iNsingizi Lodge and Spa

Say your I do’s at our unique bush venue

If the bushveld runs in your blood, iNsingizi is the perfect backdrop for the most special day of your life.  The untamed beauty of every acacia tree, every aloe and rocky outcrop breathes romance and adventure.

Situated in a unique setting, nestling under kranzes amid rolling hills in the South Midlands of KwaZulu-Natal, our thatched chalets, honeymoon suite on stilts and the tastefully ethnic boma and bar offer you total tranquillity under African skies.

Our bushveld wedding venue is nestled in a secluded valley surrounded by a small game reserve and farmlands in Mid-Illovo, KZN (between Durban and Pietermaritzburg). We accommodate bush weddings and outdoor weddings with up to 120 guests, but we can also set up an elopement wedding just for you and your closest loved ones, or even for just the two of you!

With resident antelope, picturesque vistas across the valley, majestic indigenous trees and continual bird song, the entire venue has a quintessential African feel about it.

“You cannot leave Africa, Africa said. It is always with you, there inside your head. Our rivers run in currents in the swirl of your thumbprints; our drumbeats counting out your pulse; our coastline the silhouette of your soul.” 


– Bridget Dore
, South African poet.

A piece of paradise that is all yours

At an iNsingizi wedding, the only creatures sharing our 350-hectare private estate with you will be our bird and animal life.

Our lodge sleeps 32 guests, perfect for your bridal party, close family and friends. You can also book Stirling House, a separate self-catering lodge that sleeps up to 20 guests.

Our accommodating staff can organise meals and activities during the week and over the weekends – brunches, braais, spa treatments, trips to a local market, mountain biking, trail running, sunrise yoga and more … all set against the beautiful backdrop of our secret valley.

Venue on the dam

Close your eyes, and picture holding your loved one’s hands as you seal your love for one another … there’s a gentle breeze tickling through the air, a warm African sun slowly sinking behind the hills, and you’re surrounded by the people you love.
Share your vows with each other, your family, friends, and invite the sounds and sights of the African bush right into your wedding ceremony.
Our chapel is situated overlooking a small dam, surrounded by indigenous trees and a large deck. With open sides and a tree growing through the thatch, you’ll invite the outside in for an authentic African bush experience.
The venue on the dam seats up to 120 guests.

Umdoni venue

Our new open-air altar is presided over by an ancient Umdoni Tree. Guests are seated in a tiered amphitheatre, looking over the bridal couple underneath the tree.
We created our uniquely African altar from two large rocks, a feature you won’t find anywhere else!
You’ll be serenaded by the sounds of the bushveld as you say your vows against the setting African sun.
The Umdoni venue easily seats over 120 guests.

The Boma

Our open and airy reception venue is elegantly ethnic, with wooden beams, rocks, a thatched roof, touches of organic decor and raised wooden walkways above the valley.

 

The wooden pool deck is perfect for post-ceremony drinks overlooking the bushveld in the valley below.

 

There’s no mistaking our uniquely African ambience, you can opt for a rustic look with minimal decor and our African touches or use the venue as a canvas for your Pinterest plans.

 

The Boma comfortably seats 120 guests

Wedding menu options

In line with our flexible approach, which allows each bride to reflect her personal style, our team has simplified menu-making with choices that enable you to build a menu that suits you and your budget.

To help you plan the perfect meal for your wedding, we’ve put together a number of menu choices, which we’re happy to customise to suit your needs, in consultation with you. However if there’s something that’s not on our list, we’ll do our best to accommodate any special requests.

View our menu options

Our affordable conveniently located wedding & elopement venue is the perfect bushveld canvas for your forever after.

An entire venue and lodge that is all yours 

A secret slice of the African bush is all yours. Being tucked away from the hustle and bustle means a relaxed atmosphere and more time with your nearest and dearest.

We build your dream wedding around you 

We specialise in intimate, personal weddings where your family and friends are more than just a number.

Your unique elopement escape

Celebrate your love in close company when you elope at iNsingizi. Depending on availability, we can organise weddings on a whim in case you’re getting hitched in a hurry.

Spend more time with your wedding guests in a beautiful setting

 We can tailor a weekend package especially for you and your guests, with your choice of meals, spa treatments, sunrise yoga, active adventures, local tours and more.

