1 Best Sight in Durban and KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

Fugitives' Drift

This drift (ford) was where, on 22 January 1879, the British survivors of the Battle of Isandlwana crossed the Buffalo River, and it was here that Lieutenants Melvill and Coghill were killed as they tried to save the Queen’s Colour. They are buried on the hillside above the drift, which is now on the grounds of what is now the Fugitives' Drift Lodge, part of a nature reserve. The Queen's Colour was later recovered and, now restored, hangs in Brecon Cathedral in Wales.  There's no information on-site, so read up about it before your visit, or hire an accredited battlefields guide.