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Rorke's Drift Hotel
Dewi Evans


Joined: 31 Aug 2005
Posts: 177
Location: Chwilog, North Wales
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Dear Forum,

Has anyone else heard that a Hotel is to be built near the drift! To be named the Rorke's Drift Hotel, and is scheduled to open in December 2008!

Does anyone have more information?

Regards,

Dewi.
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Haydn Jones


Joined: 12 Jan 2006
Posts: 124
Location: Gloucester
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Dewi

I have heard similar rumours of such a development but that any 'accommodation' is likely to take the form of rondevals(?) rather than a"hotel" building, as such.

I'm all for boosting the local economy - if that is where the profits will genuinely go - but confess I do have some concerns if these rumours are true. For example, Isandlwana Lodge is a fantastic example of how a modern building can be incorporated unobtrusively into its surrounding environment but I find it difficult to envisage how similar might be achieved at RD (given the relatively flat nature of the immediate vicinity).

I worry, too, that such a development might eventually turn the Drift into little more than a scheduled overnight stop for tourists on their way back to Durban from Hluhluwe, for example. And, if it is a success, what next? Chair lifts for visitors to the top of Shiyane? Hmmm.............. personally, I'm not sure about all this but then again, being 6,000 miles away in Bognor Regis, what do I know - and is it any of my business anyway?

I stress, it is only rumours I have heard but I just hope our friends in the RSA have got it right and that I am proved very, very wrong.

H
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David Glynne Fox


Joined: 31 Aug 2005
Posts: 59
Location: Nottingham
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Hi Dewi,
I have just received a coloured brochure concerning the new Rorke's Drift Hotel. It is to be built on Tribal Trust lands with the permission of the Molefe Council and is to be built in a curve on the Mzinyathi River, overlooking the historic crossing. Opening apparently in December 2008. Enquiries can be made to: PO Box 491, Ladysmith 3370, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.
Regards
david

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David Glynne Fox ZuluVentures.co.uk
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Alan
Site Admin

Joined: 30 Aug 2005
Posts: 1530
Location: Wales
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It's currently being built by a British businessman - in cooperation with a SA hotel chain. Opening is scheduled for December 2008.
The aim is to offer 4 star facilities and accommodation at 3 star prices - the launch prices are being pitched at �45 for dinner plus B&B per person per night. It will accomodate 56 guests.
It is being built on tribal land on the site of the old May's hotel (Meij) near the British cemetery on the Zulu side of the river, with the blessing of all relevant authorities and Molefe chiefs. There is a pic of the site on p. 83 of the David Rattray Guidebook.
It is out of sight of the RD settlement and battlefield.
The intention is to employ as many local people as possible and Zulu battlefield guides from the nearby RD Zulu Village.

Address for communication is:
Rorke's Drift Hotel Pty Ltd
PO Box 491
Ladysmith 3370
KwaZulu Natal
SA.

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Dewi Evans


Joined: 31 Aug 2005
Posts: 177
Location: Chwilog, North Wales
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Haydn, David and Alan,

Thank you very much for the info.

Alan,

I've just had a look at David Rattray's Guidebook, and now have a better idea of it's location, thanks. From what you say, I presume that building has already began Exclamation It would be very interesting to know who the British Businessman is Rolling Eyes

Regards,

Dewi.
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Alan
Site Admin

Joined: 30 Aug 2005
Posts: 1530
Location: Wales
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I can only assume work has started knowing the rate things move. I can't say who the business man is.

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Dewi Evans


Joined: 31 Aug 2005
Posts: 177
Location: Chwilog, North Wales
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Alan,

Yes, I suppose the work would have had to start, if the hotel is to open in December 2008 Exclamation With regard to the British Businessman, I was only thinking aloud Exclamation Exclamation

Thanks again,

Dewi.
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Martin Everett


Joined: 01 Sep 2005
Posts: 786
Location: Brecon
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He is an Irish Guardsman

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Martin Everett
Brecon, Powys
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Dewi Evans


Joined: 31 Aug 2005
Posts: 177
Location: Chwilog, North Wales
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Martin,

Thanks for that, although I don't know any Irish Guardsmen Exclamation

Regards,

Dewi.
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Alan
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Joined: 30 Aug 2005
Posts: 1530
Location: Wales
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I believe the name is not to be made public at present and Martin was a little naughty giving a hint.

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Haydn Jones


Joined: 12 Jan 2006
Posts: 124
Location: Gloucester
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Alan

Thank you for the information/clarification. Helpful.

To All

Well, it all sounds full of good intention. I do hope so. It certainly appears ambitious. Fifty six guests? That sounds a lot to me if required on a regular basis, does it to anyone else? One assumes feasibility studies have been undertaken but it would be interesting to know if these were completed pre or post the tragic death of poor Mr Rattray. I wonder if any of our South African friends feel able to comment on the current state of the Battlefields tourism industry and the potential viability of the new hotel?

Personally, and while I hate to sound like a NIMBY - after all, Rorke's Drift is not in my back yard (although I suspect that like many on this site, I somehow feel that it is) - I do remain concerned about some aspects of this development. But time will, of course, tell - I shall be very happy to be proved wrong!

H
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Peter Quantrill
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I have just spoken to Barry Marshall, CEO Amafa. His report as follows:
Amafa raised no objections as the building has ' no historical impact.'
From that one deduces that it may be just out of sight.The project, according to Barry, has not yet received enviromental approval. Furthermore, the land belongs to the Ingomama Trust which is controlled by the King, not Molefe.
The name of the 'Irish Guardsman' is known , but I presume, for whatever reason, kept confidential at this stage?
Alan
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Joined: 30 Aug 2005
Posts: 1530
Location: Wales
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No environmental approval yet? Hopes to open December 2008? I wish them luck.

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Peter Quantrill
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This evening I had the courtesy of a call from Charles Aitkenhead, ( ex-Irish guards, many years ago,) the driving force and majority shareholder of the proposed Rorke's Drift Hotel. Charles has no objection to the mention of his name. He currently runs "Capital Trails Adventures" that specialises in battlefield tours.
The project was instigated as a result of local demand to build a reasonably priced hotel that has a spin off for the local community. The project is not quite ready to take off, although Amafa have given the green light in that the venture does not encroach on historical impact. Yes, enviromental approval has still to be obtained and the financial requirements still to be positioned. Nevertheless, it is planned that the building blocks will be made on sight and the spin off from the Trust recycled back to the local community.In the opinion of Charles, there is every chance that the project will be completed within 12 to 18 months (2009) with the emphasis on affordable accomodation.
Hope that this posting will allay any further rumours.
Dewi Evans


Joined: 31 Aug 2005
Posts: 177
Location: Chwilog, North Wales
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I have also received the leaflet mentioned by David above, it describes the Hotel and it's location.
It also invites guests to book early, at an introductory rate of �40, for supper, bed and breakfast. It is also stated that the Hotel is opening in December 2008!

A tad premature, taking account of what Peter has gleaned.

Regards,

Dewi.
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Rorke's Drift Hotel
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