Ezulwini Billy's Lodge

Ezulwini Billy's Lodge is situated in the Big 5 Balule Nature Reserve which forms part of the Greater Kruger National Park. This small safari game lodge offers an exclusive intimate bush experience for all nature lovers and is perched on the banks of a seasonal river, which during the rainy season when the river is flowing brings herds of grazing animals and their predatory counterparts right to the vicinity of the lodge.

The reserve offers a wide diversity of habitats - from open savannah through mixed woodland and mountain bushveld to the Olifants riverine forest - and hosts an exceptionally broad range of wildlife, including lion, elephant, leopard, rhino, buffalo, hippo and crocodile, as well as giraffe, zebra, other plains game and approximately 460 species of birds.

Highly skilled rangers will help you experience the excitement of a walk through the African bush, tracking animals, identifying trees and birds, or they will drive you through 8,000 hectares of prime game area, with undisturbed traversing, in state-of-the-art open Land Rovers.

Accommodating only 12 guests at most, the lodge accommodation consists of 3 Superior Suites with private plunge pools and an open air shower, and 3 Luxury Chalets with a small private deck offering unadulterated views of the surrounding bushveld. The suites are linked by boardwalks lit by lanterns in the evening.

The main lodge has thatched roofs, creating an element of space and opulence throughout the area. There is a wine cellar is built into the natural rocks under the main deck and a swimming pool surrounded by trees. Lazy afternoons can be spent at the lookout deck watching game at the waterhole.

Meals are served in the boma around a dancing fire, in a cosy African-inspired dining room, or outside on the deck. Sounds of the nightlife fill the air and lull you to sleep in the comfort of your safari suite before an early morning wake up call signifies the start of an exciting day in the South African bush. The

Rates Include

Full breakfast, light lunch, and a 3 course dinner; tea/coffee; complimentary house wines in the Billy's Lodge wine cellar; bottled water; morning and afternoon/evening game drives; and Wi-Fi are included. IN ADDITION: For self-drive visitors, there is a R265 per person and a R110 per vehicle entrance fee, payable in cash or card at the entrance gate (subject to change).

Children Policy

Children of any age are welcome. Rates available on request. Child care services are available.

Guest Rating: 4.5 / 5.0 based on 6 ratings

Directions For Drivers

From Hazyview: Follow the R40 towards Klaserie and Hoedspruit. After approximately 17 km after Hoedspruit, look for the thatched gate on the right hand side of the road which is the entrance to the Balule Nature Reserve - Olifants West Gate, and sign in at the gate. For self-drive visitors, there is a R265 per person Conservation Fee and a R110 per vehicle entrance fee, payable in cash at the entrance gate (subject to change).

Continue 3 km straight along Olifants Road, and turn left at Sable Road, continue for another 1.5 kilometres and turn right at the Ezulwini sign just before the seasonal river. Follow the road to the lodge.

Do not get out of your car until you reach the lodge. You may see some wildlife on your way - if you do, slow down and maintain a good distance. Do not drive off-road in any circumstances.

From Eastgate/Hoedspruit Airport: From the airport, turn right out of the airport and then turn right onto the R40 towards Hoedspruit, and follow the directions as above.

From Johannesburg/Pretoria: Take the N12 or N4 highway to Witbank/eMalahleni (from Johannesburg Airport, follow signs to Boksburg to find the N12). Follow the N4 highway past Middleburg (Toll Plaza), Belfast and Machadodorp (Toll Plaza). Follow the Schoemanskloof option on the N4 and then take the R36 to Lydenburg/Mashishing.

Follow the R36 to Ohrigstad, go through the Strydom Tunnel and take the R527 to Hoedspruit. Turn left onto the R40 Phalaborwa/Mica road, and continue along this road until you see the thatched gate on the right hand side of the road which is the entrance to the Balule Nature Reserve - Olifants West Gate. Follow the directions as above.

From Kruger National Park/Orpen Gate: Exit the Park, and continue along the R531. Turn right onto the R40, and follow the directions as above.

PLEASE NOTE : On some signposts/maps, Belfast MAY also be referred to eMakhazeni.

Popular Alternatives to Ezulwini Billy's Lodge

These are the top properties booked by people who considered staying at Ezulwini Billy's Lodge, but for one reason or another booked a different property. It may have been that Ezulwini Billy's Lodge was not available on the nights they wanted to stay, or they decided that somewhere else was better suited to their budget or itinerary.

If you're not sure which place might be best for your own trip then either give us a call or get in touch via the website, and we'd be delighted to run through the options with you.