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 Five. 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.
All inclusive in your stay:
- Game Drives (morning and afternoon)
- Bush Dining (weather dependent)
- Walking Safari (On request)
- Bird Watching (On request)
Optional extra fee:
- Battlefield Tours
- Wildlife Monitoring
- Helicopter Conservation / Fence Patrols
- In-room Spa Treatments (Coming soon)
- Coppermine Tours (Coming soon)
- Zipline Adventures
Madwaleni River Lodge is unfenced, allowing guests to fully immerse themselves in the surrounding natural beauty. The lodge features twelve luxury tents, accommodating a total of 24 guests. Each tent is renowned for its unique design and has received award-winning distinction, offering unrivaled comfort and style.
Indulge in the epitome of luxury within the seven exquisite tents at Madwaleni River Lodge. Each tent is a haven of opulence, featuring its own private heated plunge pool, inviting you to unwind and bask in the tranquility.
For a truly romantic escape, a secluded Romance Tent awaits, complete with an outdoor shower and bath. Here, guests can revel in privacy and immerse themselves in nature while enjoying luxurious amenities.
- If cancelling 30 days before arrival, forfeit 100% of the booking total.
PAYMENT POLICY
• Rates exclude a conservation fee of R200 per adult and R100 per child per night.
• All reservations require a 50% deposit to secure booking date/s
• All deposits must be paid within 72 hours of making a reservation - failure to receive funds in the stipulated time will result in cancellation of your reservation
• Full and final settlement of a reservation must be made no later than 14 days before arrival
• Any reservations made 30-days or less before arrival will require full settlement within 24 hours of making a reservation
• Payments can be made via bank transfer / electronic funds transfer (eft), online with your VISA debit card, VISA credit card or Mastercard through our online payment portal, which is hosted by PayGate or Cash deposits, however, be aware that cash deposits will attract a fee of 3% of the amount payable.
The property does not accept cash payments.
Identification documents must be presented upon arrival.
DIRECTIONS FROM KING SHAKA INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
There will be three toll gates on the way which require cash or a credit card. The fee ranges from ZAR15.50 to ZAR44.00.
From King Shaka, merge onto the N2 Kwadukuza towards Tongaat and travel 79km.
Take Exit 277 (the Gingindlovu turnoff) for the R66, continue for 800m then turn left onto the R66 towards Gingindlovu/Eshowe/Ulundi.
Travel for 103km passing through Melmoth town Please ignore all signs referring to Babanango Town. Continue on the R66 until you merge onto the R34, towards Vryheid. Continue for 41km.
Look out for the Babanango Game Reserve sign on your left. Enjoy your stay!
[Dirt road access. 4x4 not required]
Please adhere to the speed limits as there are many speed traps along the way. Please also be aware that a large portion of the roads are regional roads and you maybe drive past many cows and goats whom can walk across the road at any given time.
ESTIMATED DRIVING TIME: 3 HOURS 30 MINS
TOTAL DISTANCE: 228KM
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DIRECTIONS FROM CENTRAL JOHANNESBURG There will be three toll gates on the way which require cash or a credit card. The fee ranges from ZAR300 to ZAR350. Take the N3 south out of Johannesburg for about 150km. After you pass through Villiers, take Exit 133 and turn left onto the R34 towards Vrede. After 13km, turn right onto the R103, then after 15km turn left onto the R34. Travel for 13.5km to get to Vrede, then turn right to stay on the R34. After 89km, turn left and then continue straight for 12km until you come to the N11. Turn right onto the N11 and continue for 1.2km, then turn left on to the R34 towards Utrecht. After 75.6km, turn left onto the R33/R34 and proceed for 23km. Turn right onto the R34 and proceed for 6km, and then turn right again to stay on the R34. After 57km, look out for the Babanango Game Reserve sign on your right. Enjoy your stay! [Dirt road access. 4x4 not required] Please adhere to the speed limits as there are many speed traps along the way. Please also be aware that a large portion of the roads are regional roads and you maybe drive past many cows and goats whom can walk across the road at any given time. ESTIMATED DRIVING TIME: 6 HOURS TOTAL DISTANCE: 455KM
We regret no children under the age of 8.
