The Biyela Lodge

Richards Bay, South Africa
KwaZulu-Natal
3, 4 days+

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The Biyela Lodge Tour

You will find the Biyela Lodge in the middle of the wildlife-rich mFulaWozi Reserve. Offering you a comfortable and exciting safari experience, this is a luxurious eco-lodge named after the local chief, Phiwayinkosi Biyela.

The lodge is built into the hillside and offers an unparalleled view of the majestic White iMfolozi River below. An exclusive lodge, there are just 12 detached luxury suites. And each provides a private deck and most offer a private pool. From every suite you can witness the daily wildlife traversing down to the river, making this lodge an oasis of privacy and comfort.

Join our knowledgeable and passionate guides on game drives and walking safaris to explore the wildlife-rich habitat surrounding Biyela Lodge. This reserve is home to a vast diversity of wildlife, including the famous Big 5. This includes the Black and Southern White Rhinoceros, African Elephant, Cape Buffalo, Lion, and Leopard. Additionally, you can spot African Wild Dogs, curious Honey Badgers, cheeky Spotted Hyenas, graceful Giraffes, Nile Crocodiles basking in the sun, and quick-footed mongoose.

The hills surrounding the lodge are steeped in history and tradition. All of our guides grew up in the region and have a deep understanding and appreciation for the culture and history of the Zulu people, which they will share with you on your tours. Moreover, a walk through the reserve instills an appreciation for the natural world and develops respect for its habitats and the wildlife that call it home.

Biyela Lodge is located on a vast island of wildlife-rich habitat, making it one of South Africa’s most critical conservation areas. With its exclusive luxury and eco-luxury amenities, your visit to this Big 5 game reserve will provide you an unforgettable experience of South Africa’s natural beauty and rich cultural heritage.

The Biyela Lodge Accommodation

Nestled on a hillside with a breathtaking view of the White iMfolozi River, Biyela Lodge comprises 12 luxury standalone suites, each with a private deck and most with a private pool. These suites offer an unmatched view of the daily wildlife that migrates down to the river, making this lodge a haven of eco-luxury and privacy.

Air-conditioning
King-size beds
Coffee and tea station
WiFi
Spa treatments*
Laundry service on request*
Private dining set ups
Library and cocktail lounge in the main lodge

The Biyela Lodge Tour Summary

You will enjoy a genuine African wilderness adventure with twice-daily game drives and walking safaris. These offer the opportunity to catch a glimpse of the famed 'Big 5.' On walking safaris and game drives, you may come across Black and Southern White Rhinoceros, African Elephant, Cape Buffalo, Lion, and Leopard.

The reserve also nurtures a thriving population of African Wild Dogs, Honey Badgers, Spotted Hyenas, Giraffes, Nile Crocodiles, Mongooses, and other fascinating wildlife.

With over 400 bird species to discover, the wildlife-rich region is a birdwatcher's dream, containing nearly half of all bird species found in the southern African sub-region. The diverse birdlife results from the various habitats present in the area, including important populations of birds that have declined outside the protected reserve.

Shaka Zulu, an influential historical figure, used this land as his hunting and conservation area for eight months of the year to safeguard the endemic game. For years, academics, historians, and conservationists have envisioned establishing a sustainable ecotourism center of this magnitude and significance. This ambitious project capitalizes on the tourist appeal of the region's rich culture, history, and biodiversity, benefiting local communities through infrastructure, education, and employment, ultimately preserving wildlife and wilderness.

This ongoing project has received tremendous support as one of the final bastions of wilderness and wildlife preservation. mFulaWozi is home to roughly 1,200 plant species, 84 distinct mammal species, and over 400 bird species, rendering it a wildlife photographer's paradise, regardless of expertise level.

Tour Info

Focus Area: mFulaWozi Game Reserve
Duration: 3, 4 days+
Start Point: The Biyela Lodge
End Point: The Biyela Lodge

The Biyela Lodge Activities

Embark on an unforgettable journey through the wilds of mFulaWozi, where the majestic Big 5 – Black & Southern White Rhinoceros, African Elephant, Cape Buffalo, Lion, and Leopard – roam freely. This incredible reserve is a sanctuary for diverse wildlife, ensuring thrilling encounters with skilled hunting packs of African Wild Dog, curious Honey Badgers, and the daring Spotted Hyena. Marvel at the grace of Giraffes, witness Nile Crocodiles basking in the sun, and spot scurrying mongooses on your adventure.