Close enough for convenience, yet far enough to escape

Situated between Durban and Pietermaritzburg, iNsingizi is breathtakingly “away from it all”, yet perfectly located so that no-one has to drive too far.

Your photographer will be spoilt for choice 

From beautiful bushveld on top of a hill to verdant green sugarcane, farm dams and enchanting forests, there’s no shortage of backdrops for your most special memories.

We look forward to welcoming you at iNsingizi!

Elope and escape into the African bush

Many couples these days are choosing to escape the stress and pressure of planning a big wedding by eloping.

We welcome these unique “wedding celebrations” and we’ll go to every effort to make sure that the day is celebrated just as you two – and nobody else – wants it.

Surrounded by the bush and your love for one another, you’re free to seal your commitment in your own way.

View our elopment packages

BOOK YOUR WEDDING DATE AT INSINGIZI LODGE & SPA

Dreaming of a destination wedding

iNsingizi can turn your destination wedding into reality. Our rates are affordable, we’re just over an hour away from major cities, and we take care of all the major details for you, leaving you with less stress.

If the bushveld runs in your blood, you won’t need to do too much ‘dressing up’ of the venue – the natural surrounds are the main feature and will be one of the most unforgettable elements of your day.

Your dream destination wedding – with quality catering, rustic décor, comfortable accommodation, a relaxed atmosphere and the breathtaking beauty of the African bush – is within easy reach at iNsingizi Game Lodge & Spa.

BOOK YOUR WEDDING DATE AT INSINGIZI LODGE & SPA

 

Fishing at iNsingizi

Take the bait on iNsingizi’s four well-stocked dams

  • Largemouth bass (M. salmoides)
  • Florida black bass (Micropterus salmoides)
  • Mozambique tilapia (Oreochromis mossambicus)

Fishing at any of our 4 dams is booked for iNsingizi guests only.
We do not provide or rent fishing equipment, so please bring your own rod and bait.

Wildlife at iNsingizi

We have 17 recorded animal species at iNsingizi Lodge & Spa

Set in 350 hectares of unspoilt African bushveld, 831m above sea level, iNsingizi Lodge & Spa boasts a rich biodiversity within a compact area, enabling guests to view diverse game and birdlife at close quarters.

Up to 17 recorded animal species call iNsingizi home, amid varied topography and ecosystems/vegetation zones, ranging from cliff escarpments and flat plains to deep krantzes and ravines; and grasslands and scrub through to dense bush and woody glens.

  • Porcupines
  • Banded mongoose
  • Large grey mongoose
  • Deer
  • Antelope
  • Reedbuck
  • Kudu
  • Nyala
  • Eland
  • Bushbuck
  • Grey duiker
  • Blue duiker
  • Impala
  • Zebra
  • Blue wildebeest
  • Serval
  • Caracal
  • Jackal
  • Genet

