Biyela Lodge

Biyela Lodge can be translated to ‘protector’ and this is a fitting description for the all-powerful and majestic creature that roams this part, the Mighty African Elephant. Phlwayinkosi Biyela, a descendent of King Shaka is the chief of this land and he is committed to safeguarding the people of his clan, their culture and livelihoods as well as the wilderness that surrounds them.

Biyela Lodge boasts a unique style and design featuring rectilinear pavilions along the hillside of the untouched mFulaWozi Wilderness. The lodge is perfectly positioned to maximize the sweeping views of the imposing floodplains of the White iMfolozi River below.

The interiors of Biyela Lodge completely celebrates this natural landscape by taking elements from the surrounding flora. As the basis for local healers’ medicines, the flora has inspired a concept of Contemporary African Apothecary.

There are 12 luxury standalone suites offering an oasis of privacy and eco-luxury. This is one of two lodges in the mFulaWozi Wilderness, the other being Mthembu Lodge. Each suite illustrates a richness and abundance complementing the surrounding landscape. All suites open onto a private enclosed deck that provide breath-taking views of the river below.

Choose from an array of adventures such as game drives, birding, wilderness walks or other activities. If you prefer to sit back and take in the views you can simply relax by the private infinity plunge pool at Biyela Lodge. Enjoy the sights and sounds of the surrounding wilderness. Alternatively, succumb to a traditional massage as revitalization takes on a new dimension at mFulaWozi.

Biyela’s main area offers everything you could possibly need and is equipped to guests’ satisfaction. Spend a quiet day browsing your way through the titles in the library or savour selected wines coupled with perfect contemporary dishes. Explore a plant-based food concept in which indigenous plants are the heroes. The results are guaranteed to satisfy the most discerning palettes. The personalized attention of the staff enhances the lodge’s enlightened state.

About uMfolozi Game Reserve

The Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park is the oldest proclaimed protected Game Reserve area in South Africa, dating back to 1895. It is in these valleys where King Shaka of the Zulus, unbeknown to the world, pioneered a culture of conservation long before the concept was coined by European settlers. It is here, amidst these timeless, undulating hills, where visitors will be able to walk in the footsteps of giants, past and present.

The rolling hills and verdant valleys of Zululand were formed millennia ago by glaciers on the southern-most polar tip of Gondwanaland and the subsequent drifting apart of the continents. The Umfolozi Big Five Reserve experience will bring guests deep into these valleys. Wherever they will step, the spirits of giants’ swirl.

Where the White and Black IMfolozi Rivers meet, crocodiles and hippo rule the waters and the roar of lions accents the wilderness night. Some species, like the pre-historic Rhino, are large by reputation; others are large in numbers. One of the most impressive sights remain the sizeable herds of buffalo on the move. Then there are those that tower above the rest, moving earth and wind by their sheer proportion to all else around them.

Guests will traverse the wilderness area on open safari game vehicles, in small groups of no more than six under the careful guidance of experienced rangers and trackers, or on foot. The Umfolozi Big Five Reserve wildlife experience should have been named the Big Ninety-One given that, in addition to the famous and fabulous big five, the reserve is also home to a further 86 special species.