Key Takeaways
- Wildlife in the Balule Private Nature Reserve
- Private plunge pool and air conditioning
- A bush holiday with delicious meals and wine
- Bird watching and safari drives are excellent
- The Balule is part of the Greater Kruger National Park
- One of the more luxury game lodges in the area
Lodge Information
- Lodge Type; Luxury Safari Lodge
- Location; Balule Nature Reserve, South Africa
- Lodge Size; 7 Safari Suites
- Recommended Stay; 3-5 nights
Experience The Magic Of The Balule Nature Reserve When Visiting Ezulwini River Lodge
With only seven luxury suites, the lodge ensures an intimate and personal encounter with nature's bounty. Each suite is a symphony of sophistication and comfort, bathing guests in a warm African ambience.
The safari experience is further enriched with distinct culinary offerings, where every meal celebrates local flavours paired with an exquisite selection of wines.
Set within the boundaries of the Balule Nature Reserve, River Lodge provides refuge to abundant wildlife. The reserve's unfenced border with the Kruger National Park allows for free movement of the "Big 5", granting guests an unmatched wildlife viewing experience. The lodge's unique location by the Olifants River ensures a fascinating variety of bird species, making it a haven for birdwatchers.
Whether you spend your days lounging by the pool, embarking on guided game drives, or simply observing the wildlife from your suite, staying at Ezulwini River Lodge is nothing short of a magical escape into the wild.
Ezulwini game lodges offers its sister lodge as an option should you desire; Ezulwini Billy's Lodge
Reserve Information
Balule Nature Reserve, located in the heart of South Africa's majestic Limpopo Province, forms part of the renowned Greater Kruger National Park.
Encompassing an impressive 40,000 hectares of unspoiled wilderness, the reserve is home to the iconic "Big Five" (lion, leopard, rhinoceros, elephant, and Cape buffalo). Balule is revered for its commitment to conservation and rich biodiversity, providing a protected habitat for many species.
Its diverse landscapes, ranging from dense woodland to open savannah, provide a unique and awe-inspiring safari experience.
Visitors to the reserve can expect an intimate yet thrilling encounter with wildlife set against the backdrop of stunning African scenery.
Rooms And Suites
Each room in Ezulwini River Lodge harmoniously blends traditional African aesthetics with modern comforts to create a unique lodging experience.
Traditional, thatched rondavels are tastefully furnished with twin or double beds, complete with mosquito nets for your peace of mind. Bedside tables and en-suite bathrooms, equipped with bath and shower, ensure that all one's needs are catered for.
Luxury suites take comfort to the next level. Each suite has a large wooden deck for you to soak in the views of the Great Olifants River and a plunge pool to cool off on hot days. The interiors are a masterclass in chic design, offering ample space with a lounge and coffee table. The en-suite bathrooms are opulent, with a bath and indoor and outdoor showers for a refreshing experience.
Cuisine And Wine
Ezulwini River Lodge offers an exquisite culinary journey, carefully curated to tantalise your palate. The dining experience is a delightful blend of traditional African cuisine and contemporary global flavours.
The chefs take great pride in using locally sourced ingredients to create gastronomic masterpieces that reflect South Africa's diverse food culture.
A well-stocked cellar boasts a world-class selection of wines to complement your meals. From robust reds and crisp whites to sparkling rosé, we have wines to suit every taste; each carefully selected to enhance the flavours of our gourmet cuisine.
The Ezulwini dining experience is not merely about food and wine but also celebrates South African culture and hospitality.
Lodge Facilities
Ezulwini River Lodge goes beyond the traditional lodge facilities to offer an enriched guest experience.
An extensive library of wildlife documentaries and travel journals is at your disposal, enhancing one's understanding and appreciation of the rich biodiversity surrounding you.
Nightly fireside gatherings enable guests to share their day's experiences under the star-lit African sky.
The lodge's emphasis on sustainable practices is evident in the organic vegetable garden, the produce of which features prominently in many of the gourmet meals.
Ezulwini River Lodge strives to provide an immersive, environmentally-conscious, and luxurious stay that meets the needs and expectations of all discerning guests.
There is WiFi available at River Lodge.
Safari Activities
At Ezulwini River Lodge, guests can immerse themselves in thrilling safari activities led by our knowledgeable and experienced guides. Morning and evening game drives offer an unparalleled opportunity to explore the rich biodiversity of the Balule Nature Reserve, home to the "Big 7" ("Big Five" + Wild Dog and Cheetah). These drives are meticulously planned to increase your chances of encountering these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat, providing unforgettable wildlife viewing experiences.
For birdwatchers, the Balule Reserve is a treasure trove of diverse bird species, offering a delightful spectacle.
Apart from game drives, adventurous guests can also opt for guided bush walks, an intimate way to connect with the African wilderness and learn about the smaller yet equally important aspects of the bush ecosystem.
Whether you are an experienced safari-goer or a first-time visitor, Ezulwini River Lodge promises a unique and enchanting safari experience that will leave you with lasting memories.
In Conclusion
Ezulwini River Lodge offers an exceptional blend of luxury and adventure in the heart of South Africa's wilderness.
From the comfort of uniquely designed rooms and suites to an unparalleled culinary experience, a stay at this lodge sets a new standard in opulent wildlife retreats. Ezulwini's commitment to conservation and sustainable practices complements its range of engaging safari activities, bringing guests closer to Africa's magnificent biodiversity.
Ezulwini River Lodge is more than just a holiday destination; it's an immersive journey into the heart of African wildlife, making each stay a cherished memory. Experience the magic of Balule Nature Reserve and connect with nature like never before.
Rates from R11 500.00 per person
- Ezulwini River Lodge Rates
- Per person per night sharing (pp)
- Rates are in South African Rands
- *Rates may vary according to season
- Accommodation
- Full breakfast, light lunch, and a three-course dinner
- Teas & coffees
- Morning and afternoon/ evening game drives
- Wireless internet
- Airport and other transfers
- Purchases from the cash bar
- Curio shop
- Balule Nature Reserve Entrance Fee
- Gratuities
- Items of a personal nature
Private Game Lodges Near Kruger National Park
A trip to Greater Kruger National Park in South Africa is an unparalleled experience, allowing visitors to observe some of the world's most spectacular wildlife in their natural habitat.
With access to exclusive areas of the park, luxurious accommodations, expert guides and personalised service, these private game lodges provide guests with a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to explore and enjoy the African wilderness.
Singita Sweni Lodge Review
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As one of South Africa’s premier safari lodges, Singita Sweni offers stunningly luxurious accommodations and an abundance of exciting wildlife sightings that will create memories to last a lifetime.
Greater Kruger Family Safari
"How many more sleeps?” this became our son's wake-up call as the days neared his first ‘safari’ to the Greater Kruger National Park.
James and I had decided to combine a bit of family time with a quick update of the 'family friendly safari lodges' in the greater Kruger area.
My 4 Day Kruger Adventure
My 4-Day Kruger Adventure was one of the highlights of my travelling; having not visited the area for such a long time, the Kruger National Park was stunning.
Leaving Cape Town and flying north to OR Tambo and then a 5-hour drive to the Kruger from where we stayed in parks board accommodation.