What our location offers
Visitors experience meaningful and often life-changing encounters with wildlife replacing bustling city life with the tranquil sounds and splendor of untamed nature. Time slows down as your body adjusts to the natural rhythms of the African bush.
The town of Newcastle is steeped in history, forming part of the battlefields route.
We are in close proximity to the famous battle sites: Isandlwana, Rorke’s Drift, Blood River monument and Talana Museum, rated as one of the best in South Africa.
Battlefields Route
“When you stand on the KwaZulu-Natal battlefields you can’t help but feel something powerful – a tangible sense of what went down there. Tales of bloody battles, ambush, intrigue and fearsome warriors set the scene for a remarkably historic period of 70 years.The 3 stakeholders involved in these wars paid a heavy price. Many fought and died bravely to claim the land between the foothills of the Drakensberg and the ocean. It was a unique struggle in that, at first, each side faced an unknown enemy. The fearless might of the Zulus engaged forces with devastating artillery and mounted horseman. Head-on confrontations occurred between huge numbers of spear-carrying Zulu foot-soldiers and the fire-power of the Red-Coats. Each in turn had to deal with the wily determination of the Boers and their guerrilla-warfare tactics. Strategic thinking and cunning manoeuvres were all important. The Battle of Blood River, Isandlwana, Rorke’s Drift and Spionkop became legend.” – Siyabona Africa
Famous battles that changed the course of
South Africa's History
The battle of Isandlwana
The battle fought on 22nd January 1879, where the Zulus wiped out a substantial British force, including the 1st Battalion, 24th Foot and rocked Victorian society.
Lieutenant Colonel Pulleine of the 24th Foot and Lieutenant Colonel Durnford commanded the British force at the battle. The Zulu Army was commanded by Chiefs Ntshingwayo kaMahole and Mavumengwana kaMdlela Ntuli.
The battle of Rorke's Drift
The iconic defence of the mission station in Natal, on 22nd January 1879, by a small force of British and colonial troops on the bank of the Buffalo River in Natal Province, South Africa.
The British garrison was commanded by Lieutenant John Chard, Royal Engineers and Lieutenant Gonville Bromhead of the 24th Foot. The Zulus were commanded by Prince Dabulamanzi kaMapande.
The siege of Ladysmith
The siege in Natal during the Boer War that ensnared a British army from 2nd November1899 to 27th February 1900, but blocked the Boer invasion of the colony.
5,500 British troops against a varying number of Boers. From the end of the year 1899 the garrison outnumbered the besieging Boers.
“Deeply involved in the Anglo-Boer War, Newcastle today is the largest town in northern KwaZulu Natal and shares its name with a further 27 sister Newcastles worldwide. It is awash with history and some fairly original ways to spend one’s time.
Newcastle was originally known as Post Halt Two – a stop on the journey from Port Natal-Durban and the then Transvaal. Whilst today’s major road, the N3, between the two provinces no longer runs through Newcastle, the town is worth a visit for the battle sites just outside of town, which include Laing’s Nek, Majuba (which also offers braai and picnic facilities) and Schuinshoogte.
There are a number of monuments and memorials in Newcastle, including Hilldrop House, once the dwelling place of author Rider Haggard whose books included King Solomon’s Mines, She and Jess – said to be based on his time at Hilldrop House; and O’Neil’s Cottage, used as a makeshift hospital during the war, including a number of grave sites.”- https://www.sa-venues.com/attractionskzn/newcastle.php
All you need to know
COMING SOON – witness our abundant wildlife on twice daily game drives with our Agricultural Leader.
Bush Walks & Walking Trails – activate all your senses on a self-guided Bush Walk and discover a world in which each rustle, scent and broken twig has a story to tell.
Helicopter Flights – view our Lodge from above or enjoy a scenic picnic on the Drakensberg Mountains.
Attractions near our Lodge
Experience all Newcastle has to offer.
Carnegie Art Gallery
The Carnegie Art Gallery is a public Art Museum situated in the Central Business District. Its collection includes contemporary paintings, sculptures, ceramics, fibre art, beadwork, weaving and wooden carvings by critically acclaimed and recognised South African artists. A unique and valuable collection of African Art & Zulu material cultural objects has also been accumulated. The building is a declared national monument and was built in 1915 as a library with funds from the Carniegie Corporation. It is in the classic Edwardian/Georgian architectural style and all the original features have been retained.
Fort Amiel
Fort Amiel was opened as the Cultural History Museum of Newcastle in 1990 at the restored British military base built in 1876 by the 80th Regiment or Staffordshire Regiment. It forms part of the Northern KZN Battlefields route as it served during the Anglo-Zulu War of 1879 and Anglo-Boer Wars of 1881 and 1899-1902.
Hindu Shiva Temple
The Hindu Shiva Temple was built in 1903, the temple is reputed to have the largest cella dome of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere. It is claimed that in 1913, Mahatma Gandhi prayed here while leading the march from Newcastle to the Transvaal.
Newcastle Town Hall
Newcastle commenced building their Town Hall in 1897 in honour of Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubliee. Once building was completed in 1899, the town’s people started a collection for a clock to be added to the building. The Town Hall has been part of many historical events including the second Boer War where it was used to store furniture that was pillaged during this time.
