Roxanne Reid - Africa Addict
  • Home
  • Book author
    • Travels in the Kalahari >
      • Photo gallery: Travels in the Kalahari
      • Book reviews: Travels in the Kalahari
    • A Walk in the Park >
      • Photo gallery: A Walk in the Park
      • Book reviews: A Walk in the Park
    • The Essential Guide to Self-Editing >
      • Book reviews: Essential Guide to Self-Editing
    • Betrayed
    • Book reviews online
  • Editing & proofreading
  • In the media
    • Travel features
    • Health features
    • Online media
    • Media kit
  • Blog
  • Testimonials
  • Links
  • Contact

Why to visit Babanango Game Reserve in KZN

4/8/2021

10 Comments

 
Zulu Rock lodge at Babanango Game Reserve KZN
By Roxanne Reid
Chances are you haven’t heard of this South African game reserve because it’s fairly new. But it’s putting in the work to get the two Cs – conservation and community – right. Its landscapes and lodges are pretty eye-catching too. Find out why to visit Babanango Game Reserve in KZN.

Imagine what it must have been like in 1898 when Paul Kruger first proclaimed a part of what is today the world-renowned Kruger National Park; back when it was in its early days, with lots of development still ahead.

That’s what it’s like today to visit the Babanango Game Reserve between Ulundi and Vryheid in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Established in 2018, it’s still in the development phase but will eventually be a 22 000ha Big 5 wildlife reserve. Leopard occurs naturally whereas rhino and buffalo have been reintroduced and plans are afoot to reintroduce lions and elephants by 2022.
Babanango Game Reserve and the White Umfolozi River
The White Umfolozi River runs through the Babanango Game Reserve
​The name Babanango means ‘Father, here it is’, referring to a high hill that’s a landmark in the area. Set along the White Umfolozi River, the reserve is a diverse and scenic blend of rolling hills, granite crags, rocky outcrops, river valleys, forests, thornveld and mistbelt grasslands.

On your game drives you’ll see rhino, buffalo, zebra, giraffe, wildebeest and antelope like impala and nyala. There are more than 280 bird species, including Verreaux’s and crowned eagle, blue crane and narina trogon, and over 30 butterfly species like the dark-webbed ringlet, Millar’s haritail and mocker bronze. 
white rhinos at Babanango, one of the game reserves in Zululand
White rhinos graze peacefully, protected by a strong Anti-Poaching Unit
​But it might be the sweeping views from the highest hilltops and the abundance of vivid-hued aloes that really take your breath away. Apart from some more common species of aloe, Babanango also has small but thriving populations of two species found almost nowhere else – Aloe gerstneri and Aloe vanrooyenii, the latter an unusual summer-flowering species. 
Aloes on a rock at Babanango Game Reserve in KZN
Rocks and bright aloes are features of the Babanango landscape

​Lodges at Babanango Game Reserve
We stayed at two of the lodges at Babanango Game Reserve and heard that a five-star luxury lodge to be called Traveller’s Camp is waiting in the wings.

Babanango Valley Lodge
In the south of the reserve, Babanango Valley Lodge is set in an indigenous garden filled with aloes, succulents and grasses. The lodge overlooks the Nsubeni River valley with its striking granite hills, quartzite ridges and sandstone cliffs.
Game lodges KZN: Babanango Valley Lodge
Indigenous gardens at Babanango Valley Lodge
​In a contemporary twist on safari chic the lounge and dining areas are elegant and understated, with tones of grey and white. There’s a library wall in the lounge, and old prints of Zulu battles and watercolours of animals like elephants hang on the walls. Fireplaces in the main area create a cosy atmosphere on cooler nights, and we enjoyed dinner by firelight in the boma one evening. 
Bush braai at Babanango Valley Lodge
Bush braai around the fire in the boma
Game reserve accommodation KZN: Babanango Valley Lodge lounge
The lounge at Babanango Valley Lodge
​Food at Babanango Valley Lodge is delicious and plentiful, with delicate or piquant sauces, freshly sourced local ingredients, and lots of yummy vegetarian options for the not-so-carnivorous – even at the bush braai in the boma. Appreciating that we first taste with our eyes, the chefs also present their dishes beautifully.
Dining room at Babanango Valley Lodge in KwaZulu-Natal
Dining room at Babanango Valley Lodge
Enjoy delicious food at Babanango Valley Lodge
Delcious, beautifully presented food is a highlight at Babanango Valley Lodge
​For hot summer days there’s an infinity pool, where you can take a dip, relax in a lounger with a book, or simply listen to the calls of birds in the garden.
The infinity pool at Babanango Valley Lodge
The infinity pool at Babanango Valley Lodge
Nine suites look out over the garden and to the natural bush beyond. We stayed in the honeymoon suite on the end for a little extra privacy. It had a four-poster bed, bath and shower, underfloor heating and glass doors along the front that folded right back out of the way for an indoor/outdoor vibe. 
Honeymoon suite interior, Babanango Valley Lodge
The honeymoon suite at Babanango Valley Lodge
I enjoyed sitting in the dappled sun on the stoep looking out towards a hill and watching nyalas stroll through the bush. In the evening it was a place to listen to the melancholy calls of blackbacked jackals.

