Madwaleni River Lodge Nestled along the southern bank of the White Umfolozi River, Madwaleni River Lodge offers an exclusive retreat with its luxurious safari tents arranged around a central gathering area housing a restaurant, lounge, and captivating library. The lodge takes its name from the isiZulu phrase meaning “The place of the rock,” paying homage to the picturesque granoliths mountains found in the reserve. With a fusion of sophistication and wilderness, this ultra-luxury tented camp promises a truly remarkable experience.
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.
Establishment Facilities:
At Madwaleni River Lodge, we offer a range of exceptional amenities designed to elevate your stay. Alongside our state-of-the-art gym and impressive 1600 wine cellar, guests can also enjoy the tranquil ambiance of our charming library, perfect for those seeking solace with a captivating book. Additionally, our refreshing pool provides a serene oasis for relaxation and rejuvenation, while our boma overlooking the magnificent White Umfolozi River offers an authentic African bushveld experience. Gather around the crackling fire, savor delicious meals prepared by our talented chefs, and create lasting memories under the starlit sky. With these diverse offerings, Madwaleni River Lodge ensures an unforgettable stay where you can indulge in relaxation, exploration, and connection with nature.
• Restaurant
• Indoor and Outdoor Lounge
• 1,600 Bottle Wine Cellar
• Library
• Boma
• Pool Area
• Gym Area
• Private heated plunge pools
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)
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 eleven 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. With indoor and outdoor lounges boasting breathtaking views of the surrounding wilderness, you can relax and immerse yourself in the beauty of nature. The elegant copper bathroom fixtures add a touch of sophistication, while the air-conditioned rooms are equipped with cutting-edge technology, including iPads for seamless food and beverage orders, ensuring a convenient and effortless stay.
- If cancelling 7 days before arrival, forfeit 100% of the booking total.
- If cancelling 14 days before arrival, forfeit 75% of the booking total.
- If cancelling 21 days before arrival, forfeit 50% of the booking total.
- If cancelling 30 days before arrival, forfeit 25% of the booking total.
PAYMENT POLICY
• 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.
Card payments, Secure EFT and Zapper transactions can be processed through the below link:
https://paylink.paygate.co.za/?p1=6R10
Please make sure the link you click on directs you to Babanango Game Reserve (Pty) Ltd DPO Link.
Enter the Reference obtained from Babanango Game Reserve (Pty) Ltd
Enter the ZAR amount without the currency symbol or commas.
Use a decimal point for cents. Amount format example: 1000.00
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 ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
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
Children under the age of 8 or not permitted at this property.
Children Rates:
Children aged 8-11 years - 50 % of rack rate.
Children aged 12 years and over - 100% of rack rate.
Children staying in a room by themselves will be charged the full adult rates.
Game Drive Policy:
No children under the age of 8 years on game drives (unless private vehicle booked).
Should you wish to book a private game drive (subject to availability and limited to 2 drives daily) or your family this can be arranged at an additional fee of R3,500 per drive/per day.
Kindly note that the guide will use their
discretion at certain animal sightings for children under the age of eight for
their safety.
