Isandlwana Lodge to go under the auctioneer’s hammer this week
Historic Isandlwana Lodge goes on auction, offering investors a rare opportunity in a globally significant heritage tourism destination according to auctioneer, Normand Raad.
One of KwaZulu-Natal’s most historically significant hospitality properties, Isandlwana Lodge, has been placed on the market and will go under the hammer later this month.
Perched on the slopes overlooking the iconic Isandlwana battlefield, the lodge offers uninterrupted views of the site of one of the most important battles of the Anglo-Zulu War, fought on January 22, 1879.
Unique heritage setting attracts global interest
“Isandlwana Lodge is unlike almost any other hospitality asset in South Africa. With the rise of cultural tourism globally, its location is not simply a selling point; it is the asset,” said Norman Raad, chief executive of Broll Auctions and Sales.
Built into the Nyoni mountainside, the lodge is designed in the shape of a traditional shield, using rock and thatch to reflect Zulu heritage. Each structural column is named after a historical figure linked to the battle.
Since opening in 1999 by Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi, the lodge has hosted several high-profile guests, including former United States president Jimmy Carter and members of royal families.
The property accommodates up to 26 guests in 14 en-suite rooms and includes a range of facilities such as a library, conference space, gym, curio shop and swimming pool.
The lodge is being sold as a going concern, complete with staff accommodation, a game-viewing vehicle and backup infrastructure.
Raad said there has already been strong interest from both local and international buyers.
“It offers a rare combination of tourism appeal, cultural significance and income-generating potential,” he said.
A chance meeting led to the founding of the Lodge
Maggie Bryant, former Chairperson of The Fish and Wildlife Foundation in the United States, has been involved in eco-tourism and conservation in several countries in Southern Africa and around the world. Mrs. Bryant is a resident of Middleburg, Virginia, who devotes most of her time to projects that preserve the environment and wildlife.
Pat Stubbs, retired from a business career that took her to many parts of the world, was looking for a challenge when she became intrigued by a story in an investment magazine in the U.S., which highlighted the opportunity of tourism investment in Southern Africa.
These two enterprising women visited Isandlwana together for the first time in December 1997. Contacts with Amafa (Heritage) KwaZulu-Natal, the organisation that manages the historical sites in KwaZulu-Natal, brought them to Isandlwana to discuss a possible investment here.
After discussing the possibilities with the Tribal Councillors, the group walked the site and a simple handshake with the Inkosi of the Tribe created a partnership that has brought jobs to the local community and will bring revenue to the Tribal Trust for use in building schools, clinics and enhancing the life of villagers.
Both have since passed on, and the Lodge was taken over by another unnamed owner who, according to the auctioneers, is now retiring.
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