Hindsight is an amazing thing. As the end of 2020 approaches, all of us here at Babanango Game Reserve are able to look back and take stock of what has been one of the most challenging years, thanks to the ravages of the COVID-19 pandemic. As we do so, it's actually amazing to see what an incredible year it has been, in spite of the obvious difficulties.
We opened Babanango Valley Lodge just over a year ago and in that short time it has become a drawcard for local tourism, attracting small groups and family gatherings, creating a wonderful reputation for its blend of great hospitality, luxurious facilities and fabulous food! We have no doubt that going forward, once our borders are more open to international guests, Babanango Valley Lodge will continue to attract rave reviews.
Of course, we recently opened Babanango Zulu Rock Lodge to a good deal of fanfare and this wonderful new addition to the Babanango offering is already turning heads... Now, we're ready to unveil Matatane Camp, which is set to become the home of our amazing range of adventure activities and create yet another accommodation option for groups and those looking for a back-to-basics bush experience. Find out more about Matatane in our story below...
The biggest achievement this year has been getting our wonderful game reserve-in-the-making ready for the waiting world, as we continue to strengthen relationships with our community partners and stakeholders by returning this beautiful region to a pristine African wilderness that's home to the legendary Big Five.
We've successfully reintroduced keystone species and since the arrival of the annual rains, the reserve is looking lush; filled with new baby animals everywhere we look, including the welcome arrival of our first baby rhino IThemba.
So yes, it's been a tough year, but a surprisingly good one. Thank you from all of us for your support and interest in all that we are doing. All that's left is for us to wish everyone a wonderful Christmas and look forward to what 2021 will bring! Cheers!
INTRODUCING MATATANE CAMP - THE ESSENCE OF THE AFRICAN WILDERNESS
Located on 130ha of the beautiful, malaria-free Babanango Game Reserve and safely fenced off to allow a range of immersive, authentic and exciting adventure activities, the brand-new Matatane Camp is going to further expand Babanango's wonderful accommodation offering and its tourism horizons.
This rustic camp with its two satellite tented camps has been custom-designed for groups who can choose either fully catered or self-catering options as they come together for family celebrations, weddings and reunions, etc. Matatane Camp is also going to be an excellent hub for corporate gatherings as well as team-building and product launch events.
Matatane's main camp area consists of seven comfortable en-suite twin-bed units and a communal self-catering kitchen and braai area, as well as lots of space for relaxation and unwinding. The two tented satellite camps each have their own amenities and can be combined with the main camp if necessary.
This is a "no frills" bush experience at its best, with a down-to-earth and relaxed atmosphere that provides a different way of enjoying the incredible scenery and landscapes of Babanango while at the same time offering great value for money.
Matatane Camp is also the new home of Babanango Outdoor Education which hosts school and university groups from across South Africa and specialises in nature-based education. Activities on offer include walking along self-guided trails, mountain biking and a range of other activities without the risk of encountering dangerous game.
The camp offers breathtaking views of the White Umfolozi River and is home to a number of wildlife species, from zebra, giraffe and impala to genet, porcupine and bush pigs. It's also the starting point for Battlefield tours that take in the fascinating history and culture of this region.
So get in touch with reservations team at reservations@babanango.co.za to find out more about Matatane Camp and what's on offer, and how we can make your next family gathering a completely unique, authentic African wilderness experience!
DID YOU KNOW?
Babanango really rocks!
When it comes to geology, Babanango Game Reserve has rock formations like nowhere else on this wonderful continent, if not the planet! Down in the White Umfolozi River close to Matatane Camp there are stromatolites that date back some 3 million years. Stromatolites are layers of sediment created by micro-organisms called cyanobacteria that photosynthesize (converting the sun's light to energy) and produce oxygen. The cyanobacteria produced this sediment billions of years ago and has become some of the earliest fossil evidence of life on Earth. Together with ancient granite formations, these rock formations are some of the oldest in the world and are visible at the surface here on Babanango Game Reserve!
WE WISH YOU A MERRY CHRISTMAS!
The festive season is in full swing already, where our team of amazing staff are gearing up for a fabulous Yuletide with guests from across South Africa. They'll be in for some wonderful treats and surprises as well as a fabulous festive menu including traditional dishes to those with a distinctly African twist, courtesy of our wonderful chefs!
So here’s wishing everyone a wonderful festive season and looking forward to what 2021 will bring!
