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Babanango Valley Lodge is a private sanctuary situated in the heart of Babanango Game Reserve in KwaZulu Natal, where guests are invited to experience the rich tapestry of Zulu history and awe-inspiring landscapes on over 20,000 hectares. This rewilding masterpiece showcases diverse flora and fauna, including the elusive aardvark and aardwolf, now complemented by the return of the African elephant, making Babanango Game Reserve Big Five. Babanango Valley Lodge stands as a serene escape with just nine luxury rooms offering panoramic views of Chris Dalzell's indigenous gardens.
Fenced for safety and exclusivity, the lodge features infinity and splash pools, a fireplace-warmed library, and an outdoor boma. Parents and their children are welcomed to enjoy spending time in the welcoming lounge area, while the kids have fun splashing around in the pools, creating unforgettable memories. With a boma under the stars, Babanango Valley Lodge fosters an intimate setting for sharing stories and savouring South African-style potjiekos and braais. Exclusive-use options provide personalised experiences for events, from milestone celebrations to corporate retreats, ensuring every detail is meticulously planned. Facilities include a venue lounge, boules activities, yoga deck, gym, boma, private dining, pool, and more.
Babanango Game Reserve, an expansive conservation haven in Zululand, KwaZulu Natal, unfolds across 20,000 hectares of the upper White Umfolozi River Valley. This ambitious rewilding project combines breathtaking landscapes with a rich Zulu history, housing a diverse array of wildlife, from the legendary Big Five to the enigmatic aardvark and aardwolf. Guided game drives offer encounters with klipspringers, servals, and porcupines, while proximity to historic battle sites like Isandlwana and Rorke's Drift adds a cultural dimension to the reserve.
Babanango Valley Lodge, located in the southern reaches of Babanango Game Reserve, offers a luxurious escape amid this pristine wilderness. As a sanctuary of comfort and conservation, the lodge's guests contribute to the preservation of this unique ecosystem. Step into a world of luxury, history, and wildlife where you can fully experience the natural and cultural beauty of South Africa. Get ready to treat yourself to an unforgettable adventure!
T. Woodbridge
Stayed at: Babanango Valley Lodge
Special conservation experience
An idyllic lodge in with incredibly friendly staff. I was impressed by the reserve managers who answered all of my questions in much detail. I highly recommend Babanango Game Reserve to anyone who wants to learn about the issue of species conservation in Africa and also wants to experience it on another level.
D. Kaplan
Stayed at: Babanango Valley Lodge
Fantastic Stay
Friendly staff, beautiful decor, breathtaking views and amazing food! We couldn't have asked for more.
H. McMaster
Stayed at: Babanango Valley Lodge
Wonderful experience
From the minute we arrived, everything was just perfect - from the food and the awesome staff to the overall experience.
R34 Highway between Vryheid and Ulundi, Vryheid, 3000
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 75.8km passing through Melmoth town. After the Total Garage, drive 3.6km until you get to the third left towards Babanango Town and take this onto the R68. Drive 20.9km and turn right towards Babanango Valley to stay on the R68 for another 32km.
Please look out for the Brown Road Sign indicating Babanango turnoff. If you reach a bridge you’ve gone 20 minutes too far!
As you passing through Babanango Town, there will be a 4way intersection by the Police Station in Babanango Town. Turn left and continue on the R68. After 3.6km, look out for the Babanango Valley Lodge sign and turn right onto a dirt road. After you have taken the correct turn
travel for 1.1km until the road forks to the left. Take a left fork and continue on this dirt road for 10.3km. Look out for wildlife and river crossing!
[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: 228 KM
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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, continue straight onto the P 54 over the Bloedrivier. Travel for 39km to the town of Nqutu, then continue straight onto the R68/Isandlwana Road.
After 37km until you see a green sign D139 turn left. Proceed for 1km and turn left at the signposted private road to Babanango Valley Lodge.
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 30 MINS
TOTAL DISTANCE: 482KM
Yes, absolutely! Valley Lodge was thoughtfully designed with families in mind, creating memories for guests of all ages. The lounge area invites parents to unwind with a well-stocked bar available while still able to keep an eye on their kids in the pool. Please note, parents must ensure that children are not left unattended and respect the privacy of other guests
Yes! With the recent return of the African elephant, Babanango Game Reserve is Big Five. With highly knowledgeable guides, visitors to Babanango Game Reserve can be assured of an unrivalled safari experience
Gratuities are not compulsory, however, should you wish to tip the Valley Lodge staff, the suggested amount is R100.00 per person per drive for guides. Gratuities for all other staff can be added to your invoice, 10% of your overall bill is suggested.
Valley Lodge is located within Babanango Game Reserve, a Big Five reserve. Please note, guests are not to leave their rooms should they spot any dangerous game outside. Air horns are provided in the rooms to alert the lodge's game rangers, staff and other guests.
No,Valley Lodge is located in a malaria-free zone.
Yes, the conservation levies are payable at the lodge directly on arrival.