Babanango Game Reserve – one of the largest private rewilding projects in South Africa – has announced the opening of its newest luxury tented lodge this September: Madwaleni River Lodge. Located in the heart of Zululand, KwaZulu-Natal, Madwaleni River Lodge has 12 luxury tents, accommodating a maximum of 24 guests. Each luxury tent offers a private heated plunge pool, with indoor and outdoor lounges offering views of the surrounding wilderness.
The lodge’s restaurant showcases an innovative rooftop vegetable garden, ensuring a direct supply of organic produce and delivering a farm-to-table dining experience. The in-house gym offers state-of-the-art facilities with panoramic river views overlooking the river and the infinity pool provides a breath-taking vista where guests can cool off, soak up the sun, and observe wildlife. The library serves as a serene sanctuary adorned with shelves filled with captivating old photographs, maps, and history books.
Additionally, Madwaleni River Lodge houses a 2,000-bottle cellar with a selection of wines from the Cape region of South Africa. Guests are hosted by experienced safari guides for two game drives a day to explore the diverse landscape and wildlife of Babanango Game Reserve.