Ezulwini River Lodge is situated in the Big 5 Balule Nature Reserve, which forms part of the Greater Kruger National Park. The magnificent Olifants River flows through the northern area of the reserve, and it is here in the riverine forest where this luxury lodge is located.
The reserve offers a wide diversity of habitats - from open savannah through mixed woodland and mountain bushveld, to the riverine forest - that not only is scenically appealing, but also hosts an exceptionally broad range of wildlife, including lion, elephant, leopard, rhino, buffalo, hippo, crocodile, as well as giraffe, zebra and all the other plains game, and approximately 460 species of birds.
Highly skilled rangers will let 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.
Ezulwini River Lodge has an exquisite entertainment area comprising a lounge, bar and swimming pool, all under a large thatched roof. The enormous wooden dining deck looks out over the Olifants River, and there is also an elevated thatched viewing deck overlooking the bush.
There are 7 en-suite thatched chalets, with fans and air-conditioning. The rooms, which were built in the 1940s, have been beautifully restored and furnished with antiques from that period.
Rates Include
Twice daily open vehicle shared game viewing drives, accompanied by a professional field guide and tracker; spotlight game drives at night; bush walks; all meals; and a laundry facility (for stays of 2 nights or longer) are included. PLEASE NOTE: Drinks are NOT 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.
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).
Travel straight down the Olifants Road for approximately 10 km until you see the sign for Ezulwini River Lodge (about 1.5 km after the Pondoro sign). Turn left onto the River Lodge road. You will travel roughly 8 km following the markers. Please note that it is under an hours drive from the main Balule Gate to River 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.
General Information For Guests
All rooms have insect-proof window screens, mosquito nets, overhead fans, silent air-conditioners, mini-bar, and tea/coffee making facilities.
Satellite TV is available.
Major credit cards are accepted.
Guests can also book various relaxing massage therapies - please enquire upon arrival.
We had the most amazing trip to South Africa and it completely changed our impression and stereotypes of the country.
We enjoyed ourselves tremendously at Ezulwini River Lodge. Thanks for the recommendation, it was personally the highlight of our trip. We had the entire lodge to ourselves, and of course the Land Rover too. We were most impressed by how the game trackers went out of their way to spot and look for animals during our short 2 day stay there. We will definitely recommend River Lodge to others.
Thanks for your efficient and fast response to everything too. We will definitely use Travel Butlers again if we do return.