Ezulwini Game Lodges

Accommodation

Ezulwini Game Lodges

Ezulwini Game Lodges are situated in the Big 7 Balule Nature Reserve, (named after the local RemBalule tribe's name for the Olifants River), part of the Greater Kruger National Park. Our two private Safari game lodges offer an exclusive intimate bush experience for all nature lovers, and our Paradise Camp is for the adventure seeker.

Billy's Lodge is perched on the banks of a seasonal river, deep in lion country and is surrounded by magnificent Knobthorn, Leadwood and Marula trees.

River Lodge is situated on the banks of the majestic Olifants River, largest of the lowveld rivers, with massive riverine trees, hippos, elephants and crocodiles.

Paradise Camp located high on a hill with incredible 360 degree views of the vast Kruger Park lowveld.

Experience luxury, game drives, cuisine and service which is world class, when you relax at one of our two exquisite game lodges - Billy's Lodge or River Lodge - with attractive grass thatched chalets. Cool off in a swimming pool or enjoy fascinating game viewing from the comfort of a spacious deck in a welcoming, deep leather sofa. If you want to experience the lowveld as the pioneers found it, why not try our Paradise Camp for an unforgettable African adventure.

Highly skilled rangers will let you experience the excitement of a walk through the virgin African bush, tracking animals, identifying trees and birds, or they will drive you through thousands of hectares of prime game area, with undisturbed traversing, in state-of-the-art open Land Rovers. You will stop in this wilderness of absolute beauty to experience an intimately romantic, uniquely African ambiance as you enjoy a sundowner with spectacular views of a glowing red sunset over the Drakensberg Mountains. Become one with nature as you absorb this enchanting world of sound, scents and colour. Continue the night drive under a canopy of sparkling stars, with powerful spotlights probing the dark for the secretive nocturnal creatures.

Delight in the superb cuisine prepared by our award winning chefs. Be pampered and experience luxury and exclusivity at very affordable prices which represent excellent value for your money.

Ezulwini River Lodge

River Lodge has an exquisite entertainment area comprising a lounge, bar and perfect swimming pool, all under a large thatched roof. Relax here in welcoming deep sofas and marvel at magnificent leadwood sculptures. The enormous wooden dining deck set in the riverine vegetation, which looks out over the Olifants River and an elevated thatched viewing deck overlooking the bush, add to the special ambience of this lodge. Superb cuisine and skilled rangers will enhance your safari and leave you with an experience of Africa which you will remember forever. Luxury, thatched, twin bed chalets, with en-suite bathrooms, accommodating a maximum of 20 guests gives a charm that only a small camp can possess.

The rooms which were built in the 1940's have been beautifully restored and furnished with antiques from that period and have:

• 220V, 50Hz electrical supply
• potable drinking water,
• Insect-proof window screens
• Elegant mosquito nets
• Overhead fans,
• New, silent air-conditioners
• Mini-bar, tea and coffee facility.
• Satellite T.V. and telephone/fax facilities are available.
• The Spelati Suite also has a spacious lounge, an outdoor bathroom and private deck.

Billy's Lodge

Billy's Lodge is located on the banks of a seasonal river, surrounded by the resident lion pride , plains game, large knobthorn, leadwood and marula trees,in the western savannah region of Ezulwini. The lodge has lots of character and features gorgeous lounge areas, dining rooms and decks, sumptuous leather armchairs, exquisite leadwood sculptures and original paintings by David Johnson.

Billy's Lodge also boasts the "finest wine cellar in Africa" set against the natural rock face and resembling an ancient Bushman cave. Superb chefs and rangers will ensure you enjoy the ultimate getaway. This charming most exclusive lodge has luxury, thatched, twin bed chalets with en suite bathrooms, accommodating a maximum of 10 guests, which guarantees tranquility and exclusivity. The accommodation is modern, yet traditionally African and is rated in the four star category by the Tourism Grading Council of South Africa.

• 220V, 50Hz electrical supply
• potable drinking water,
• Insect-proof window screens
• Elegant mosquito nets
• Overhead fans,
• New, silent air-conditioners
• Mini-bar, tea and coffee facility.
• Satellite T.V. and telephone/fax facilities are available.
• The Spelati Suite also has a spacious lounge, an outdoor bathroom and private deck.

General Information

What Makes Ezulwini Unique

• 3 Exclusive Game Lodges, in the Big 7 Balule Nature Reserve which is part of the unfenced Greater Kruger National Park, in the UNESCO Kruger to Canyons Biosphere Reserve. The Game Lodges enjoy diverse ecosystems including the mighty Olifants River, Mountainous Bushveld with incredible views, a Mixed Woodland Ecozone and 460+ Species of Birds. State of the art Landrovers, with comfortable individual seats, transport you through 8,000 hectares of undisturbed traversing.
• A Lodge and Nature Reserve with antelope and indigenous trees in Sandton, Johannesburg, near to the Cradle of Mankind World Heritage Site.
• Exclusive, traditional luxury lodges offer an intimate and affordable experience, whilst still retaining the Spirit of Africa.
• Exquisite wine cellars for tastings and private dinners.
• Welcoming deep sofas on spacious decks surrounded by leadwood animal sculptures and paintings of African wildlife scenes.
• Superb cuisine prepared by our award winning chefs.
• Professional and friendly staff.
• The highest rated eco-friendly lodges in South Africa
• Luxury 4 Star Accommodation, graded by the Tourism Grading Council of South Africa
• A safe destination, politically stable, free from terrorism and natural disasters. First world infrastructure and standards and excellent health care facilities.

