Isibindi Zulu Lodge - 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.