The Drakensberg MountainsRunning along the edge of Lesotho and formingthe Escarpment near the Kruger, the DrakensbergMountains rise up into dramatic pinnacles, earningtheir Zulu name 'Barrier of Spears'. Craggy peaks,alpine lakes, waterfalls and mossy forests form thisunspoilt wilderness, creating a walker's paradise. A web of hiking trails lead you to the curvingsheer wall of the Amphitheatre, the rockybuttress of Giant's Castle and the toweringheights of Cathedral Peak. The rare lammergeiervultures are found here soaring the thermals,whilst klipspringers and other antelope pick theirway along the stony paths. The mountains wereonce home to the San bushmen, seen in thenumerous rock paintings tucked away in caveshere. Aside from walks, this area lends itself tosome spectacular drives, as well as horse ridingand fishing.MONTUSIMOUNTAINLODGE,DRAKENSBERGMOUNTAINSThe Montusi estate covers 1,000 hectares withmagnificent views of the Amphitheatre in theRoyal Natal National Park. The lodge has 14cottage suites, all with thatched roofs, loungearea, fireplace, private patio and panoramic viewsof the Drakensbergs. There are also five self-catering chalets, ideal for families. The lodge offersnumerous activities to make the most of the land,including hiking, trout fishing, horse riding, quadbiking, tennis and golf. After an adventure-filledday, relax by the pool watching eland, bushbuckand mountain reedbuck roam the estate.www.audleytravel.com/southafrica ?01993 838 550 ?KwaZulu Natal35THREETREESATSPIOENKOP,DRAKENSBERGMOUNTAINSSitting on a hill overlooking the Spioenkop GameReserve in the foothills of the central Drakensbergsis this family-run lodge. Accommodation is in sixcosy country-style suites, all with balconiesoverlooking the valley. There is also a family suiteequipped with a sandpit, play area and a selectionof children's books and toys. A spacious loungewith log fireplace, farm-style dining room andlibrary are found in the main lodge. Guests canenjoy historical tours of the nearby Battlefields, aswell as hikes, bush walks to track white rhino,birdwatching and mountain biking. Walking in the Drakensberg MountainsThe Amphitheatre, Drakensberg MountainsKlipspringer, Drakensberg MountainsMontusi Mountain Lodge, Drakensberg MountainsThree Trees at Spioenkop, Drakensberg MountainsLammergeier vulture, Drakensberg MountainsDurban waterfront

FUGITIVE'SDRIFTMAINLODGE,THEBATTLEFIELDSFugitive's Drift is named after the ford wherefleeing British soldiers crossed the Buffalo Riverduring the battle of Isandlwana. The lodge haseight rooms and one family cottage set amongpretty gardens, with colonial décor and privateverandas. A secluded swimming pool sits on the edge of the Buffalo River gorge, offeringspectacular vistas. Fugitive's Drift was the home of David Rattray, one of the foremost authoritieson the Anglo-Zulu war, and his wife Nicky andson Andrew still live here and manage the lodge.The current guides share his passion and trulyenrich guests' stays with their excellent tours ofthe Battlefields. FUGITIVE'SDRIFTGUESTHOUSE,THEBATTLEFIELDSOverlooking the plains of Isandlwana is this lovelyguesthouse, formerly a colonial farmhouse. Thelounge is spacious and airy with comfy armchairsand walls adorned with black and white historicphotographs. There is an outdoor dining areawhere home-cooked meals are served in theshade and a swimming pool overlooking the bush.The rooms are simply but comfortably furnished,with a sitting area and private balcony overlookingthe reserve. As with the main lodge at Fugitive'sDrift, the real highlight is the standard of guides,who really add to your experience here. ISANDLWANALODGE, THEBATTLEFIELDSSteeped in the rich history of this area, IsandlwanaLodge is set into the iNyoni Rock, on which theZulu commander stood during the Battle ofIsandlwana in 1879. The thatched lodge combinesmodern and ethnic furnishings and there is arefreshing swimming pool built into the rocks.Each of the 12 luxury rooms offers magnificentviews from their private balconies. Residenthistorian, Rob Gerrard, leads fascinating tours ofthe area for guests. The BattlefieldsThe north of KwaZulu Natal has been the settingfor several ferocious conflicts which played outduring the late 19th century. Various armies were involved, including British, Boer and Zulu.The Anglo-Zulu war in 1879 saw the defeat ofthe British Army at Isandlwana. Later on the sameday the heroic defence of Rorke's Drift resulted in 11 Victoria Crosses being awarded; the recordfor a single engagement. The desolate hilltop of Spioenkop was the scene for the second Anglo-Boer war, where British troops werepinned in shallow trenches by devastating Boerfire. Notably, both Mohandas Ghandi andWinston Churchill were present at this conflict.The Boers and Zulus also clashed, most famouslyat Blood River where a small party of Boersdefeated 12,000 Zulus, killing 3,000 of them.There are numerous lodges in this area, all ofwhich can arrange informative guided visits ofthese historic sites. 36British memorial at Isandlwana, the BattlefieldsFugitive's Drift Main Lodge, the BattlefieldsFugitive's Drift Guesthouse, the BattlefieldsIsandlwana Lodge, the Battlefields