Bird species at iNsingizi

Apalis
Bar-throated apalis Yellow-breasted apalis
Barbet
Black-collared barbet Red-fronted Tinkerbird Crested barbet
Batis
Cape batis Chin spot batis
Bee-Eaters
Little bee-eater
Bishop
Southern red bishop
Boubou
Southern boubou
Bulbul
Dark-capped bulbul Sombre greenbul Terrestrial brownbul Yellow-Bellied greenbul
Bunting
Golden-Breasted bunting
Bush Shrike
Grey-Headed bush shrike Orange-breasted bush shrike
Buzzard
Forest buzzard Jackal buzzard Steppe buzzard
Camaroptera
Green-backed camaroptera
Canary
Brimstone canary Cape canary Forest canary Streaky-headed canary Yellow-fronted canary
Cape White-EyeChats
African stone chat Mocking Cliff chat
Cisticola
Levaillants cisticola Neddicky Rattling cisticola Zitting cisticola
Cormorants
African darter Reed cormorant White breasted cormorant
Coucal Burchell’s coucalCranes
Grey-crowned (crested) crane
Cuckoo
Black cuckoo Common cuckoo Diederik cuckoo Jacobin cuckoo Klaas’s cuckoo Red-chested cuckoo
Cuckooshrike
Black cuckooshrike Grey cuckooshrike
Doves
Laughing dove Lemon dove Namaqua dove Red-eyed dove Tambourine dove
Dove & Pigeon
Ring-necked dove Emerald-spotted wood dove
Drongo
Fork-tailed drongo
Duck & Geese
African black duck White-faced whistling duck White-backed duck Yellow-billed duck Egyptian goose Spur-winged goose
Eagles
African crowned eagle African fish eagle Long-crested eagle Martial eagle
Eastern NicatorEgret
Western Cattle egret Great egret Little egret
Falcon
Lanner falcon Peregrine falcon
Firefinch
African firefinch Red-billed firefinch
Flufftail
Buff-Spotted flufftail Red-chested Flufftail
Flycatchers
African dusky-flycatcher African paradise-flycatcher Ashy flycatcher Blue-mantled crested-flycatcher Southern black-flycatcher
Francolin & Spurfowl
Coqui francolin Natal spurfowl Shelley’s francolin Swainson’s spurfowl Red-necked Spurfowl
Grebe
Little grebe
Guineafowl
Helmeted guineafowl
Harrier
African marsh-harrier
Hawks
African goshawk African Harrier-hawk Black sparrowhawk Little sparrowhawk
Heron
Black-headed heron Striated heron Grey heron Purple heron Hamerkop
Hoopoe
African hoopoe Common scimitar bill Green wood-hoopoe
Hornbill
Crowned hornbill Southern ground-hornbill
Indigobird
Dusky indigobird Village indigobird
Kestrels
Rock kestrel
Kingfisher
African pygmy-kingfisher Brown-hooded kingfisher Giant kingfisher Malachite kingfisher Pied kingfisher
Kites
Black-winged kite Yellow-billed kite
Lapwing
African wattled lapwing Blacksmith lapwing Crowned lapwing Black-winged lapwing
Longclaw
Yellow-throated longclaw
Mannikin
Bronze mannikin Red-Backed mannikin
Martin
Brown-throated martin Sand martin Rock Martin
Mousebird
Red-Faced mousebird Speckled mousebird
Narina TrogonNightjar
Fiery-necked nightjar
Oriole
Black-headed oriole
Ostrich
Common ostrich
Owl
Cape eagle-owl Spotted eagle owl
Pigeon
African-green pigeon African-olive pigeon Speckled pigeon
Pipit
African pipit Striped pipit Plain-backed pipit
Plover
Three-banded plover
Prinia
Tawny-flanked Prinia
Puffback
Black-Backed puffback
Quail
Common quail Kurrichane button quail
Robin Chats
Cape robin chat Red-capped robin chat White-browed scrub robin
Roller
European roller
Sparrow
Cape sparrow House sparrow Southern grey-headed sparrow Yellow-throated Bush sparrow
Spotted Thick-Knee (DikkopStarling
Black-Bellied starling Cape starling Common myna (Indian myna) Red-winged starling Violet-backed starling Wattled starling
Stork
African openbill African spoonbill White stork Woolly-necked stork
Sunbirds
Amethyst sunbird Collared sunbird Greater doubled collared sunbird Malachite sunbird Olive sunbird Scarlet-chest sunbird Southern doubled collared sunbird White-Bellied sunbird
Swallow
Barn swallow Lesser-striped swallow White-throated swallow Wire-tailed swallow
Swift
African-palm swift Common swift Little swift
Thrush
Cape rock thrush Kurrichane thrush Olive thrush
Tit
South black tit
Tshagra
Black-crowned Tchagra
Turaco
Knysna turaco Purple-crested turaco
Wagtail
African pied wagtail Cape wagtail
Warbler
African Yellow warbler Little rush-warbler Willow warbler Cape Grassbird Yellow-throated woodland warbler Barratt's warbler
Water Birds
African jacana African purple swamphen Black crake Common moorhen Red-Knobbed coot
Waxbill
Blue waxbill Common waxbill Grey waxbill Swee waxbill
Weavers
Cape weaver Dark-backed weaver Spectacled weaver Thick-billed weaver Eastern Golden weaver
Widowbird
Red-collared widowbird White-winged widowbird Pintailed whydah Fan-tailed widowbird
Woodpeckers
Cardinal woodpecker Golden-tailed woodpecker Olive woodpecker Red-throated wryneck

iNsingizi 2023 year-end function packages

Option 1
R 700 PP

Includes welcome drink, tea, coffee and fruit mince pie 

Starter Choices
- Turkey cigars with cranberry dipping sauce 
- Coconut mango chicken wings on spiced potato salad 
- Chicken liver pate with spiced fruit chutney and bruschetta 
- Zucchini rosti topped with salmon mousse and corn and avo salsa 

