D139 Eshowe Zululand, KwaZulu-Natal, Babanango 3850 South Africa
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About
#1 of 1 small hotel in Babanango
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Nestled in 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.
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Property amenities
Free parking
Free High Speed Internet (WiFi)
Pool
Fitness Centre with Gym / Workout Room
Free breakfast
Patio
Walking tours
Babysitting
Secured parking
Wifi
Pool / beach towels
Pool with view
Outdoor pool
Shallow end in pool
Bar / lounge
Restaurant
Breakfast available
Breakfast buffet
Complimentary Instant Coffee
Complimentary tea
Complimentary welcome drink
Kid-friendly buffet
Kids' meals
Outdoor dining area
Special diet menus
Wine / champagne
Board games / puzzles
Highchairs available
Conference facilities
24-hour security
Baggage storage
Concierge
Gift shop
Non-smoking hotel
Outdoor fireplace
Outdoor furniture
Sun deck
Sun loungers / beach chairs
Sun terrace
Sun umbrellas
First aid kit
Umbrella
Laundry service
Ironing service
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Room features
Air conditioning
Desk
Housekeeping
Interconnected rooms available
Coffee / tea maker
Electric kettle
Electric blanket
Walk-in shower
Room service
Safe
Telephone
Bottled water
Iron
Private bathrooms
Wake-up service / alarm clock
Bath / shower
Complimentary toiletries
Hair dryer
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Room types
Pool view
Non-smoking rooms
Suites
Family rooms
Good to know
Languages Spoken
English, Afrikaans, Zulu
Location
D139 Eshowe Zululand, KwaZulu-Natal, Babanango 3850 South Africa
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Unlike a public national park, the game reserve is not flooded with tourists. The animals show natural behavior - for example, fleeing if you come to close by slowly approaching on the road in an off-road vehicle. The area of around 20.000 hectares offers the animals the space to retreat from humans. All the rangers we met were incredibly careful and respectful to the animals and did everything they could not to frighten them. I would like to thank the Rangers Sibu, Mister X and Sfiso. Sfiso in particular impressed me deeply. I have rarely seen a person who lives the concept of species protection with such passion. The staff is generally incredibly friendly and courteous. The lodges in the game reserve are idyllic - each lodge in its own way. The reserve managers are always ready to answer questions in detail and offer lectures in which they present the projects and their future development. I can warmly recommend the Game Reserve to anyone who doesn't just want to delve into the issue of species conservation in Africa on an intellectual level, but also wants to feel and experience this topic on an emotional level. …
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Date of stay: October 2023Trip type: Travelled on business
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helpful
Property's Favourite Review
My wife and I just spent a week at the Babanango Valley Lodge in KwaZulu-Natal in South Africa. We were excited to be making this trip. Game reserves brings us so close to nature. But this new reserve was so much more. Guest Room. The large guest room put four/five-star properties in New York to shame. Plugs for electronics everywhere. Oversize shower and bathtub. Incredibly comfortable king bed. Independent temperature controls. We didn’t want to leave. Food. Breakfast. Lunch. Dinner. Beautifully prepared outstanding meals. From an English style breakfast to lamb/beef/vegetarian choices at dinner that were in every sense professionally prepared and presented. Staff. We decided not to mention any names because we were made to feel at home and cared for by the whole team. Whether it was the knowledgeable drivers during the game drives, or the service staff in the hotel, they went out of their way to meet our needs. The animals, which should have been first on our list, as always were the stars. This is the spring in South Africa and these animals were vibrant with many pregnant females and seemed to enjoy coming out to look at the humans who were invading their privacy. Piéce de résistance. On our final night, the staff and children performed a Zulu dance/song piece that had ourselves and other guests close to tears. It was a remarkable closing to a truly fabulous week. Congratulations to the team that made out stay so outstanding. …
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Date of stay: October 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helpful
Response from Babanango Game Reserve, Marketing at Babanango Valley Lodge
Responded 12 Oct 2022
Dear Brittany, Thank you so much for taking the time out to write such a wonderful review. We are so delight to hear you had such a wonderful stay with us. Our Staff members strive to give our guest the best experience possible. We are happy you got to experience what South Africa is all about. We hope to welcome you back to Babanango Game Reserve in the future. Kind regards The Babanango Team
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
+1
WWF Germany was absolutely astonishied by the Project and the Game Park's natural beauty. The harmonic family atmosphere at all of the lounges made us feel right at home! The kitchen staff were lovely and caring and prepared us with the finest traditional dishes to make sure we were always well fed to start our adventure. Our guides were all wonderful and made an amazing job to educate us. Espacially Guide and Ranger Sfiso touched our hearts with his funny and relaxed style of touring. He not only answered all the question we had about the Park and the Animals, but also gave us an insight of the Live of a Zulu man in SA. We hope that his wonderful smile will make sure that YOU too, enjoy your stay at Babanango Game Park! <3 Amazing experience 10/10 Can't wait to be back!!!
