Valley Lodge
Babanango Private Game Reserve
KwaZulu Natal
Features
- Big 5 Private Game Reserve in the heart of Zululand.
- 20 000 hectares of natural beauty and cultural richness.
- 1 hour away from famous battlefields sites – Isandlwana and Rorke’s Drift.
- Ideal for families.
- Private dining- Boma, arranged in advance and subject to availability with no extra charge.
- Big FiveYes
- Off RoadNo
- Camp FencedYes
- Child PolicyChildren of all ages welcome
- PoolYes
- SPAMobile Spa
- AirconYes
- Cellphone SignalYes
- Malaria AreaNo
- WI-FIYes
- Wheelchair FriendlyNo
- Back-up PowerYes
Location
Babanango Private Game Reserve in Zululand, KwaZulu-Natal
Getting There
3.5 hour drive from Durban
3 hour drive from King Shaka International Airport
2.45 hour drive from Richards Bay Airport
Accommodation
9 rooms accommodating 18 guests
2 x Family Rooms (sleep 2 Adults + 2 Children U12)
2 x Deluxe Rooms (sleep 2)
4 x Luxury Rooms (sleep 2)
1 x Romance Suite (sleeps 2)
Rates & Special Offers
Deals By Date
- All rates are subject to availability
- Proof of SADC residency may be required at the time of booking or upon check-in at the lodge
- Surcharges may apply on rates over peak holiday periods and long weekends.
- Unless otherwise stated, all rates listed are based on a minimum 2 night stay. Surcharges may apply for a 1 night booking.
- Rates quoted above are only valid for SADC Residents. Special Discounted Rates for International Residents are available on request.
- Community and Conservation Fees of R 180 per adult & R 90 per child per day are excluded and payable directly to the Lodge. (Subject to change without prior notice)
- There will be a supplement of 50% on the per person sharing rate for single accommodation.
- Children of all ages are welcome at Valley Lodge.
- Children aged 0 to 3 years stay free of charge. No supplement charge for the use of a cot.
- Children aged 4 to 11 years are charged 50% of the adult rate per night.
- Children aged 12 years and over pay the full adult rate per night.
- Children staying in a room by themselves will be charged the full adult rate per night.
- Children under the age of 8 years are not permitted on game drives, unless a private vehicle has been booked for which there is an additional charge. Private Game Drive requests are subject to availability and limited to 2 drives daily.
- Kindly note that the guides will use their discretion at certain animal sightings for children under the age of 8 years for their safety.
About Valley Lodge
Nestled in the south of Babanango Game Reserve, Valley Lodge offers a serene escape in nature. Its nine adjoining luxury rooms provide splendid views of indigenous gardens designed by horticulturalist Chris Dalzell. With a maximum capacity of 18 guests, the farm style lodge ensures a cozy experience. Unlike others, it is fenced off for safety, privacy, and exclusivity.
Guests can enjoy panoramic views from infinity and splash pools or relax by the fireplace. The library offers books on local history and bird species. In the evening, the outdoor boma with a firepit creates a cozy atmosphere. The lodge’s culinary experience includes canape-style lunches, handcrafted cocktails, and traditional South African-style potjiekos and braais.
ROOM TYPES:
Deluxe Rooms: Located closest to the lodge and pool area, the two deluxe rooms provide a convenient and accessible option.
Family Rooms: Designed with families in mind, the two-family rooms at Valley Lodge are more spacious and include a sleeper couch suitable for two children under the age of 12. These rooms are set away from the other accommodations and the pool area, providing a quieter environment for families to relax and unwind.
Luxury Rooms: For those seeking a touch of privacy and tranquillity, the luxury rooms are an excellent choice. These rooms offer splendid views of the garden.
Romance Room: The romance room at Valley Lodge is specifically tailored for couples looking to create a romantic getaway. This room features a private balcony, a cozy day bed, and a private boma, allowing couples to enjoy their own secluded space.
ROOM FEATURES:
• Each room has WiFi connection
• Hair dryer
• Cosmetic mirror
• Underfloor heating & heated towel racks – (in the bathroom)
• Ceiling fans & air-conditioning
• Guest amenities
• Towels and pool towels
• Spare blankets
• Laundry facilities
• Tea & coffee station
• Drinking water
• Insecticide & mosquito repellent
• Desk & chair
• Standard USB charging points
• Electronic safe with instructions
• Plug points for South Africa, Europe, and the United Kingdom
• Hangers
• Emergency torch
• Emergency air-horn
Available On Request:
• Shoe mitts
• Dental & shaving kit
• Sewing kit
• Vanity kit
• Universal adapters
• Iron & ironing board
• Additional blankets & pillows
LODGE FEATURES AND ACTIVITIES:
• Function and venue lounge
• Boules activities
• Yoga deck – (mats available)
• Gym – (key with management)
• Boma
• Private dining
• Pool and splash pool
• Covered garden terrace
• Private day bed and boma – (Room 9)
• Fenced lodge
About Babanango Private Game Reserve
Nestled in the heart of Zululand, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, Babanango Game Reserve is rapidly emerging as a premier safari destination. Offering a unique blend of natural beauty, adventure, and cultural richness, it spans 20,000 hectares of diverse landscapes and promises an unforgettable experience for international and domestic travelers seeking more than a traditional safari.
Babanango, situated in a malaria-free region, showcases one of the most ambitious rewilding projects in Southern Africa in the past 60 years. With convenient access to nearby airports, journeying to Babanango is straightforward, ensuring a hassle-free journey to this spectacular destination.
Exclusivity is a hallmark of the Babanango experience, with three lodges and 58 beds available in the Big Five reserve. This limited accommodation ensures unspoiled nature without the crowds often found in other reserves, fostering a more intimate and personal safari experience. Visitors can expect top-tier hospitality at the reserve’s new state-of-the-art lodges, which feature exquisite interiors, exceptional service, and mouthwatering cuisine. From child-friendly fenced camps to luxurious tented lodges, Babanango caters to a variety of preferences, ensuring a comfortable stay for all.
Lodge Features
Boma
Conference
Gym
Library
Lodge Pool
Spa
Wi-Fi
Additional Activities
- Battlefield Tours – Isandlwana & Rorke’s Drift
- Bush Lunch
- Coppermine Tour
- Walking Safari
- Wildlife Monitoring Excursion
Getting There
Directions from King Shaka International Airport to Valley Lodge Babanango:
Estimated driving time: 3 hours 30 mins
Total distance: 228 KMS
Start at King Shaka International Airport.
Merge onto the N2 Kwadukuza (towards Tongaat).
Travel 79 kms on the N2.
Take Exit 277 for the R66 (Gingindlovu turnoff).
Continue for 800 meters.
Turn left onto the R66 towards Gingindlovu/Eshowe/Ulundi.
Travel 75.8 kms, passing through Melmoth town.
After the Total Garage, continue for 3.6 kms.
Turn left at the third turnoff towards Babanango Town onto the R68.
Travel 20.9 kms on the R68.
Turn right towards Babanango Valley and stay on the R68 for another 32 kms.
Look out for the brown road sign indicating the Babanango turnoff.
If you cross a bridge, you’ve gone about 20 minutes too far.
As you enter Babanango Town, there will be a 4-way intersection by the police station.
Turn left and continue on the R68 for 3.6 kms.
Look for the Babanango Valley Lodge sign and turn right onto a dirt road.
Travel 1.1 kms until you reach a fork in the road.
Take the left fork and continue for 10.3 kms on the dirt road.
Caution: Watch out for wildlife and river crossings along the way.
Dirt road access – 4×4 not required.