Main Choices 
- Honey and ginger glazed gamon 
- Slow roasted leg of lamb 
- Oven baked chicken with homemade stuffing 
- Beef fillet with sherry cream sauce 
 
All above served with seasonal veggies, roast potatoes and Yorkshire puddings 
 
Dessert Choices 
- Chocolate eton mess 
- Gin and tonic cheese cake 
- Sticky toffee pudding with custard 

R60pp extra for festive cheer
Option 2
R550 pp

Includes welcome drink, tea, coffee and fruit mince pie 
 
Braai Menu (Choice of 3 meats) 
- Beef fillet, wors , chicken pieces, lamb chops, pork chops
- iNsingizi garden salad 
- Potato bake or potato salad 
- Garlic bread or caprese flat bread 

Choice of one dessert 
- PS tart 
- Chocolate brownies and ice cream 
- Ice cream bar 
 
R60pp extra for festive cheer
Option 3
R1400 pp

Includes welcome drink, tea, coffee and fruit mince pies, 45 min spa massage and snack 
 
Snack options (Choose 1 option)
- Bruschetta 
    - topped with chicken liver pate and onion marmalade 
    - topped with avo cream and smoked salmon 
- Selection of samosas, spring rolls and chicken wings 
- Selection of muffins, scones and cupcake 
 
Harvest Table 
- Roasted chicken flatties and grilled beef fillet 
- Brie, cheddar and cream cheese 
- Green Garden Salad (peas, baby spinach, cucumber, rocket, green beans and broccoli )
- Tomato and basil salad 
- Preserves, fresh fruit and veggie platter with hummus 
- New potato salad 
- Sourdough bread 
 
Dessert 
Black Forest trifle (mini individual)
 
R60pp extra for festive cheer

** 2023 rates
** T & Cs Apply
** Subject to availability
** Additional beverages not included
** Booking essential

hello@insingizi.co.za

Eat at iNsingizi

Breakfast
Amandla Breakfast
R160pp
Lunch
Picnic Lunch (custom make your picnic)
R650 per couple  

Light Lunch (2 course)
R150.00pp  

Pub Grub (2 course)
Please contact us directly to enquire about meal options.
Dinner
Uhambo Dinner (3 Course)
R380pp

2024 Wedding Elopement Packages

OPTION AOPTION BOPTION COPTION D OPTION E
Bridal couple onlyBridal couple & 4 guestsBridal couple & 8 guestsBridal couple & 16 guests Bridal couple & 20 guests
1 bottle JC Le Roux1 bottle JC Le Roux3 bottles JC Le Roux5 bottles JC Le Roux 7 bottles JC Le Roux
MidweekR5 500R6 500R8 000R11 500 R14 000
Weekend / Public HolidayR6 500R7 500R9 000R12 500 R15 000

All the elopment package options include the following:

  • Bridal Suite (2 pax) – Bed & Breakfast : use to get ready & for the evening
  • 3-course menu (Canapes, Main Course & Dessert) – 3 options provided. – We are happy to work within dietary requirements (Vegan, Vegetarian etc)
  • Jc Le Roux (Number depends on option selected)
  • Guests – NO accommodation
  • Flowers for registration table
  • Use of inhouse décor & facilities
  • Non-exclusive use of venue (Ceremony venue will be private for a 30min period)
  • Tea/Coffee/Juice
  • Use of music system (Depending on venue)

Extra Costs

  • Spa
  • Extra accommodation
  • Different menu options other than the 3 that are part of the packages
  • Additional flowers, décor, candles etc
  • Bar
  • Exclusivity of venue
  • Vendors (Make up, Hair, photographer, DJ, Marriage Officer etc

BOOK YOUR WEDDING DATE AT INSINGIZI LODGE & SPA

Bush Chalet

Rates
Bed & Breakfast: R1100 per person
Dinner Bed & Breakfast: R1400 per person
Fullboard: R1700 per person

** Plus R200 surcharge for single person occupancy
Amenities
Bathroom Amenities
Shower only
Single vanity
Ceiling fan
Heater
Hair dryer
Coffee/Tea station
Veranda
Electric blankets
Sleeps 4
2 x Single beds
1 x Bunk bed