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Date of stay: October 2023Trip type: Travelled on business
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helpful
I can't begin to describe how incredible this experience has been. I got to see such beautiful places and every single accommodation on the reserve was stunning. But most importantly, the staff were incredibly friendly. I would like to personally thank a few people. Sifiso and Mr X were very, very good rangers. Sifiso was very friendly and funny and taught me a lot by telling very well told personal stories. Thanks to Mister X it was possible to discover many different animals very quickly and learn a lot about them. He was also a very likeable person. Thanks also to Gugu and Mandisa. Gugu is one of the friendliest people I have ever met. She always took a lot of time for me and had a very friendly and warm personality. Mandisa is also a very friendly person who has brought a lot of smiles to my face since I first met her. Thanks again to all the staff at Babanango Game Reserve, I had the best time of my life. I cannot wait to come back and would definitely recommend this place to anyone.…
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Date of stay: October 2023Trip type: Travelled on business
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Room Tip: Everything was amazing, I don't have any suggestions
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helpful
We visited with our sons (2 and 3.5) the valley lodge for 4 nights and had a wonderful time. The place was amazing, the safaris well planned and the staff incredibly friendly and hospitable. We saw a lot of animals and learned a lot about the nature and the whole area. We would definitely recommend this place to everyone and I am sure we are coming back. A big plus was the food.
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Date of stay: July 2023Trip type: Travelled with family
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helpful
Babanago is possibly the most remarkable place to visit. Not only are the lodges all unique and beautifully done, with brilliant service, guides and food, but the reserve itself has an abundance of game and interesting landscape and vegetation. Normally in a private reserve you don't need to look for game but we had to venture far and wide through beautiful valleys and hilltop plateaus to search and we found! It made it much more exciting. True care and any cost has been taken to preserve the land and animals in this reserve.
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Review collected in partnership with this hotel
Date of stay: July 2023
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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+1
After hundreds of game drives I still get into a game viewing vehicle with a sense of anticipation and excitement. Having got dressed in my usual superstitious way and wearing my lucky shirt I take my seat. I tie my camera and binocular case somewhere secure and place my camera around my neck ensuring the strap sits comfortably under the collar of my lucky shirt. Before fastening the draw string on my new lucky hat I try not to anticipate what wild animals we may encounter in the next three to four hours. On this particular drive I was thinking many things but wondering if we would see and encounter one of the rarest of all beasts. I savour every moment I spend in the bush. I take in every sight and every smell. On a drive I am more than happy, and often ask to stop for everything. On this afternoon, and more in reflection than realisation at the time, things built up. As we left the lodge we were greeted by many small herds of blue wildebeest all with calves, the young distinctive with their golden coats. Then there were impala, herds and lone males, everything in the foreground set to magnificent mountain backdrops. In between the animals there were birds, kingfishers, European rollers and black shouldered kites to name but a few. Time was ticking by, and we decided to take our late afternoon tea break. I say tea, but I enjoyed a cold beer and biltong, chatting and all the time looking down into the forested valley below and the surrounding hills and mountains for movement and the signs of animals. Soon after our afternoon stop my eagle-eyed guide, Xolani also known as Mr X, spotted a herd of buffalo on a distant hill. It took some time before I could see them even through my binoculars. As we moved forward the herd came into view as they slowly made their way down probably on their way to water and a place to rest for the night. Within minutes Mr X spotted something moving on the dirt road above us. Was that a bush pig I asked him? Then we got a second glimpse, and both said, near simultaneously, brown hyena. There was a distinctive stride pattern, but it was moving at speed. It was my first ever sighting of a brown hyena. It took us a few minutes to climb the steep dirt road and when at the point where we last spotted it Mr X jumped from the vehicle. Using its spoor (footprints). Mr X could see where the hyena had run along the road before exiting into the bush. After scouring and searching it was decided that the animal had gone to ground, and our chances of another sighting were slim, so we moved on. It was time to start making our way back as the sun was dropping in the sky. Mr X was constantly looking down, leaning out of the vehicle and observing the surface of the road. I could tell he had spotted something but light and time were running out. He drove up and then back down the same stretch of road several times all the time looking into the long grass and thick bush. I could tell he was on a mission and using his tracking skills was onto something. Looking down then up he quietly looked at me, pointed, and said “there, there she is”, I could see nothing? He eased the vehicle into reverse then made a three-point turn. He pointed again. And again I could see nothing. Then we stopped and looked down into thick bush. All I could see was leaves, thorns and a rock. The rock then moved out of sight. He smiled and said, “you see now”? Before I dare ask, but I knew it could only be one thing, Mr X said the words: “Black Rhino, a female”. Only an expert guide and tracker with tuned bush eyesight could have found this rare, reclusive, unpredictable and potentially dangerous beast. Mr X positioned the vehicle at a safe distance and predicted where she might exit the bush and cross the road. He was correct and we were privileged and rewarded with memorable sightings of her as she walked and browsed. We were rewarded a second time, the