Zulu Rock
The views at Zulu Rock in the north of the reserve take centre stage. They will blow you away, especially from the deck of the main lodge looking out towards the White Umfolozi River that snakes its way through the valley below. Even the swimming pool enjoys glorious views out over the reserve.
View from the deck at Babanango Zulu Rock
Views over the river valley take centre stage at Zulu Rock (see also the intro photo)
Swimming pool at Babanango Zulu Rock
The swimming pool at Zulu Rock
To make the most of these panoramic vistas, there’s a wall of glass in the lounge, and tables set for lunch on the deck. Inside you’ll find comfy leather couches and rush chairs, with earthy-toned baskets and woven plates giving a nod to local Zulu culture. Enjoy a drink at the bar or browse inside the small glassed wine cellar if you’re looking for something to celebrate a special occasion. 
Game lodges KZN: Babanango Zulu Rock lounge
Part of the lounge at Zulu Rock
​The seven suites roost on the edge of a hill, most of them with decks that look out over aloes and the White Umfolozi River far below. Décor is pale grey with accents of warm terracotta in the wall behind the bed, the cushions, throws and easy chairs. 
Views from the rooms at Zulu Rock in Babanango Game Reserve in KZN
Most rooms look out over hills and valleys
The honeymoon suite's private pool at Zulu Rock
The honeymoon suite even has its own private pool
​With its wide-screen views, the deck at your room is the ideal place from which to watch Zululand’s spectacular scarlet sunsets. A nice touch for chilly nights is a two-sided wood-burning fireplace that provides warmth both for the room and for those who want to linger on the deck to prolong their enjoyment of the landscape.

​Things to do at Babanango Game Reserve
Until lions and elephants are reintroduced to make up the Big 5, wildlife may not be the sole reason to visit Babanango Game Reserve. But already the scenery, the aloes, the birds and the butterflies – as well as the lodges with their warm, friendly staff – are draw cards. Add to that a fistful of experiences and turn your stay into an action-packed getaway.

​1. Don’t miss a guided game drive, a chance to get close to nature and admire the changing landscape. We loved seeing zebras and giraffes and antelope, finding rhino tracks and following them till we found these ancient creatures. What a thrill to be able to drive offroad to get closer to them, the heady smell of wild mint in the air, the call of the greater honeyguide in the distance. Find a herd of wildebeest frolicking in the early morning light, learn about the golden orb spider and its super-strong web. See ostriches strut among the aloes on a mountain top, watch ground hornbills search for food, purple-crested turacos brighten the bush with their vivid colours. Admire red ivory, sweet thorn and mountain cabbage trees, discover the importance of the buffalo thorn in Zulu culture. One game drive a day is included in the room rate.
Game drive to see wildlife, landscapes and aloes at Babanango Game Reserve
Go on a game drive in an open safari vehicle and stop for a drinks break
​2. Use all your senses on a nature walk with your guide. See the landscape, listen to the call of birds, smell the dust, feel the texture of leaves, maybe even taste a berry or leaf that your guide shares with you. Don’t forget to bring your binos if you’re a keen birder.

3. Saddle up and go horse riding across the African veld, a wonderful way to experience the wilderness here. An exciting multi-day horse safari should be introduced soon.

4. Tour an old mine from the early 1900s with a guide at Babanango Valley Lodge. Learn about the history of the mine, how geologist Paul Pollitzer thought there was gold, only to discover it was fool’s gold or iron pyrite. Hear how the pyrite was extracted and crawl into one of the tunnels to see part of a mine shaft too. Sadly, the mine was unsuccessful. When Pollitzer couldn’t extract enough pyrite to pay back his investors, he killed himself and you can see his tombstone near the mine.
Old mine at Babanango Valley Lodge
Bongani from Babanango Valley Lodge at the tombstone near the old mine
5. See the reserve from the air on a 20-minute helicopter ride from Babanango Valley Lodge. The chopper is part of the conservation and strong anti-poaching effort at Babanango Game Reserve, but is also available for scenic flights over the reserve.