Treehouse

Rates
Bed & Breakfast: R1100 per person
Dinner Bed & Breakfast: R1400 per person
Fullboard: R1700 per person

** Plus R200 surcharge for single person occupancy
Amenities
Bathroom Amenities
Double shower only
Single vanity
Ceiling fan
Heater
Hair dryer
Coffee/Tea station
Veranda
Electric blankets
1 x King bed

Figtree Suite

Rates
Bed & Breakfast: R1300 per person
Dinner Bed & Breakfast: R1600 per person
Fullboard: R1900 per person
** Plus R200 surcharge for single person occupancy
Amenities
Bathroom Amenities
Double shower
Bath
Outdoor shower
Double vanity
Hair dryer
Coffee/Tea station
Veranda
Electric blankets
1 x King bed

Hilltop Suites

Rates
Bed & Breakfast: R1300 per person
Dinner Bed & Breakfast: R1600 per person
Fullboard: R1900 per person
** Plus R200 surcharge for single person occupancy
Amenities
Bathroom amenities
Double shower
Bath
Outdoor shower
Double vanity
Air-conditioner/Heater unit
Hair dryer
Coffee/Tea station
Veranda
Electric blankets
1 x King bed

Stirling Guest House

Rates
1-8 pax: R500 per person

Forest Chalet

Rates
Bed & Breakfast: R1100 per person
Dinner Bed & Breakfast: R1400 per person
Fullboard: R1700 per person

** Plus R200 surcharge for single person occupancy
Amenities
Bathroom amenities
Ceiling fan
Coffee/Tea maker
Hairdryer
Balcony
Shower only
Electric blankets
4 x Single beds

Mini Day Spa Package

Includes 90min of treatments, a two-course lunch and one drink.

R1400 per person

Ubuntu Facials

Treat your skin with kindness and nurture it with natural goodness in these massage filled hands on facials.

  • Purifying Facial 45min

 Detox your skin to restore its natural balance , using fruit enzymes and sugar cane extract to speed up healing.

  • Nourishing Facial 45min

Replenish dull, tired and dehydrated skin with this nutrient rich facial. Using Marula oil full of antioxidants and omega to regenerate the skin.

Ngyibonga Massages

Be grateful to your body and give it what it deserves

  • Stress Relief Full Body Massage 45min

Healing hands massage the whole body for an overall stress relief.

  • De-Stress Back, Neck & Scalp massage 45min

A Massage designed to relieve all these tension areas.

Options ... add Hot river stones to the above massage treatments – R50

  • Scenic Soak Ritual 45min

A full body scrub to detox and refresh tired skin.

  • Foot & Leg Treatment 45min

A soak , scrub and heavenly massage.

  • Hand & Arm Treatment 45min

A scrub and massage to nourish and relax dry hardworking hands.

Aromatherapy Body Cocoon 90min

Invigorate the body and mind with these unique and one of a kind treatments.  Be alive and get back in touch with your body.

iNsingizi Signature Treatment 90min

An all in one experience to hi-light all that is natural and healing at iNsingizi. Foot  and back scrub, nourish and massage, hot stones, as well as a mini facial.

Mini Day Spa Package

Includes a 45min individual treatment, a two-course lunch and one drink.

R850 per person

Ubuntu Facials

Treat your skin with kindness and nurture it with natural goodness in these massage filled hands on facials.

  • Purifying Facial 45min

 Detox your skin to restore its natural balance , using fruit enzymes and sugar cane extract to speed up healing.

  • Nourishing Facial 45min

Replenish dull, tired and dehydrated skin with this nutrient rich facial. Using Marula oil full of antioxidants and omega to regenerate the skin.

Ngyibonga Massages

Be grateful to your body and give it what it deserves.

Body

  • Stress Relief Full Body Massage 45min

Healing hands massage the whole body for an overall stress relief.

  • De-Stress Back, Neck & Scalp massage 45min

A Massage designed to relieve all these tension areas.

Options ... add Hot river stones to the above massage treatments – R50

  • Scenic Soak Ritual 45min

A full body scrub to detox and refresh tired skin.

Hands & Feet

  • Foot & Leg Treatment 45min

A soak , scrub and heavenly massage.

