MADWALENI RIVER LODGE

Madwaleni River Lodge, opening September 2023, is situated along the river’s edge of the White Umfolozi River within Babanango Game Reserve, in the heart of KwaZulu Natal, South Africa. Madwaleni River Lodge offers an exclusive retreat featuring 12 luxurious safari tents arranged around a 3 779m² central gathering area housing a restaurant, lounge, library, pool, eco-friendly gym, and 2 000 bottle wine cellar. 

The lodge takes its name from the isiZulu phrase meaning "The place of the rock," paying homage to the picturesque granoliths mountains found in the reserve. With a fusion of sophistication and wilderness, this ultra-luxury tented camp promises a truly remarkable experience. Madwaleni River Lodge is unfenced, allowing guests to fully immerse themselves in the surrounding natural beauty. 

Throughout the design process, the team remained focused on honoring the surrounding social and environmental context of the project. It is not just about creating functional spaces; it is about creating structures that resonate with the people and the environment. Cultural symbols were translated into contemporary expressions that reflect the history and landscape of the site. Intangible qualities of the site such as stories, cultures, and traditions that have been woven into the landscape over time were also captured.