Introduction

Ezulwini (Zulu for paradise) offers lodges of outstanding quality at very reasonable prices. Experience superb service and cuisine prepared by our award winning chefs in exceptional, panoramic, African settings. Indigenous African fauna and flora enhance your visit to this timeless continent. Each of our lodges has its own unique character and charm, and will provide you with an authentic, atmosphere-filled, African adventure. Relaxation comes easily when surrounded by the restful allure of nature in the highest ecologically rated lodges in South Africa. Even after your departure, our lodges will provide an anchoring place, a place where you can go in your mind.

Background, Facts And Figures

Ezulwini Game Lodges are owned by the Saad family, and are situated in the Private Balule Nature Reserve (approximately 40,000 hectares), part of the unfenced Greater Kruger National Park, which is an open conserved area of some 3,000,000 hectares or 30,000 km², an area larger than Switzerland, Israel or Wales. Ezulwini traverses approximately 7,500 hectares of this western central region.

• Ezulwini is home to the Big 7, (Lion, Leopard. Elephant, Buffalo, Rhino, Hippo and Crocodile) - approximately 150 mammal and 460 bird species occur - one of the best spots in South Africa for bird watching!
• Ezulwini Game Lodges are located in the mixed woodland eco-zone which is the eco-zone with the greatest variety of fauna and flora. Fine examples of trees (several ancient specimens), mountain bushveld, grass and bush savannah may be seen.
• The biodiversity of the region is extensive, supporting more than 2 000 plant species including over 380 recognized tree species, (this represents 50% of all trees found in Southern Africa). There are more than 235 different species of grass. This is a sweet-veld region supporting a high concentration and diversity of fauna.
• There are also 33 species of amphibians, 49 fish, and 114 reptiles occurring in the area.
• The topography is undulating, with seasonal rivers draining the area. The region is of granitic origin, with quartz and dolerite intrusions and outcrops.
• Riverine Forest - cutting across all the other eco-zones, there is a narrow band of evergreen vegetation, which needs a continuous water supply, i.e. reeds, sedge, water lilies, phreatophyte trees. This eco-zone harbours many birds in the trees and water and also supports hippo, crocodile, fish, turtles, and other amphibious and aquatic animals. The famous Olifants River which flows through Ezulwini is a fine example of this.
• Billy's Lodge is situated 400m above sea level and River Lodge 350m above sea level. Paradise Camp lies at an altitude of 500m., with one of the finest views of the vast Kruger Park Lowveld.
• Rainfall occurs in the summer months, the days are hot and the nights warm, with average daily maximum temperatures of 30ºC/86ºF, (can be as high as 45ºC/113ºF) in the shade. Winters are dry, the days are warm and the nights cold, with average daily minimum (night) temperatures of 8ºC/47ºF, (can be as low as 0ºC/32ºF). The average daily maximum temperature is 23ºC/73ºF in the winter.

Rates

Pricing

Rates

• Prices quoted are per person sharing a twin-bed chalet.
• Half-price for children under 12, sharing with adults.
• 25% surcharge for single occupancy of chalet.
• Regret no children under 6 years are accepted, unless by special arrangement
• Children must be accompanied by their parents at all times. Child care services are available.
• Rates include VAT
• Major credit cards are accepted
RATE INCLUDES

• Excellent cuisine prepared by our master chefs, using local and exotic recipes. Special meals can be prepared upon request.
• Twice daily open vehicle game viewing drives, accompanied by a professional field guide and tracker (excluding Paradise Camp) - more than six hours game viewing each day.
• Spotlight game drives at night (excluding Paradise Camp)
• Bush-walks through unspoiled African bush, learning about ecology and wildlife, accompanied by a professional field guide and tracker.
• Sparkling filtered swimming pool (excluding Paradise Camp)
• Breakfast, lunch and teas served on the deck overlooking the bush.
• Binoculars and viewing decks.
• Board games, video and book library.
• Dinner in the Boma, around a log fire, under a star studded African sky.
• Laundry facility (stay of two nights or longer).
• Business facilities (details available on request).
• Excitement, relaxation, and privacy
RATE EXCLUDES

• Purchases from the curio shop
• Drinks from a well stocked bar, also serving fine South African wines and lagers
• Telephone, fax and e-mail - Billy's Lodge Only
• Airport taxes and transfers, R55 conservation fee for Balule Nature Reserve (self-drive)
• Special Guided day trips to the adjoining world renowned Kruger National Park, Panorama Tour (Blyde River Canyon, Pilgrims Rest and surrounding places of interest), Tribal Village, Hot Air Balloon flights, Wildlife Rehabilitation Centres or play golf amongst the wild animals at the world famous Hans Merensky Country Club.