  • Hand & Arm Treatment 45min

A scrub and massage to nourish and relax dry hardworking hands.

Mother to be Package

Using products formulated specifically to treat moms and keep baby safe enjoy the relief for your tired legs and the relief of the back, neck and scalp massage in our comfortable massage chairs to keep you and baby comfy and at peace of mind.

  • Foot & Leg Treatment 45min
  • De-Stress Back, Neck & Scalp Massage 45min

R1000.00

Half-Day Spa Package

Power .. Pause and reset, this quick fix Spa package will leave you feeling empowered and rejuvenated. With our, one of a kind iNsingizi Signature treatment which includes attention to back, feet and face, as well as our Hand & Arm treatment. Your whole body will feel new. This package includes a light lunch, refreshments between treatments and the following Spa treatments.

  • iNsingizi Signature Treatment 90min
  • Hand & Arm Treatment 45min

Choose to UPGRADE your package to add on our Scenic soak R200

R2000

Full Day Spa Package

Journey through our Spa with a full days’ worth of pampering and spoils, the package begins with a light spa breakfast as you choose the aroma spa journey for your needs. This package includes a spa breakfast, refreshments between your treatments, lunch and the following Spa treatments...

  • Aromatherapy Body cocoon 90min                             
  • Facial 45min                                              
  • Hand & Arm Treatment or Foot & Leg Treatment 45min  
  • De-stress Back, Neck & Shoulder Massage 45min
  • Scenic Soak Ritual 45min

R3300

Uhambo ikhaya Overnight Package

Journey to our home for a night away from the hustle and bustle to fully appreciate the full day Spa Journey with hours worth of pampering. This package includes..

  • Dinner, Bed & Breakfast for  1 night
  • Aromatherapy Body Cocoon 90min      
  • Scenic Soak Ritual 45min                                                   
  • Facial 45min
  • Hand & Arm Treatment 45min OR Foot & Leg Treatment 45min
  • De-stress back, neck & Shoulder massage 45min

R4300

Amandla Ikhaya

Usuku Package (Day Spa)

This package includes a light lunch, refreshments between treatments and the following Spa treatments:

Dinner, Bed & Breakfast for 1 night

iNsingizi Signature Treatment 90min

Hand & Arm Treatment 45min

Choose to UPGRADE your package to add on our Scenic soak R200

R3200pp

Ukuhwalala Package (Night Spa)

This package includes refreshments between treatments and the following Spa treatments:

Dinner, Bed & Breakfast for 1 night

iNsingizi Signature Treatment 90min

Hand & Arm Treatment 45min

Choose to UPGRADE your package to add on our Scenic soak R200

R3000pp

Honeymoon / Couples package

We are one Enjoy the romance of a few nights unity with your partner enjoying all the activities available at iNsingizi in a shared experience. Couples spa treatments together and our amazing honeymoon suite sets the perfect scene for a memorable retreat.

  • Dinner, Bed & Breakfast for 2 Nights
  • Lunch on your full day
  • iNsingizi Signature Treatment 90min
  • Hand & Arm Treatment 45min

R7 500 per couple

Add a Romantic Hamper for an additional R300 per couple.

iNsingizi high-tea menu options


  • Petite Cheesecakes - berry or lemon
  • Chocolate Brownie
  • Miniature Milk tarts (2pp)
  • Buttermilk Scone with cream and jam (2pp)
  • Cupcake – chocolate or vanilla
  • Mini Apple Pies (2pp)
  • Lemon Cakes (2pp)
  • Petite Pecan Pie
  • Trio of Finger Sandwiches
  • Bruschetta – selection of three toppings
  • BBQ chicken wings bamboo boat (3pp)
  • Samoosas served with a sweet chili sauce – choice of veggie, chicken, or beef (3pp)
  • Mini Quiche – veggie or biltong
  • Petite Potato topped with cream cheese and slices of smoked salmon
  • Cocktail Sausage lollies with a mustard and honey sauce (2pp)
  • Petite Brie and caramelised red onion tatin

To make things simpler we have a couple of options for you to choose from.

The prices below also include tea, coffee and a glass of bubbly/orange juice on arrival.


Choose 8 from the list at R110pp

Choose 10 from the list at R130pp

Choose 12 from the list at R170pp


Minimum of 6 people, Booking essential.


Book high tea at iNsingizi now