
Come and see the spectacular battlefields and so much more at Rorke’s Drift Hotel.
Rorke’s wagon drift is within our grounds, and there is the Battlefield a short walk away, where 11 Victoria Crosses were awarded. The dramatic field of Isandlwana that was fought on the same day is just a 20 minute drive and the poignant memorial at Fugitive’s Drift is 15 minutes downstream.
If you come for the battlefileds, why not stay a little longer and enjoy some other adventures...
Hiking, mountain biking, kayaking, motorcycling, 4x4 excursions, helicopter trips, big game watching, local Zulu craft and arts and you can visit a local Zulu traditional village.
For information on activities, click here.Rorke’s Drift Hotel has a large and airy dinning and lounge area with views across the African Veld of Zululand.
There are 30 spacious bedrooms, each with en-suite facilities and a balcony with stunning views.
The hotel has a private swimming pool with sun loungers, a large sundeck with captivating 180-degree views, a fully stocked bar, a sports TV zone, a kids TV zone and a DVD library for families and children. The hotel also benefits from strong 4G in the area.
Buffets or a’la carte menus (accommodating allergies), are available throughout the day, seven days a week.
The library stocks more than 200 historical researched books and the local specialist and renowned historian and battlefield guide, Mr Paul Garner, is available to guide groups to all the historic areas and battlefields. These include Rorke’s Drift battle where circa 3,000 Zulus fought against 120 British soldiers, and the Isandlwana battle which was the biggest defeat of the British army by the Zulus.
To take a closer look at the hotel, please click the links below where most rooms can be seen.
The hotel can also accomodate conferences.Our staff are from local communities and provide all the professional services for the smooth running of the Hotel.
Our managing style empowers supervisors and staff to take responsibility for their duties, forming a happy team to meet the needs of happy guests. Their ready smiles and humour will brighten your day, they love to practice their English and if you are lucky, these shy and charming Zulus will sing you away on departure with a wish of ‘Hamba Gaschle’ – go well. Have your hankies ready!
The Rorke’s Drift Community has an equity stake in the Hotel and guests are asked to make a small contribution towards the use of community lands for recreation – currently R10 pppn – as a local levy.
If you are interested to spend time in this wonderful location we may be able to offer a working placement in the hotel. A skill in hospitality or catering will be valued or some technical maintenance skill to continue the training of our local staff in the workings of a modern building on a self-contained site.
A driving licence is essential and a normal stay of up to 90 days is possible on a visitor visa. Just send us an email with your experience and an idea of what skills you could bring. Our offer is free board and lodging for your stay in exchange for some help, and you will enjoy a detailed insight to the history of the area which you will have plenty of time to explore in detail.
" I have travelled to 23 countries and have to rate Rorke’s Drift Hotel as one of the most pleasant and impressive places that I have been to; where you can rest awhile, enjoy the view, the food, the birdlife and the hospitality. And I don’t do battlefields. "
Beryl Teal" Didn't stay but would want to in the future! The scenery is amazing and the staff very accommodating. Definitely recommend to all travellers. Within spitting distance of the Rorkes Drift site, which is worth a visit! Definite 5 stars for the hotel. "
Stephen JI spent a week at the Rorkes Drift Hotel. Charles, the owner, and Paul the manager really have got a great combination. The ambiance is amazing, high volume ceilings and thatch wooden floors and a deck overlooking the famous Rorkes Drift itself. Sitting at the bar after a long day hiking around the battlefields and exchanging view points with some very knowlegable hosts was just great. Really enjoyable stay, I will stay there again, great value for money. "
franka952The surrounding gardens were a picture of colour with a decent size pool to cool you down after an insightful day visiting the area. "
Rico1974" I loved my visit and only wish it could have been for longer "
A TripAdvisor Member" From walking through the door on the Friday evening and being greeted on First Name terms by Nisopho, and later by Paul, to leaving on the Monday morning, the experience was one of warmth and friendliness. The views across the Buffalo River and Rorke's Drift are incredible, especially as twilight falls. For a serious history buffs looking to take in the battlefields of Isandlwana and Rorke's Drift, or the casual aficionado, or just looking for somewhere to stay for a few days to chill out, I would thoroughly recommend this hotel. "
RMDoyle" The original Rorke's Drift across the Buffalo River is in the grounds of the Hotel and the battle site is a short drive away (you can also walk there). The evening meal was included, there was a good choice and it was well cooked. "
Renepops" Even better, take the key from reception and make your way down to the banks of the Buffalo River where you can actually stand alongside the drift. Now you cannot get closer to history than that. It is an expansive and lovely area to relax, share a drink and to dine. It is tastefully decorated and furnished and the bar is a great place to meet and share experiences with the other guests. Just before dinner on our second evening there was a power cut but the staff somehow produced a superb meal by candlelight whilst all of the guests plus Charles and Paul congregated by the bar and made an enjoyable and unforgettable occasion. Paul who was also acting as Assistant Manager at the time . . . was amazing. His knowledge, not just of the battlefields but of South African history was immense "
hotlips_03" The hotel is situated right on the buffalo river and only a 10min walk from the Battle of Rorkes Drift. The hotel is truly special and I am just glad I got the opportunity to visit this wonderful place "
Stuart B"We stayed in Reynolds which was a lovely clean big room with fantastic shower and all amenities. The hotel is a little off the beaten track but well worth the visit! We will be back! "
Starlass1"What a beautiful setting it is. Simply furnished but with everything you could need and a lovely balcony to watch the sunset. Paul is a master raconteur. His historical knowledge of the battles and the personnel involved is second to none This trip was a special birthday treat for my husband and I can honestly say it lived up to my hopes and expectations. "
ginab1322"The Rorke’s Drift Hotel is not trying to be 5 Star, it's better than that. It's personal , friendly, the food is excellent ,the staff obliging and Charles's passion for his subject infectious. The rooms are spacious with a lovely bathroom and shower. "
rodney d"This place is located right on the money at Rorke's Drift itself. It is new, finished to a high standard and serves very good food. The staff could not have been more helpful "
Chezcosy"Just a great welcome, with simple things in a lovely setting. "
lorraine155"Everything was perfect, the staff were very efficient and friendly and the rooms are extremely comfortable and super clean. We were seated in canvas chairs in the shade of trees . . . for all our explanations and he made us feel the heat of the battle . I would thoroughly recommend this hotel and Paul as your guide "
caduceus2015This hotel was the vision and dream of Charles Aikenhead, an ex-soldier, and retired businessman. His love of history and Africa drove him to build this incredible hotel here on the banks of the Buffalo River, overlooking the original site of Rorke’s Drift. His wish was to further open this part of Africa and the battlefield history to a wider audience while bringing some extra employment and income to the community. The hotel is partly owned by the Rorke’s Drift Community association and the staff come from the local area.
It took Charles Aikenhead many years with a supportive and dedicated team to turn a boulder field on the most inhospitable ground into this hotel.
Everything from power, water, drainage, access roads and complete infrastructure needed to be built and every challenge – environmental, engineering and political was overcome to achieve this Hotel.
Charles’s passion for the history of this period and area, led to many fond relationships and discoveries. After his passing in July 2020, we shall miss him hugely along with his enthusiasm, passion and stories of the Zulu and Boer war from a great raconteur.
The hotel is now being managed and run day-to-by the experienced team of Roz and Shane Evan from Isandlwana Lodge after their 7 years managing that hotel.