6. Don’t forget to look up at night to enjoy some stargazing. The night skies are wide and dark and the stars bright. If you’d like to learn more about the constellations and planets mention it to your guide on the late afternoon drive, which comes back to the lodge after dark.

7. Go on a full-day battlefields tour. The reserve is in a historically significant area of Zululand, with the battlefields of Isandlwana, Rorke’s Drift and Blood River in reach. Take a tour with a guide who will fill you in on the area’s rich and beleaguered history.
Zebras at Babanango Game Reserve
Burchell's zebra, giraffe and antelope roam Babanango Game Reserve
Community benefits
Babanango Game Reserve is making every effort to bring benefit to the local communities, three of which own land that forms part of the reserve. Some 14 000ha was a land claim that’s now part of a trust, and two other communities have about 1000ha each.

Apart from the income these communities are already getting from the lease of their land, the reserve has brought jobs to an area of low employment. ‘There are currently 152 permanent members of staff in the reserve and the lodges,’ says Babanango Reserve manager Musa Mbatha. ‘About 75% of them are from these communities and many have never worked before so they have been – and are still being – trained.’

As a local himself, Mbatha is determined that things must be done right, that upfront engagement with community leaders is vital for everything to work smoothly and successfully.

Babanango also helps other communities living near the reserve, engaging in community upliftment projects through the African Habitat Conservancy Foundation. Think, for instance, of sinking 500 boreholes, furthering education and training, supplying agricultural and veterinary services, and helping to develop community businesses that can be suppliers of products and services to the reserve and lodges.

The reserve has also assured neighbouring cattle, goat and crop farmers that they’ll be compensated for the deaths of animals or damage to crops as a result of introduced animals like lions or elephants breaching the fence. Since human-wildlife conflict is a thorny issue in areas surrounding reserves around Africa, it’s good to see Babanango taking a proactive stance.

There’s excitement in seeing the formation of a wildlife reserve in its early stages, with so many opportunities for both good conservation and uplifting local communities. Visit Babanango Game Reserve now, then return in three to five years. I hope you’ll be surprised at the changes, see how preserving our natural heritage and powering a community-based economy can both succeed when they work hand in hand.

You may also enjoy
​Tembe Elephant Park – a Big Five reserve in KwaZulu-Natal
Manyoni Game Reserve- Big 5, wild dogs and a pangolin

Like it? Pin this image!
Visiting KwaZulu-Natal and looking for somewhere different? Find out why to visit Babanango Game Reserve in KZN. All about conservation and community, it also has gorgeous lodges like Babanango Zulu Rock and Babanango Valley Lodge. – perfect game lodges KZN. There are lots of things to do, from game drives, nature walks and helicopter flips to horse riding, stargazing and a battlefield tour. Game reserve accommodation KZN.
Visiting KwaZulu-Natal and looking for somewhere different? Find out why to visit Babanango Game Reserve in KZN. All about conservation and community, it also has gorgeous lodges like Babanango Zulu Rock and Babanango Valley Lodge. – perfect game lodges KZN. There are lots of things to do, from game drives, nature walks and helicopter flips to horse riding, stargazing and a battlefield tour. Game reserve accommodation KZN.
Copyright © Roxanne Reid - No words or photographs on this site may be used without permission from roxannereid.co.za
10 Comments
Jenny Preston
4/8/2021 09:52:45 pm

Sounds divine. Will have to add them to our next year itinerary when we visit South Africa. We visited Selinda camp a few years ago after reading your blog on it. Excellent experience and safari.

Reply
Roxanne
5/8/2021 09:16:52 am

Oh wow, Jenny, that's a great compliment and *exactly* what I hope to achieve with my blogs - to inspire people to visit these places. Selinda is in another category altogether, but if you don't expect too much of Babanango in the game viewing department (remember, no lions or elephants or wild dogs yet), I'm sure you'll love the experience.

Reply
Laurence Marans
7/8/2021 02:34:02 pm

What a wonderful testament to what is happening at Babanango. In these difficult times, it is wonderful to see investments in the future of this region and its people. We plan to be there in 2022!

Reply
Roxanne Reid
7/8/2021 02:37:03 pm

It really is a fascinating development, Laurence. I hope you have a wonderful time there.

Reply
Ndukenhle Buthelezi
16/9/2021 12:45:49 pm

Wow that is place of lot of fun , beautiful landscape, White UMfolozi River , good food , friendly stuff , wildlife everything is good. That's why I always visit Babanango Game Reserve and is my local game.
#BabanangoGameReserve
#TeamJeff

Reply
Roxanne Reid
17/9/2021 01:08:41 pm

To have this reserve near you so you can visit again and again must be wonderful.

