Ubizane Zululand Tree Lodge

The Reawakening of Ubizane: A Zululand Icon Reborn A unique story of heritage and renewal unfolds at Ubizane, one of the Hluhluwe region's oldest and most storied private reserves. Its legacy stretches back more than 50 years, having begun its journey as a cattle farm before its transformation into an eco-tourism property in the late 1960s, making it a true pioneer of conservation in Zululand. After a period of closure during the pandemic, Ubizane has reawakened under the stewardship of new owners—local farmers whose pineapple fields stretch across the surrounding hills and can be seen from the reserve. This unique connection to the land infuses the lodge with a new energy and a deep sense of place. The lodge itself is set upon expansive, rolling lawns, thoughtfully dotted with aged aloes and the scented thorn trees that define the Zululand landscape. At the heart of the daily spectacle is the lodge's watering hole, a natural theatre drawing a steady stream of Giraffe, Zebra, Nyala, Impala, and Kudu. Ubizane offers guests a choice between two distinct experiences: the classic Safari Lodge and the elevated Tree Lodge. Ubizane Tree Lodge: Elevated Comfort in the Fever Tree Forest The Ubizane Tree Lodge offers a truly distinctive safari experience, providing guests with lovely treehouse accommodation nestled amongst the branches of the magnificent Fever Tree Forest. Guests are invited to unwind in tree top houses, each opening onto a private balcony with outdoor seating—perfect for soaking in the views of the lush canopy and the surrounding landscape. These air-conditioned treehouses provide comfortable beds draped with mosquito nets, ensuring a peaceful night's rest. Each unit features a shower-only bathroom, a convenient bar fridge, and tea and coffee-making facilities. For added comfort, Wi-Fi access and hairdryers are available at reception, and a laundry service can be arranged upon request. The heart of the Tree Lodge experience is its on-site restaurant and bar, open for both breakfast and dinner. Here, guests can relax on comfortable sofas and enjoy their meals while watching the crocodiles from the famed Croc Deck below. The lodge also offers conference facilities, making it an ideal choice for unique events and meetings. Activities at Ubizane: Discover the Heart of the Bush Immerse yourself in the wild with guided game drives into the legendary Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Park or through our own private reserve. Your adventure is complemented by safari walks at daybreak or by torchlight, where you can witness our crocodile feeding and meet other fascinating nocturnal residents. For a different kind of adventure, we invite you to cycle our designated MTB trails for uniquely close animal encounters, or join the convivial atmosphere of our evening movie and quiz nights.

Area Info

Situated a mere 4 km from Hluhluwe and on the access road to Hluhluwe Umfolozi National Park, Ubizane Wildlife Reserve is an invaluable location for any tourist to experience wildlife while travelling in the surrounding area, including the Greater St Lucia World Heritage Site.

The reserve is also centrally situated, a mere two and a half hours drive from Durban's King Shaka Airport.

The privately owned low-risk malaria reserve sprawls over an expanse of 1,200 hectares. Teeming with wildlife, including giraffes, wildebeests, zebras, and the majority of antelope species, not to mention birdlife, which includes an abundance of more than 450 bird species.