uMfolozi Big Five Reserve

A Unique Mantis Wilderness Safari for the Soul

uMfolozi Big Five Reserve by Mantis is a 6000-hectare tract of tribal land that has been incorporated into the Hluhluwe iMfolozi Park in KwaZulu Natal. The uMfolozi Big Five Reserve represents forward-thinking sustainability as it blends past and present conservation models and sustainable land-use that will benefit the Zulu communities immensely.

There are two luxurious lodges, 45 minutes from each other. Mthembu Lodge opened its doors in October 2018 and Biyela Lodge welcomed accommodated its first guests from the 1st of May 2019.

Biyela Lodge is a spectacular showcase of modern safari luxury sprawled across a slanting ridge overlooking an oxbow lagoon in White uMfolozi River. The 12 glass-fronted one-bedroom Private Villas (100sqm in size) offer refreshing views over the river and adjacent cliffs dotted with ancient cave entrances.

Biyela Lodge offers more privacy and exclusivity than its sister Lodge, Mthembu, which was opened last September. The private villas are more spread apart and the central lodge houses an Africology spa with two treatment rooms, a restaurant, and a generous deck with a fire pit and views over the White uMfolozi River which is frequented by herds of elephants, buffalo, crocodiles, buck, lion, wild dog, and many other species.