Babanango Game Reserve is in the Umfolozi Valley in Zululand, between Ulundi and Vryheid.
Our GPS location is 28° 10 30 S, 31° 05 19 E.
You can self-drive to Babanango Game Reserve. Alternatively, you can catch a private charter to Ulundi Airport, and the Babanango Game Reserve team can arrange to fetch you. The Reserve also has a helipad, should you wish to fly into the reserve directly in your own helicopter or a charter.
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, turn left onto the R33/R34 and proceed for 23km.
Turn right onto the R34 and proceed for 6km, and then turn right again to stay on the R34.
After 57km, turn right at the signposted private road to Babanango Zulu Rock.
Keep an eye out for your first signs of wildlife!
[Dirt road access. 4×4 not required]
Download directions from johannesburg PDFTake 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.
Welcome!
[Dirt road access. 4×4 not required]
Download directions from johannesburg PDFWelcome to King Shaka International Airport!
Your journey to Zulu Rock Lodge is almost complete. Please fill up with petrol at the station located right next to the airport- as the next petrol station is 40 km’s away.
There will be three toll gates on the way which require cash or a credit card. The fee ranges from ZAR11.50 to ZAR20.00.
From King Shaka, merge onto the N2 North 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 103Kms passing through Melmoth town, Continue on the R66 until you merge onto the R34, towards Vryheid. Continue for 41 Kms.
Look out for the Zulu Rock Lodge sign on your left.
Enjoy your stay at Zulu Rock Lodge!
[Dirt road access. 4×4 not required]
Download directions from Durban PDFWelcome to King Shaka International Airport!
Your journey to Babanango Valley Lodge is almost complete.
Please fill up with petrol at the station located right next to the airport as the next petrol station is 40 km’s away.
There will be three tolls on the way which require cash or a credit card. The fee ranges from RSA11.50 to RSA20.00 but often depends on the day or time of day.
From King Shaka, merge onto the N2 North 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 through to Melmoth town. After the Total Garage, drive 3.6km until you get to the third left towards Babanango 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 sign indicating the Babanango turnoff. If you reach a bridge you’ve gone 20 minutes too far!)
As you passing through Babanango Town, there will be a 4-way intersection by the police station in Babananga Town. Turn left and continue on the R68.
After 3.6km, look out for the Babanango Valley sign and turn right onto a dirt road. After you have taken the correct right turn, travel for 1.1km until the road forks to the left.
Take the left fork and continue on this dirt road for 10.3km- look out for wildlife and river crossings!
Enjoy your stay at Babanango Valley Lodge!
[Dirt road access. 4×4 not required]
Download Directions from Durban PDF
Babanango Game Reserve is home to three lodges: Valley Lodge, Zulu Rock Lodge and Matatane Camp. A further two 4 and 5 star lodges are planned to open in late 2022 and other accommodation options are also being planned.
With a range of habitats and varied topography, the Reserve offers excellent mammal sightings, including buffalo, giraffe, nyala, zebra & impala. The Reserve is also home to rich reptile and invertebrate life, and more than 280 species of bird.
Babanango is home to a National Heritage Site. The area is also rich in history - nearby sites include the Isandlwana battlefield, Rorke's Drift, Devil's Pass, the grave of Piet Retief and the site of the Battle of Blood River.