Ezulwini Game Lodges

Ezulwini Game Lodges are situated in the centre of the Greater Kruger National Park, Balule Nature Reserve section, which is approximately 17 kilometres from Hoedspruit making it easily accessible from both Hoedspruit and Phalaborwa. It is approximately 5 hours drive from Johannesburg. We are situated in a very low risk malaria area and have never had a case of malaria at our lodges.

Ezulwini, the Zulu word for `Place of Paradise`, where Africa remains unspoiled. The emphasis at our Lodges is on friendliness and informality. Our rangers are well trained and our lodges have private chefs to ensure your stay is even more memorable. Ezulwini prides itself on being able to offer an exceptional African setting, indigenous fauna and flora as well as unique character and charm, to provide you with an authentic, African experience. All lodge rooms have new silent climate control air conditioning and heating facilities, mini bars and elegant mosquito nets. Please note that check-in time is 14:00 and check-out time is 11:00. Please make prior arrangements should you require alternate times.

Ezulwini Billy’s Lodge nestles deep in the heart of lion country and is surrounded by magnificent Knobthorn, Leadwood and Marula trees. This small haven perches on the banks of a seasonal river, surrounded by an abundance of large indigenous trees. The lodge features ample lounge areas, dining rooms and decks, sumptuous leather armchairs and exquisite Leadwood sculptures. Billy`s Lodge also boasts one of the finest wine cellars in southern Africa, set against the natural rock face and resembling an ancient Bushman cave. It is the place to be if you are a wine connoisseur. This charming intimate exclusive lodge has 2 twin bedded chalets with en suite bathrooms and our brand-new ultra luxury suites available at an introductory rate of R3,300.00 per person per night sharing. The suites have their own lounge area, private deck and plunge pool, indoor and outdoor shower and super King-Size beds. Tranquility and exclusivity are guaranteed.

Facilities also include a curio shop, swimming pool, thatched lapa, open air reeded boma, formal dining room, bar and entertainment area with small library and a choice of three decks on which to relax, one of which is accessed by our skywalk, which is 10 metres above ground level and winds through the tree tops.

At Ezulwini River Lodge the camp is on the river frontage of the famous Olifants River, largest of the Lowveld rivers, with large riverine trees and wonderful sightings of elephant, hippo and crocodile. The majestic Olifants River is the perfect backdrop to this fabulous lodge. Two of the largest trees in South Africa are to be found in the riverine forest near the lodge. A Sycamore Fig (Ficus Sycamorus) with a diameter of over five metres and a Leadwood (Combretum Imberbe) with a two metre plus diameter. River Lodge is the premier entertainment lodge comprising an open air lounge, bar and perfect swimming pool, all under a large thatched complex. Relax on the couches on one of two elevated thatched viewing decks overlooking the river or a game viewing deck set high above a massive dam frequented by elephant. River Lodge offers 6 standard rooms as well as the Spelati Family Room – sleeping 14 guests in total. The Spelati Suite has a lounge area, an outdoor bathroom and private deck, in addition to a king sized bed.

Activities:

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After having a wonderful breakfast on the deck you can plan your day. You could go on a game drive, a ranger-guided walk through the bush or just laze by the pool for a while.

Relax in a cozy lounge with a selection of wildlife books and videos, or cool off in the pool in summer, before heading out for the evening game drive in the Land Rovers.

The day typically begins with an early morning game drive, in search of Africa's exciting fauna, followed by a sumptuous breakfast on the deck. You can then go on a ranger-guided walk through the bush and learn about game tracks and all of the little creatures.

Discover how the local people use trees to make toothbrushes and toothpaste, tea and coffee, poultices, etc. Alternatively relax on a cosy leather couch, enjoying the animals at the water, and the ever present bird life in one of the top birding areas in South Africa.

A wine tasting in our amazing cellar is followed by a Boma barbeque.

How to get there:

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See Map
By Road:
From Johannesburg less than 500 km to Ezulwini.
Travel from Johannesburg on the Witbank Highway – turn off at Belfast and go towards Dullstroom - Lydenburg – follow the R36 to Ohrigstad, go through the Strydom Tunnel and take the R 527 to Hoedspruit. Turn left onto the R 40 Phalaborwa / Mica road.

At approximately 17 kilometres from Hoedspruit, look for the Ezulwini Game Lodges sign, turn right into the Balule Nature Reserve, through a thatched entrance, sign in at the gate. Continue 3km straight along Olifants Road, and turn left at the Ezulwini marker. Please follow the road until you reach Billy's Lodge. All transfers to River Lodge will be conducted from Billy's Lodge.

By Air
S A Airlink has daily flights from Johannesburg International Airport to the Eastgate or Kruger Park Gateway Airport, where we will meet you on arrival. There are also direct flights from Cape Town International Airport. Flying time is approximately 1 Hour from Johannesburg and 3 hours from Cape Town.
Helicopter transfers to the lodge via the scenic Blyde River Canyon may be arranged upon request.

Health & Climate:

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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.