remote and scenic parts of Zululand.
 
Day trips in Zululand

There are some trips one can take on one’s own which are within an easy driving distance of Isandlwana Lodge.

Mangeni Falls

This is the spot where Chelmsford was having tea when the Zulus attacked the camp at Isandlwana. During the winter months, there is very little water, but the gorge is beautiful. The surrounding area offers some of the most magnificent scenery in Zululand. In the late afternoon, the Cape Bald Ibis come to roost on the rocks. It is about a twenty-minute drive from the Lodge. During the summer, remember to use Tabard spray to ward off ticks and plenty of sunscreen all year long.

Prince Imperial Monument

Journey to the spot where Prince Imperial was killed during the Anglo-Zulu War. The Prince was the last of the Bonaparte line and the only child of Empress Eugenie, who was broken-hearted at the death of her son. A Zulu family nearby maintains the area on behalf of Amafa KwaZulu-Natal, and they will be sure you sign the visitors' book.

Blood River

The place of bronze wagons which formed the fortress for Boers in the battle with the Zulus on 16 December 1838 is worth a visit. There is a Voortrekker Museum and a Zulu Museum to explore.

Talana Museum

Known as the finest museum in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, the Talana Museum is located on the outskirts of Dundee at the site of the first battle of the Second Anglo-Boer War. Two museums, one military, and the other glass, are also here. There is an impressive collection of Zulu artifacts and the museum also brings focus to coal mining in the area which is part of Dundee’s history.

Conferences & Events

Boardroom & Meeting Room

The Boardroom at the Isandlwana Lodge in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, can accommodate eight delegates whereas the Meeting Room can seat 16 guests.

Services

Check in and Check Out Times
  • Check in: 14:00
  • Check out: 10:00
General Services
  • 24 - hour reception service
  • Airport transfers
  • Babysitting
  • Housekeeping service
  • Internet connection
  • Laundry services
  • Porters
  • Wake-up call

Available Rooms

Twin / Double room

# Rooms:
6

The Isandlwana Lodge in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, offers travellers twelve luxury rooms all of which are en-suite and tastefully decorated in a mixture of traditional and modern styles.

Isandlwana is the perfect tourist destination at the location of the ancient Zulu conflicts. This magnificent Lodge is carved into the iNyoni rock formation on top of which the Zulu commander stood during the famous battle of Isandlwana on 22 January 1879.  

 

GPS Co-Ordinates

Latitude: -28.337991

Longitude: 30.666661

Directions

Directions from Durban to the Isandlwana Lodge:

Take N2 Coastal Road North, past Stanger. Turn left to Eshowe on R66 at the Gingindlovu tollgate.
Proceed through Eshowe to Melmoth. Turn left a few km out of Melmoth onto R68 to Dundee/Babanango. Travel on this road for 25,5 km.
There is a signboard indicating a right turn to Babanango/Dundee. Please keep a look out when you come to this point, on the R68.
Follow this road to Babanango. At the stop sign in Babanango turn left. You are still on R68 to Dundee/Nqutu. From Babanango to the Isandlwana Lodge turn-off is +/- 41 km. Continue along the dirt road for 9 km into Isandlwana village.
Follow the sign to the Information Centre and drive past it to Isandlwana Lodge. Approximate time from City Centre, 4 hours; from King Shaka Airport in Durban, 3.5 hours.

Or

Take the Pietermaritzburg - N3 - to Mooi River and Ladysmith. Branch off to Ladysmith, drive through Ladysmith on the N11 to Elandslaagte. Approx 30 km from Ladysmith - very sudden right turn to Dundee/Glencoe. Pass Glencoe and turn right at T-Junction to Dundee.
Travel through Dundee on the Vryheid road. About 5 km outside Dundee turns right on the Nqutu Road. Drive to Nqutu and when you get to 4-way Stop, turn right to Isandlwana/Babanango. Continue this road for approx. 17 km to right turn to Isandlwana Lodge/Information Centre. Travel approx.
9 km on dirt road, straight through to the village of Isandlwana. (Lodge visible on right side). Follow road signs. Turn right to Lodge and Information Centre. This road takes about an hour longer but is a better road.

Directions from Johannesburg to the Isandlwana Lodge:

Take N3 South towards Durban, passing Heidelberg to Villiers. Branch left onto R103 before Villiers Toll Plaza and then on to the R34.
By-pass Vrede and Memel on to Newcastle. In Newcastle, turn right at the traffic light and follow the road through town and turn right onto the N11 to Ladysmith. Continue south on N11 and turn left onto the R68 to Dundee.
Drive through Dundee, past Talana Museum and onto the R33 to Vryheid. Turn right onto the R68 to Nqutu a few km outside Dundee. In Nqutu at the four-way stop, turn right toward Babanango. Continue along R68 for approximately 14 km. Turn right on a dirt road following signs to Isandlwana Battlefields and Isandlwana Lodge. Continue along the dirt road for 9km to Isandlwana village.
Follow the sign to Information Centre and drive past to Isandlwana Lodge.
Driving time is approximately 5 hours

Parking

On site parking facilities are provided for guests.

Star Rating

4 Star

Memberships

  • SATSA (Southern Africa Tourism Services Association)
  • Tourism Grading Council of South Africa