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 uMfulaWozi 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 uMfulaWozi 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 uMfulaWozi.

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 the uMfulaWozi Wilderness Reserve

The 11,000 hectare uMfulaWozi Wilderness Reserve area is where five descendants of King Shaka’s Chiefs have given tribal land to increase the capacity of Hluhluwe-iMfolozi (total size 102,000 ha), the oldest proclaimed reserve in Africa. 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.

“mFulaWozi and surrounds are home to a rich diversity of wildlife including the Big 5” – Black & Southern White Rhinoceros, African Elephant, Cape Buffalo, Lion and Leopard. Other intriguing species you can encounter, include skilled hunting packs of African Wild Dog, curious Honey Badgers, cheeky and daring Spotted Hyena, graceful Giraffe, Nile Crocodiles faking somnambulance in the sun, and scurrying mongooses.

As one of the last havens of large numbers of ungulates and the predators they support, this Big 5 game reserve is one of the most important conservation areas in South Africa.

The region is famous for its White Rhino and now has one of the largest populations in the world.  In 1895 there were only 100 White Rhino left in the world. In 1960 once the reserve had been established and the tsetse fly eradicated the rhino population had grown to 2 300 due primarily to the Save The Rhino campaign. This operation has helped introduce 4 500 White Rhino across South Africa and the rhino in this area is now rated as the 6th Global Key Population by IUCN African Rhino Specialist Group.

Elephants were introduced after the mass slaughtering after an absence of 80 years. The elephant population is now about 700 elephants and contraception is being used to maintain sustainable levels.  Lions were introduced in the early 1990s but early signs showed high cub mortality rates due to inbreeding which has now been corrected through new genes been introduced. The area now contains some 120 lions.

The mFulaWozi area has a wealth of wildlife. Years of degradation has impacted on this area forever creating enormous stress on the wildlife but it has managed to survive and continue its struggle to exist and grow, despite the odds.

Many have now described this area as being ‘as close to a state of naturalness as you can get’.