Fugitives
Drift Directions
(PLEASE DO NOT USE GPS SYSTEMS TO GET TO FUGITIVES’ –
INCORRECTLY PLOTTED)
FROM JOHANNESBURG (5 HOURS)
Take the N3 highway south towards Durban for about 1˝
hours. Cross the Vaal River and just before the Wilge Toll Plaza, turn
off the N3 onto the R103 and head towards WARDEN. After about 60km,
turn left onto the R34 towards VREDE. After about 15km, just before the
town of Vrede, turn right on the R34 towards MEMEL and NEWCASTLE. (Be
very careful of potholes for 16km between Memel and the top of Botha’s
pass on the R34). Go through Newcastle and turn right onto the
LADYSMITH road (N11). After 16km take the R621 to Dannhauser,
Hattingspruit and Dundee. In Dundee, at the 4th traffic light (in the
main street) turn right on the R33 towards Greytown. The signboard is
on the left of the road. Then after 14km turn left onto dirt to RORKE’S
DRIFT, drive for 29km to Rorke’s Drift. Go beyond Rorke’s Drift for 3km
and turn left onto the D31 signed Fugitives’ Drift. Go along this road
for 7km through the big black gate until you see signs for the Lodge and
Guest House, on the right. (Please note that the gate is locked at
6pm).
FROM DURBAN (3 AND A HALF HOURS)
Take the N3 towards Pietermaritzburg and take the
Greytown/Church Street glide-off and follow the R33 to Greytown for
70km. In Greytown follow signs to Dundee. Continue along the R33
through Keates Drift, Tugela Ferry and Pomeroy. Please be aware of
speed humps and potholes. 10km after Pomeroy take the dirt road turnoff
to the right, marked Elandskraal (and Isibindi and Camp Buffalo
signage). At Elandskraal (which consists of a church and a trading
store) turn left to Rorke’s Drift. Go for about 14km and before you get
to Rorke’s Drift turn right onto the D31, sign posted Fugitives’ Drift.
Go for about 7km (through the big black gates) and follow the signs for
the Guest House or the Lodge. (Please note that the gate is locked at
6pm).
Alternative route from Durban is via Mooi River, Colenso,
Ladysmith and Dundee. In Dundee take the R33 towards Greytown and
follow the directions as from Johannesburg above.
FROM HLUHLUWE / UMFOLOZI AREA (4 HOURS)
From Empangeni take the R34 inland to Melmoth, then the
R68 to Babanango (beware of potholes) and Nqutu. 40km from Babanango
(13km before Nqutu) take the turn-off to the left, marked Isandlwana.
Follow this gravel road past the Isandlwana Battlefield for 9km, then
turn left onto the D30 and follow signs to Rorke’s Drift. Turn left at
the T-junction to Rorke’s Drift. Go 3km beyond Rorke’s Drift and turn
left onto D31, marked Fugitives’ Drift. Follow this dirt road, go
through big black gates and follow the signs for the Guest House and the
Lodge. (Please note that the gate is locked at 6pm).
APPROXIMATE DRIVING TIMES:
Dundee 1 hour
Ladysmith 2 hours
Empangeni 3 hours
Nelspruit 7 hours