Zambezi Queen Collection share conservation insights
Check out the 1st video from the Zambezi Queen Collection series about Passionate Conservationists in Namibia
Zambezi Queen Collection share valuable insights into sustainability & conservation efforts - and what that means on Impalila Island in Namibia.
Listen to lodge GM Ernest Sikanda as he describes the ‘Blessings and challenges’ of this fascinating area.
Introducing their Three-Part Video Series - Beyond the River
The Zambezi Queen Collection is deeply rooted in conservation, sustainability, and community.
In the first video of their new series, Passionate Conservationists, meet Ernest Sikanda—a community leader dedicated to preserving tradition while driving progress.
With 99% of their staff hired locally, they don’t just create jobs—they invest in education, infrastructure, and brighter futures. From classroom renovations to essential water projects, their partnerships uplift the communities along the Chobe River.
Watch the video to see how tourism can be a force for good.
Visa Update for those travelling to Namibia:
Namibia’s updated Visa on Arrival process is now simple and seamless—but we still recommend applying online in advance to make the arrival experience even smoother for your clients.
From 1 April 2025, select nationalities will require a Visa on Arrival for Namibia.
The good news? The process is quick and hassle-free.
Apply online for faster entry (we highly recommend this)
Print the approval letter and complete the Namibia Arrival Form before travelling
Visas are processed within days of application
What your clients will need:
A passport valid for six months (with three blank pages)
A digital ID photo
Proof of return travel
Travel insurance (in English)
Accommodation details (e.g., Zambezi Queen, Kasika Conservancy, Chobe River)
Port of Entry: Impalila Border Post
Proof of funds (N$1,000 cash and credit/debit card – no specific details required)
For full details and a list of affected countries, visit the Zambezi Queen website or the Namibian Immigration. Both links can be found below.
Lanzerac Commemorates Bergzicht Alumni
Lanzerac team member, Commis Chef Vuyiseka Xatasi, receives Top Achiever Award.
Image by Bergzicht Training
Stellenbosch-based non-governmental organization, Bergzicht Training and Development, honoured Working Alumni at their 6th Annual Celebration Day on 13 November 2024. Situated in the heart of the winelands, their mission is to empower and inspire disadvantaged persons with little formal education, by equipping them with the skills that they need to extricate themselves from impoverished circumstances.
Lanzerac is incredibly proud, as one of our team members, Commis Chef Vuyiseka Xatasi, was crowned with the Top Achiever Award.
She expressed her gratitude, saying, “This is how Bergzicht thanks a person for one’s hard work and makes one feel appreciated. It makes me very proud of myself after having gone through a personal ordeal through which I persevered. The recognition showed me that I am a strong woman, and that God is always with me. Bergzicht motivates you to always do your best to deliver, and this win of mine should motivate others to always give their best in everything they undertake in life.”
From the heart of Executive Chef, Stephen Fraser, “Her hard work reflects the values instilled in her during her training. Keep striving toward your bright future and inspiring tomorrow’s graduates!”
Congratulations Vuyiseka for earning this well-deserved award, your dedication and outstanding contribution to not only Lanzerac, but also the industry.
Mara Bushtops - Conservancy Conservation
Valuable conservation work continues within the Isaaten Conservancy.
Conservation work is vital and continual when you are the only lodge in the region…
Anyone familiar with Mara Bushtops knows that our pride and joy is being the only camp within theIsaaten Conservancy. This gives us a private safari destination on our doorstep, with wildlife roamingfree around the camp. This privileged access means our guests can view animals from their tents andtrucks without having to compete with other vehicles and visitors.
We also have a responsibility to look after this precious private land, conserving the flora and fauna,enhancing our guests’ experience, and working with local herders to balance their needs against thoseof the local wildlife.
Examples of recent interventions include collaring a lioness to monitor her movements and keep herpride safe by preventing her getting too close to livestock. We also helped sedate and treat a giraffe
Trade enquiries: Team@travelpromoters.co.uk
Media and Press enquiries: Claire@Umlingo.co.uk
International Day for Biological Diversity
International Day for biological diversity
Celebrate International Day for Biological Diversity by watching the 30x30 short film by Babanango Game Reserve
In 2022, the world pledged to protect 30% of the Earth's natural environments by 2030.
South Africa has committed to this vision, known as 30x30, and has become the first African nation to develop an implementation plan.
Babanango Game Reserve was chosen as a case study due to its significance in biodiversity, cultural heritage, and community conservation, showcasing what is possible in South Africa.
Watch the 30x30 short film on: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DlE5Q56mIQ8
It's a brilliant watch which highlights the importance of preserving the biodiversity of our land for generations to come.
The dedication and commitment behind the team Babanango Game Reserve makes us hugely proud to work alongside them at Travel Promoters.
Babanango Game Reserve ... setting the bar high with re-wilding & conservation
you are spoilt for choice at Babanango… it’s so much more than a game reserve!
Madwaleni river lodge - ultra luxury
Nestled beside the White Umfolozi River, the flagship lodge offers an extraordinary opportunity to revisit the refined elegance of a past era in luxury travel.
Boasting twelve bespoke spacious safari-style tents, each with a plunge pool and private views of the river, guests will have a completely immersive nature experience.
