Babanango Game Reserve

KwaZulu Natal

Babanango Game Reserve, nestled in the heart of Zululand, is a premier example of Southern Africa’s recent rewilding efforts. Spanning over 20,000 hectares within the scenic upper White Umfolozi River Valley, the reserve is not only a vast wilderness but also a site rich in Zulu heritage and ancient geological formations that trace back to the dawn of time. Now officially a Big Five game reserve, Babanango welcomes guests to our 3 beautiful lodges where you will experience warm Zulu hospitality for an unforgettable safari experience amongst unmatched scenery.

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3 Lodges

Conferencing

Big Five

Families

Pools

Activities

Sleep

We have 3 luxury lodges and a separate self-catering chalet and tent area.

Ultra Luxury: Madwaleni River Lodge, situated along the banks of the White Umfolozi River, consists of 12 bespoke safari-style tents, each boasting a heated plunge pool and private exquisite views.

Luxury: Zulu Rock Lodgeoffers breathtaking views from the edge of a mountain cliff. With six opulent villa-style suites and one family villa, it is an ideal retreat for guests looking for a secluded, private safari experience.

Family Luxury: Valley Lodge is nestled deep in the southern part of the reserve. One of our best-kept secrets, this fully fenced and secure retreat is perfect for couples, families, and group bookings alike - with 9 modern suites.

Eat

Madwaleni Lodge, Zulu Rock Lodge and Valley Lodge are all fully catered with 3 meals a day, made by our talented chefs. In between meals, enjoy our morning game drive coffee and rusks, as well as our evening drive drinks and snacks. Our dining areas are beautifully appointed with scenic views, and boma dinners are also a popular option. Matatane Camp allows for self-catering, and also has a restaurant for use of the guests.

Relax

With spa facilities, amazing views, pools, gyms and our luxurious accommodation, Babanango is the perfect place to relax, unwind and restore body and mind. Immerse yourself in the beautiful wildlife whilst enjoying our hands-on hospitality.

Enjoy the comfortable lounges at all 3 of the lodges, with Madwaleni's library being a highlight. Indulge in a book or a board game around the fireplace, or relax on a sunbather at one of our many pools. Enjoy an after game drive drink while taking in the exquisite views from the comfort of your suite.

Explore

There is a huge variety of activities for our guests to experience at Babanango, including:

Game Drives:Experience the reserve's diverse terrain from the comfort of our premium 4×4 game vehicles. Embark on a journey to encounter the majestic Big Five.

Walking Safaris:Immerse yourself in the essence of nature as you explore Babanango’s rich ecosystem, led by our knowledgeable guides.

Battlefield Tours: Our experienced tour guides will lead you through the compelling narratives of the historical Isandlwana and Rorke’s Drift battlefields.

Bush Lunch:Guests can enjoy a unique experience that pairs unbeatable scenery with exquisite cuisine crafted from fresh, locally sourced ingredients.

Also on offer at Babanango are Zip Line adventures, a Coppermine Tour as well as Wildlife Monitoring.

Conferencing

Valley Lodge has a full conferencing facilities as well as a gym and lots of space for groups and teams. We are also able to host boma evenings and group dinners. With the copper mine on the doorstep of Valley Lodge, plus the lodge amenities, this is the perfect place to conference or hold small team building events for smaller groups of corporates.

Functions & Events

Valley lodge is the perfect place for families and can be rented out on an exclusive use basis for family reunions, birthdays and other special occasions, including children of all ages. For ultra luxury, groups can also hire out Madwaleni River Lodge exclusively for a special function - although this is not ideal for younger children. We can also create special bush dining, picnics and assist in organising romantic moments such as engagements. Our welcoming staff will ensure you and your guests have a once in a lifetime experience.

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Step Inside Babanango Game Reserve

Location

Babanango Game Reserve is located in the Zululand region of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.

Travel time by road to Babanango Game Reserve:
+/- 3 hours from King Shaka International Airport (Durban)
+/- 2.5 hours from OR Tambo International Airport (Johannesburg)
+/- 30 min from Vryheid Airport (private charters)

There are daily flights from Johannesburg and Cape Town to Durban airport. Transfers can be arranged.

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