South Africa has more luxury safari lodges than you can shake an Instagram-influencer at. But with their hefty rates aimed squarely at pound- and dollar-toting tourists, they’re rarely within reach of the average South African. Not so Bayala, which offers all the memorable game viewing of a five-star safari at four-star rates. That’s thanks to its location in the 30 ,000-ha Munyawana Conservancy in northern KwaZulu-Natal, in the same neighbourhood as Mkhuze and iSimangaliso Wetland Park.
With rooms encircling a spacious lawn, Safari Camp as the of a laid-back family homestead. Image: supplied.
Bayala’s 3 ,500-ha slice of the conservancy is home to Safari Lodge and Safari Camp, each offering 24 rooms. But it’s the Safari Camp I most enjoyed after its recent refurbishment. And I don’t mean a quick lick of paint: rather, a major overhaul that has enlarged the rooms, expanded the en-suite bathrooms, revamped the decor and added small private patios for the Camp’s 14 superior rooms (all of which can be made interleading for groups).
Aside from having healthy buffalo herds, Bayala is spearheading conservation in the area. Image: Richard Holmes.
It’s certainly a great escape for families, with the whole property securely fenced and the rooms encircling a large frisbee-friendly lawn. But it was too hot for frisbee during my late-summer visit, so I spent my days in the stylish lounge. This quiet corner – with the best Wi-Fi signal – became my preferred spot to relax between game drives. A large swimming pool links the lounge area to a boma, which glitters to life with paraffin lamps come evening.
There’s Big Five aplenty, but also a menagerie of smaller creatures to beguile you. A close-up encounter with a pint-sized (and endangered) leopard tortoise was just as exciting as watching a pair of lionesses stalk a herd of skittish zebras. When we returned in the evenings, buzzing slap-up suppers were served in the adjoining dining room. And it’s a relaxed affair all-round: no dressing for dinner, and no frills on the plate; just generous portions of delicious homely fare.
Subtle safari-chic decor in the lounge and dining area. Image: Richard Holmes.
Best Feature
The opportunity to access this wonderful conservancy trumps even the comfy rooms and home-style cooking. It’s the same landscape traversed by vehicles from the conservancy’s top-dollar five-star lodges, but guests at Bayala get to enjoy it for a fraction of the price.
Cost
From R2,475 per person sharing (R1, 230 for children), including dinner, breakfast and one game drive per day. There’s a daily R99 per person conservation levy.
Contact
0355620498, bayalagamelodge.co.za
Words and photos: Richard Holmes
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