Babanango open their Research Centre and launch the Babanango Foundation
Babanango Research Centre is now officially open
Located in the southern section of Babanango Game Reserve, this dedicated facility houses the Conservation and Research offices and will serve as a hub for education, fieldwork and hone on conservation activities. It offers opportunities for student, researchers and research groups. - from foreign countries and local universities to our surrounding local communities - to foster collaborations ad cross-disciplinary learning.
The Centre aims to strengthen existing partnerships with local and global academic institutions while also cultivating new collaborations to broaden the scope of research conducted at BGR. Insights gained through these projects will contribute to Babanango’s adaptive management strategies and enhance understanding of the reserves complex ecosystem and the flora and fauna it supports.
The Reserve Centre accommodation is available in a self catering basis and accommodates up to 10 people in shared rooms with en suite bathrooms. It features a fully equipped communal kitchen - stocked with cutlery, crockery, cooking utensils, a stove, a fridge and freezer - as well as an outdoor braai area. Bedding and towels are provided for all guests.
Enquiries can be made through our Research Co-ordinator via email bronwyn.dunlop@babanango.com
Siyavikela. Siyafunda. Siyakhula.
Introducing the Babanango Foundation.
We are excited to announce that the African Habitat Conservancy Foundation has been renamed to ‘The Babanango Foundation’.
It’s a new name, but with the same dedicated team, with the same powerful mission - collaborating with local communities, protecting biodiversity and supporting conservation initiatives.
You can now follow their journey and impact on Facebook and on LinkedIn.
Travel Promoters welcomes Laura Dale
Travel Promoters are thrilled to welcome their newest member to the team.
Travel Promoters welcomes Laura Dale
Travel Promoters is delighted to share that its team is growing again, in line with its expanding client portfolio. Hospitality Representation & PR, founder Ailsa Tavares is excited to welcome Laura Dale to “Team TP” which already includes some of the most passionate, professional and knowledgeable representatives that the Africa and Indian Ocean tourism industry has to offer.
Laura is a well-known and much-loved member of the tourism industry, with strong relationships and widespread product knowledge across our region. She was previously Head of Partnerships at The Travel Hub Collection and prior to that, a Senior Product Executive at Audley Travel for several years.
This broad experience means Laura brings an invaluable understanding of tour operating & client facing sales, as well as that of our supplier partners.
Laura is also a professional photographer - and has worked in the past as both a photojournalist and travel writer for a number of national newspapers and international publications.
Laura will officially take up the role of Account Manager, towards the end of May, and with this expansion of the Sales Team, Tracey Holmes-Carter who joined Travel Promoters in 2024, will now take up the position of Marketing Manager, a role that she has already become familiar with in recent months, and which welcomes her experience in that field.
““I was delighted when Laura applied for this role within our team, as I know she will be a much-valued asset for all our clients in Africa and The Indian Ocean islands. As a team we strive to be more dynamic, ever available and flexible to ensure our trade partners in the UK and Europe have all they need to sell our properties effectively, honestly and with absolute confidence.””
Babanango Game Reserve opens doors to Hill Top House
Babanango Game Reserve introduces their newest addition to their lodge collection - Hilltop House
Hill Top House, hidden in the hills of Babanango Game Reserve, has just opened its doors - a home away from home, surrounded by valleys and roaming wildlife.
Hill Top House provides a private and tranquil getaway, perfect for families. This beautifully designed home accommodates up to six guests, featuring three elegantly decorated bedrooms and three bathrooms. Two of the bathrooms are en-suite and come equipped with underfloor heating for extra comfort.
The open-plan living area combines warmth and style, with a cosy lounge complete with a fireplace, a dining space, and a fully equipped self-catering kitchen.
Outside, a spacious entertainment area awaits, boasting a braai, a patio, a swimming pool, and a deck that offers spectacular views of the reserve’s rolling valleys.
Evenings can be spent under the stars in the boma, which includes a firepit and comfortable seating for relaxed gatherings.
Hill Top House also ensures convenience and peace of mind with complimentary Wi-Fi, a backup generator to maintain uninterrupted connectivity, and daily servicing for a truly hassle-free stay.
Babanango Game Reserve introduces Walking Safaris
Babanango Game Reserve introduces unique walking safari experiences that include a special sleep out under the stars.
Babanango Game Reserve is excited to introduce their latest experience, their newly launched ' Walking Safaris'.
These extraordinary safaris immerse you completely in the African bush, surrounded by a tapestry of sights, sounds, and smells. Each crackle of footstep, the flow of water, and the excitement of animal calls come to life, creating an experience where you truly feel it all.
While a game drive safari is undoubtedly a bucket-list adventure, nothing quite compares to a walking safari. This guided walk and overnight camping experience places you right in the heart of the African wilderness.
At Babanango Game Reserve in KwaZulu-Natal, your guide will lead you through the hills, grasslands, and valleys of the White Umfolozi River. Along the way, you’ll have the chance to encounter not only the famed Big Five but also discover hidden gems best experienced on foot.
Camp under the stars
After a day of exploration, your adventure continues with an overnight stay in one of our canvas tents at the base camp. Nestled in a secluded area of the reserve, these tents provide a rustic yet comfortable retreat, equipped with essential facilities, sleeping bags, and lantern lighting. Fall asleep to the sounds of the bush and wake with the African sunrise for an authentic connection to nature.
Immersive Safari Experience
A walking safari allows you to step onto the land, engaging all your senses in a way that traditional game drives can't. Feel the crunch of dry grass underfoot, hear the distant call of a fish eagle, and breathe in the earthy scent of the bush. This slower pace lets you notice the smaller details, like animal tracks and wildflowers. After a day of adventure, unwind around a campfire with dinner and drinks under the African stars. Our experienced guides have intimate knowledge of Babanango Game Reserve’s 20,000 hectares of African bush, ensuring a remarkable adventure.
Close Encounters with Wildlife
Get closer to wildlife than you ever thought possible on a KZN walking safari. Encountering animals like giraffes, zebras, or even a herd of elephants on foot provides a thrilling and humbling experience. The slower pace allows you to observe them in their natural habitat, appreciating their place in the broader ecosystem. Our expert guides ensure every encounter is non-intrusive for both your safety and that of the wildlife.
Lesson in Bushcraft
A walking safari is not just about exploring but also learning. Our knowledgeable guides will teach you essential bushcraft survival skills, such as identifying animal tracks, spotting camouflaged creatures, and recognizing edible or medicinal plants. You’ll also learn to interpret animal behavior and understand the intricate balance of the ecosystem. This deeper understanding enriches your safari experience, providing skills you can appreciate long after your visit.
Sustainable Adventure
Walking safaris are one of the most eco-friendly ways to explore the African wilderness. With minimal environmental impact, they align perfectly with Babanango Game Reserve’s commitment to sustainability. Our conservation initiatives aim to protect biodiversity while supporting local communities, ensuring this remarkable landscape is preserved for future generations. Your walking safari will deepen your connection to the bush and contribute to the region’s conservation efforts.
For more details about their walking safaris, please follow the link below to their website.