Last week, the 13th annual Eco-Logic Awards took place at the Two Oceans Aquarium in Cape Town, recognising outstanding individuals, organisations, andcommunities across South Africa for their commitment to sustainability. Among the winners was Babanango Game Reserve, a newly established 20 000 hectare reserve in the heart of Zululand, KwaZulu-Natal, which claimed the Gold Award in the Eco-Hospitality and Tourism category.
Event Images credit: Aaron Polikoff
The event celebrated achievements across a wide range of sectors, from wildlife conservation and waste innovation to water preservation.
Babanango Game Reserve’s Gold Award in the ‘Eco-Hospitality and Tourism category’ highlights organisations that “whilst serving the needs of human beings are also supportive of and beneficial for the Earth’s biodiversity, eco-systems or natural resources.”
“It is an absolute privilege to represent Babanango Game Reserve in receiving this award. The recognition that the Eco-Logic Awards and the sponsors have given this unique project by awarding us Gold is so appreciated and affirms our commitment to our ecotourism and conservation objectives.” says Sarah Alcock, Group Human Resources Manager, Babanango Game Reserves.
Event Images credit: Aaron Polikoff
Collaboration With Local Communities
Babanango Game Reserve symbolises a unique partnership between forward-thinking local communities with land-ownership rights and committed philanthropic investors. Three community trusts own nearly 74% of the reserve, benefiting from the long-term lease income it generates. Additional value for local communities has come from the wealth of new jobs, filling over 200 permanent positions at the reserve, making the project one of the largest employers in the district municipality.
Conservation Efforts – Rewilding of Mammals
For the past five years, the project has embarked on one of the largest game translocation projects in Southern Africa, selectively sourcing over 3000 large mammal species and sensitively reintroducing them back into former habitats. In 2023, Babanango Game Reserve reintroduced elephants back into the system, thus completing the ‘Big 5’ status, while focusing on more than just the flagstone species. It boasts diverse landscapes, threatened vegetation and significant historical and cultural heritage. ’
Images credit: Stew Nolan – Zulu Rock Lodge
Eco-Tourism
Not only has the reserve restored the land through their successful rewilding project, the four lodges and camps on the reserve have many design elements that were built by repurposing resources from the land in which the lodges were built on. Often, existing structures were repurposed rather than being newly built, using locally sourced sustainable materials and employing artisans from nearby communities.
Images credit: Stew Nolan –Madwaleni River Lodge
The lodges and camps at Babanango Game Reserve embody superior quality and ethical standards by seamlessly blending luxury with sustainability. Each lodge was crafted with care, reflecting dedication to preserving the natural environment while offering guests a unique experience.
Image credit: Stew Nolan – Matatane Camp
“Babanango Game Reserve is very excited for the future. This unique conservation and tourism project is incredibly proud to be part of our country’s tourism sector that is so critically important to our national and local economy. We will continue our commitment to ethical and sustainable business practices and creating an enabling environment for our people to grow.” says Alcock.
Image credit: Stew Nolan – Valley Lodge