ZULU ROCK LODGE - LUXURY
Perched on a peak within the valleys of Babanango, offering breathtaking views across the reserve. With six luxurious free-standing villa-style suites and one family villa, this is the lodge that appeals to couples looking for a secluded safari breakaway.
Treat yourself with in-room service or sip sundowners on the deck besides the elevated pool while watching the wildlife in the valley below.
VALLEY LODGE
Situated deep in the southern section of the reserve, it remains on of the most cherished treasures. This homely lodge offers the perfect retreat for couples, families, and group getaways.
It has a farmstead-style setting overlooking the Nsubeni River Valley and features nine luxurious suites that are elegantly decorated and fully equipped with contemporary comforts.
THOUGHTS FROM THE CEO, DR ANDREW BAXTER
Among the many delightful discoveries emanating from Babanango Game Reserve is an extraordinarily rich recored of archaeological finds - some dating back to the Early Stone Age hundreds of thousands of years ago. This topographically diverse and geologically complex region of Zululand has clearly held a special place for people since the earliest times.
One of the more interesting finds is an Iron Age hill-top embattlement comprised of fortified stone walls and pot sherds on the top of a huge granite dome, known as Madwaleni. This hill-top fortification is consistent in design with the “Moor Park” culture that dates to the early second millennium - but also differs in respect of construction material and orientation - making the discovery even more fascinating.
We will soon embark on an extensive archaeological survey of the greater Babanango Game Reserve and expect to uncover many more exciting clues as to the antiquity and cultural heritage of this fascinating region.
The Outpost & The Old Rectory go 'solar'
Rare Earth lives up to it’s name and goes ‘Solar’
a sustainable and enhanced guest experience
We look forward to a green 2024 as we ended 2023 on a high and enviromentally positive note with the news that the solar installations at both The Outpost and The Old Rectory had successfully come online.
These alternative power sources are not only more environmentally sensitive, but cost effective to run and allow us to offer a seamless guest experience, avoiding the frustration and inconvenience of power limitations or any service interruptions and disturbance from generators.
Babanango Diaries - What's in the Name?
Babanango Game Reserve brings a ‘wow’ factor…
Why choose Babanango?
With so many game reserves across South Africa, why visit Babanango?
Babanango offers a truly unique experience as nature, culture, and conservation converge.
Spanning 20,000 hectares of diverse landscapes, our reserve is not just a sanctuary for wildlife but a testament to the region’s breathtaking beauty, with world-class topography setting the scene for the perfect escape.
Choose your level of luxury from a selection of African-inspired accommodations
and escape the rush with a slow, immersive safari experience with no other vehicles competing for game drive sightings.
Neighbouring famous battle sites, such as Isandlawanda and Rorke’s Drift, immerse yourself in the history of Kwa-Zulu Natal, listening to the captivating stories shared by locals.
What do Johhny Clegg and Babanango have in common?
CELEBRATIONS: On the 30th of November, the Babanago team and their trusted trade
partners in South Africa celebrated a monumental year-2023
Gathering at The Bond Shed in Durban, guests were treated to an evening, themed, “Nights Under African Skies” with special musical guest Jesse Clegg.
This was particularly meaningful, as Jesse's beloved late father, Johhny Clegg, put Babanago on the map with his song "Baba Nango", inspired by the story of a small Buthelezi child who got lost on the slopes of a mist-shrouded hill. When the elder brother found him, he shouted "baba nango", meaning "Father, there he is". This story is rumoured to be how the region got its name. The evening was also spent reflecting on all the success stories, from the grand opening of the reserve to the many rewilding initiatives that have happened thus far, there were smiles across the room and a shared excitement for all that’s to come for Babanango Game Reserve in 2024
Team work
Meet Sfiso, one of our amazing guides, whose love for nature and wildlife is so evident through his work. Here is his story, in his own words:
My name is Sfiso Mdletshe, and my nickname is Tsoro. I am from Kwa Sonto village, but I was born in Bergville. I love nature and teaching people the importance and value of Mother Nature. I enjoy talking about trees and flowers, as they are my passion. I also love big cats, but my spirit animal is the honey badger.
My best recent sighting at Babanango Game Reserve was a cheetah kill. Two males took down a wildebeest, and it really made my day. I love Babanango Game Reserve as it is more unique than other game reserves in KZN, with mountains, amazing valleys, and, most importantly, morning safaris when there is mist. This place is an absolute paradise!
A new season, brings new additions
With the spring rains breaking a long, dry winter at Babanango Game Reserve, we are thrilled to witness new beginnings for the diverse flora and fauna that call our reserve home.
Finding himself in the right place at the right time, Babanango COO Dr Andrew Baxter captured these beautiful shots of black-backed jackal pups rolling around in the African soil - a picture of new life and exciting progress in our rewilding project.
What is Freedom Day South Africa?
Freedom Day is a National Holiday in South Africa
But what is Freedom Day and why is it celebrated in South Africa according to ‘Britannica Kids’ © click below
Wishing our friends, colleagues & extended family in South Africa a happy ‘Freedom Day’ ….. this year, more than ever, is a reminder that freedom takes on many forms, not just the physical..
Earth Day .... what did it look like 50 years ago?
An interesting read from the the founder and coordinator of the first Earth Day.