following day, when Mr X was able to track her from where we had seen the previous evening. This time she was not alone, she had found a male. It was clear that the now pair did not welcome our presence. Mr X showed them the respect they deserved and we left them in peace to hopefully start to add to the black rhino population. What a time this had been at Babanango Valley Lodge. This is the valley of the kings and I had been royally looked after and not just by Mr X when out in the reserve. My modern and luxurious room, and large en-suite bathroom, had a real homely feel looking through indigenous gardens and into the bush beyond. There is an infinity pool, with decking areas, sun loungers and umbrellas, just meters from my room and the main lodge. There is an outdoor boma, or eating area, with natural gardens perfect for meditating and being at one with your surroundings. I certainly ate like a king. Coffee with Amaralu and home-made rusks and biscuits when out in the reserve. Breakfast including local fresh tropical fruit, cereals, cheeses, cold meats, cakes as a starter to a full South African of eggs, bacon, sausages and mushrooms. Lunch took an unexpected oriental feel but was perfect for the time of day and weather. Dinner under the stars was a feast of fish and full of vibrant colours and tastes. I left Babanango Valley Lodge with a lump in my throat. I stood in the lodge gardens with Mzi the lodge manager and we chatted about my experiences. He then recited, with Babanango touches, “I am an African” by former South African president Thabo Mbeki. A wow moment, but I do not want you to read the poem. I want you to listen as I have done at Babanango Game Reserve. Footnote: The mention of our black rhino encounters were carefully considered and discussed at length. As you can see in our pics all rhinos are dehorned and are fitted with a radio tracking device, one to where a horn once sat and one as a ankle bracelet on their hind leg. A dedicated anti-poaching unit are on duty 24/7 offering round the clock protection to individual animals.…
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Date of stay: January 2023Trip type: Travelled solo
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
1 Helpful vote
Helpful
I wish the people who are running Babanango Game Reserve could run the country! Wow!!! Think about a time you had the best customer/client experience in your life and multiply it by infinity what you get from that would be somewhat close to the level of service provided at Babanango. Beyond excellent superior service!!! Friendly knowledgeable staff and delicious tasty never ending meals👌🏾
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Review collected in partnership with this hotel
Date of stay: March 2023
Value
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helpful
Our time there was absolutely wonderful. The accommodation, food and hospitality were fantastic, and the game drives were mind blowing. Prof or Mr X was an incredible game ranger who really knows his stuff. The staff were so warm and friendly. Thank you for making our time there such an amazing experience, we can't say enough good things about your game lodge and will certainly recommend it to others.
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Review collected in partnership with this hotel
Date of stay: December 2022
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helpful
Response from Babanango Game Reserve, Agency / Consultant at Babanango Valley Lodge
Responded 31 Jan 2023
Dear Dennis, Thank you so much for taking the time to share your comments on your recent stay at Valley Lodge. We are so pleased to hear that you had such a great time staying with us. We hope that you can come and stay with us very soon. Kind regards The Valley Lodge Team
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
+1
This place is breathtaking we where welcomed by the most loving , caring and dedicated staff in all departments . It’s is truly a first class accommodation , with good food and service . Booked the valley lodge for my birthday weekend . We where surrounded by lush greenery , our room overlooked the valley the view was beautiful , peaceful a little paradise up on the valley . The food from breakfast to dinner was delicious with attention to detail and serviced to perfection . We went to the Zulu Rock one of the other lodges on the property , we where welcomed by the most amazing staff and management . The view was on another level , food was great .. we will love to stay at this lodge the next visit . Our guide Mr X .. was a wonderful guide . A man with a wealth of knowledge . It is amazing that he has so much patience with the clients . Enjoyed our game drives .…
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Date of stay: January 2023Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Room Tip: You will need to park at their office and you will be driven to the lodge coz roads are bit rough...
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
1 Helpful vote
Helpful
Response from Babanango Game Reserve, Agency / Consultant at Babanango Valley Lodge
Responded 31 Jan 2023
Dear Mandy, Thank you so much for taking the time to let us know about your stay. We are so happy to hear that you have enjoyed your stay with us and the Staff looked after you, we make sure our guest leave with a smile. We do look forward to welcoming you back to soon! Kind regards, The Valley Lodge Team.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
LOCATION
South AfricaKwaZulu-NatalZululandBabanango
NUMBER OF ROOMS
9
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Frequently Asked Questions about Babanango Valley Lodge
What are some of the property amenities at Babanango Valley Lodge?
Some of the more popular amenities offered include free wifi, free breakfast, and a pool.
Which room amenities are available at Babanango Valley Lodge?
Top room amenities include air conditioning, a desk, and a pool view.
What food & drink options are available at Babanango Valley Lodge?
Guests can enjoy free breakfast, an on-site restaurant, and a lounge during their stay.
Is parking available at Babanango Valley Lodge?
Yes, free parking and secured parking are available to guests.
Are there opportunities to exercise at Babanango Valley Lodge?
Yes, guests have access to a pool and a fitness centre during their stay.
Which languages are spoken by the staff at Babanango Valley Lodge?
The staff speaks multiple languages, including English, Afrikaans, and Zulu.
Is Babanango Valley Lodge accessible?
Yes, it offers wheelchair access. For specific enquiries, we recommend calling ahead to confirm.