Reply
Khumbulani "KB" Buthelezi
21/9/2021 05:28:31 am

Mmm...👌
It a wonderful development happening here! Attracting indigenous things.
You know Heaven?
Babanango Game Reserve is small Heaven 😊. I feel it...👌
Come and visit... you'll see and feel it too!
I love BGR.

Reply
Roxanne Reid
21/9/2021 07:35:58 am

It's a beautiful place doing good work and I think your term 'small heaven' is right on the money! Much to be proud of here.

Reply
Samkeliso Nkwanyane link
1/12/2021 09:57:45 am

Oh my goodness, looks stunning! The views!!!

Reply
Roxanne Reid link
1/12/2021 10:30:33 am

Babanango Game Reserve does indeed have gorgeous landscapes and stunning views, especially from Zulu Rock and the game area above Babanango Valley Lodge.

Reply

Your comment will be posted after it is approved.


Leave a Reply.

    Get email links to the latest posts

    Buy my books
    Travels in the Kalahari, amazon.com e-book
    E-book 2012​

    A Walk in the Park, amazon.com e-book
    2nd ed e-book 2015
    The Essential Guide to Self-Editing, amazon.com e-book
    E-book 2017

    About 

    I'm an independent travel writer and book editor with a passion for Africa - anything from African travel, people, safari and wildlife to adventure, heritage, road-tripping and slow travel.
    My travel buddy and husband Keith is the primary photographer for this blog.
    We're happiest in the middle of nowhere, meeting the locals, trying something new, or simply watching the grass grow.
    Use this website to discover new places to go, revisit places you've loved, or take a virtual tour of destinations you only dream about.

    Categories

    All
    Baviaanskloof
    Books
    Botswana
    Camping
    Cape Town
    Chobe
    Conservation
    Drc
    Eastern Cape
    Etosha Namibia
    Food
    Free State
    Garden Route
    Gauteng
    Issues
    Kalahari
    Karoo
    Kenya
    Kruger National Park
    Kwazulu Natal
    Lesotho
    Limpopo
    Linyanti
    Malawi
    Mozambique
    Mpumalanga
    Namaqualand
    Namibia
    Nature Parks
    Northern Cape
    Okavango
    Overberg
    People
    Photography
    Richtersveld
    Tanzania
    West Coast
    Western Cape
    Wild Creatures
    Zambia
    Zimbabwe

    Archives

    June 2022
    May 2022
    April 2022
    March 2022
    February 2022
    January 2022
    November 2021
    October 2021
    September 2021
    August 2021
    July 2021
    June 2021
    April 2021
    March 2021
    February 2021
    January 2021
    December 2020
    November 2020
    October 2020
    September 2020
    August 2020
    July 2020
    June 2020
    May 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020
    February 2020
    January 2020
    November 2019
    October 2019
    September 2019
    August 2019
    July 2019
    June 2019
    May 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    November 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018
    June 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017
    December 2016
    November 2016
    October 2016
    September 2016
    August 2016
    July 2016
    June 2016
    May 2016
    April 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016
    January 2016
    December 2015
    November 2015
    October 2015
    September 2015
    August 2015
    July 2015
    June 2015
    May 2015
    April 2015
    March 2015
    February 2015
    January 2015
    December 2014
    November 2014
    October 2014
    September 2014
    August 2014
    July 2014
    June 2014
    May 2014
    April 2014
    March 2014
    February 2014
    January 2014
    December 2013
    November 2013
    October 2013
    September 2013
    August 2013
    July 2013
    June 2013
    May 2013
    April 2013
    March 2013
    February 2013
    January 2013
    December 2012
    November 2012
    October 2012
    September 2012
    August 2012
    July 2012
    June 2012
    May 2012
    April 2012
    March 2012
    February 2012
    January 2012
    December 2011
    November 2011
    October 2011
    September 2011
    August 2011
    July 2011
    June 2011
    May 2011
    April 2011
    March 2011
    February 2011
    January 2011
    December 2010
    November 2010
    October 2010
    September 2010
    August 2010
    July 2010
    June 2010
    May 2010
    April 2010
    March 2010
    January 2010
    November 2009


Copyright © Roxanne Reid - No words or photographs on this site may be used without written permission from roxannereid.co.za

Privacy Policy, GDPR and POPIA compliance
​* We promise that we take data safety seriously and use your private data only to offer a personalised experience
* If you subscribed to our newsletter, you will receive our newsletters. You can always unsubscribe by following the link in email or by emailing us
* If you gave us your name, it will only be used to personalise the newsletters
* We have never sold, we are not selling, and we will not sell any of your personal data provided to us
* The blog uses cookies to track activity. It is anonymous except for telling us your location and what you did on our blog
​
Photo used under Creative Commons from berniedup