Overview
Trumpetters Drift is a game lodge steeped in tradition, the accommodations were built around a historical stone fort which has been refurbished in recent years. The drift along the Great Fish River, as well as the fort, were named after Hans Trompetter, the leader of a group of Khoikhoi who settled near the fort.
The history of Trumpetters Drift began when it was discovered to be a convenient crossing point between Grahamstown and Fort Peddie. In 1817 Lord Charles Somerset, Governor of the Cape Colony, built a rudimentary fort after a group of Xhosas crossed the drift to attack Grahamstown.
After many years had passed; the fort was finally reinforced in 1843 and formed part of the Lewis Line of Forts, which consisted of 6 forts.
Around the Fort there are graves for the fallen British Soldiers during the 4th to 7th Frontier wars.
The fort at Trumpetters Drift still stands today, with very few structural modifications made.
The Trumpetters Drift also commemorates the famous Dick King Route, who passed by on his way from Natal to Grahamstown, to assist in the battle with the Xhosas in 1842, the journey was over 950km, an undertaking that took him only ten days; which in those times was an incredible feat.
Facebook
Twitter
Youtube