
Built and managed by two retired American women, the Isandlwana Lodge is a veritable tourist paradise perched in the heart of Zululand, in South Africa. The hotel is located on the site of the historic 1879 Battle of Isandlwana, a territorial dispute that was part of the war between the indigenous Zulus and the colonizing English forces.
What makes the Isandlwana Lodge special is its integration into the local economy. Rather than imposing their vision on the local people, the two owners decided to open a dialog with the local Zulus and offer them employment. Today, the Lodge is an integral part of the community and will eventually become the property of the local tribe when the lease expires.