Experience the raw beauty of one of South Africa's most vital conservation areas, a haven for large numbers of ungulates and their predators. Each day offers two exhilarating game drives, immersing you in the heart of this extraordinary landscape. Whether you’re a seasoned safari-goer or a first-time explorer, mFulaWozi promises an unparalleled wildlife adventure on each of your twice-daily excursions.

Immerse yourself in the untamed beauty of nature with our upcoming Wilderness Walks & Trails. These guided walks will instill a deep appreciation for the natural world, fostering respect for its needs and laws. Experience the thrill of exploring the wild on foot, connecting with the environment in a profound way. Stay tuned for updates on our website, or contact us through the link below for more information. Get ready to embark on a journey that promises to be as enlightening as it is exhilarating, and discover the true essence of the wilderness.

Discover a birdwatcher's paradise in this wilderness area, home to over 400 bird species—nearly half of those found in the southern African sub-region. The rich diversity is drawn by the wide variety of habitats, supporting important populations of large, widespread birds that have thrived here while suffering elsewhere. Explore riverine thickets that act as forest corridors for migratory species escaping the harsh winters of the Drakensberg. Whether you're an avid birder or a nature enthusiast, this protected reserve offers an unparalleled opportunity to witness the vibrant avian life that flourishes in this unique ecosystem.

Step into a wildlife photographer’s dream at mFulaWozi, where 1,200 plant species, 84 different mammals, and over 400 bird species create an unparalleled canvas. This reserve is perfect for capturing the essence of nature, whether you're an amateur or a seasoned pro. Beyond the lens, your photos play a vital role in conservation, bringing the wonders of wildlife to people around the globe. Each image tells a story of advocacy and compassion, connecting viewers to nature and inspiring change. Through your lens, become part of a movement that makes a real difference in preserving our natural world.

Rates & Inclusions

3 days / 2 nights

Suite (Double Occupancy): $1,076

Suite (Single Occupancy): $1,613

Plunge Pool Suite (Double Occupancy): $1,139

Plunge Pool Suite (Single Occupancy): $1,294

4 days / 3 nights

Suite (Double Occupancy): $1,613

Suite (Single Occupancy): $2,420

Plunge Pool Suite (Double Occupancy): $1,708

Plunge Pool Suite (Single Occupancy): $1,941

5 days / 4 nights

Suite (Double Occupancy): $2,151

Suite (Single Occupancy): $3,227

Plunge Pool Suite (Double Occupancy): $2,278

Plunge Pool Suite (Single Occupancy): $2,588

Notes

This rate is converted to show the approximate cost in USD. You will pay the tour operator in ZAR. The Biyela Lodge will send you the rate in ZAR after you send your request. Note that the exchange rate may change before you pay.

Operated By mFulaWozi Wilderness

About mFulaWozi Wilderness

Barry Theunissen was attending a site meeting for a housing project in the Mthembu community back in 2010 when he looked out over the tribal land and asked iNkosi Mthembu what he was planning to do with all of it. He suggested creating a game reserve, and the iNkosi replied, "Yes, Mpunzi" - which is Barry's Zulu name.

Several Zulu chiefs, all descendants of the Shaka dynasty, agreed to open up 16,000 hectares of pristine African bushveld. Today, 6,000 hectares have been added to the Hluhluwe iMfolozi Park (HiP), expanding it to over 100,000 hectares, with plans to include even more wilderness in the future. The removal of dividing game fences has allowed wildlife to roam freely throughout the parks.

The mFulaWozi initiative is set to boost the conservation footprint in Africa by expanding the size and capacity of HiP, the oldest game reserve on the continent. It will also help drive growth in the tourism industry by connecting visitors with one of the most significant biospheres on the planet.

Not only is mFulaWozi committed to safeguarding the wilderness and its wildlife, but it is also dedicated to uplifting the socio-economic status of the surrounding disadvantaged communities.

mFulaWozi Wilderness is where the Zulu nation rose to prominence, and it remains a source of immense national pride. It is a dream being realized - a dream of a wilderness steeped in Zulu culture, tradition, and history.