Babanango Game Reserve is a malaria-free reserve that is slowly introducing the Big 5. The reserve is in the process of the statutory declaration to become one of KwaZulu Natal’s newest reserves set on the white Umfolozi River, encompassing the beautiful Babanango Valley in the Zululand. This magnificent region with a pristine coastline, rolling hills, waving grasslands, forests, rivers, mangrove swamps and cattle ranches is the perfect hideaway. Zululand is also the traditional seat of the Zulu Kingdom and is just a three-hour drive or possible flight option, north of the port city of Durban, with Babanango Game Reserve being situated inland in this diverse region.

The reserve offers 2 beautifully designed lodges for couples, families, or single travellers.

The Babanango Valley Lodge

Located in a remote valley in the southern region of the Babanango Game Reserve is the Babanango Valley Lodge which offers four-star catered accommodation in a relaxed bush setting. The lodge overlooks the magnificent Nsubeni River featuring granite koppies, sandstone cliffs and quartzite ridges which stretch into the far distance where the Nsubeni River meets the White Umfolozi River.

The lodge features cool white décor offset by accents of black and offers a sophisticated laidback appeal perfect for a bush break.

There are nine tastefully designed, spacious two-sleeper suites each boasting a garden outlook with views over the reserve. Two rooms have interleading doors to create a comfortable four-bed family unit. The generous honeymoon suite which is slightly separate from the lodge for ultimate privacy offers the perfect retreat for newlyweds or those looking to indulge in some much-needed alone time.

Chef Khumbulani offers guests South African inspired cuisine. Enjoy four-course traditional meals featuring Bobotie, milk tart, malva pudding and more.

The lodge also offers interactive Boma Dinners where guests can dine under the stars, enjoying traditional meals where the food is cooked on the braai and springbok shooters are served on arrival. The lodge also offers bush dinners and breakfasts.

Babanango Game Reserve, located in the heart of Zululand, KwaZulu-Natal, is a showcase for one of the most ambitious rewilding projects in Southern Africa in recent years. Set among the breathtaking topography of the upper White Umfolozi River Valley, the reserve occupies a vast wilderness area of over 20,000 hectares that is steeped in Zulu history and layered upon geological features that date back to the beginning of time. The rugged mountains and valleys provide refuge for an extraordinary diversity of birds, plants, insects, reptiles, and mammals, including the elusive aardvark and aardwolf. With the recent return of the African elephant, Babanango Game Reserve is Big 5. With highly knowledgeable guides and a range of activities to choose from, visitors to Babanango Game Reserve can be assured of an unrivalled safari experience. Significant historical battle sites, such as Isandlwana and Rorke’s Drift, are located close by.

Guests staying at Babanango Game Reserve can self-drive to several places of historical and ecological interest in and around Babanango and the greater Zululand area.

Visit The Spirit of Emakhosi which is a memorial site to all the Zulu kings buried in the valley below featuring a giant symbolic traditional Zulu beer pot on a beaded ring surrounded by sculptured horns and tusks of animals once found in this area.
Enjoy the Vryheid tour featuring the Dutch reformed church and the Vryheid museum.
For those interested in history be sure to visit the Isandlwana battlefield and grave which features the South African and British flag showcasing the happenings of the Battle of Isandlwana in 1879.
Visit the Bloodriver Voortrekker monument where the most pivotal battle in South Africa took place.
The Rorke’s Drift monument to learn about the Anglo-Zulu War.
These are just some of the activities one can do at the infamous Zululand!