Sun Destinations

Located in the heart of the undiscovered Balule Nature Reserve lies the Ezulwini River Lodge and Billy’s Lodge. Home to an abundance of birdlife, the big five and an array of other wildlife; the Balule certainly sets the standard in terms of game viewing. Crocodiles dwell in the river and spend their days targetting plains game that flock to the banks of the Olifants River to replenish their thirst. Predators silently stalk unsuspecting prey in the thickets of vegetation surrounding the river and bloats of hippo can be heard from miles away. The Balule is where the circle of life unfolds !

Both Billy’s Lodge and River Lodge offer guests a much needed break from the daily grind of city life. Each lodge differs slightly in their location, architecture and decor but neither compromises on quality of game viewing.

Ezulwini Billy’s Lodge is ideally located on the banks of a seasonal river which draws numerous breeding herds of elephants to its banks. There is a resident mega-pride of lions that have made the territory around Billy’s Lodge their home. This private lodge incorporates natural elements in its architecture and rarely strays from the authentic natural feel of the African bush. There are four luxury suites complete with plunge pools, indoor and outdoor showers, personal lounge and dining area. Billy’s is by no means ostentatious but boasts many simple luxuries neccessary for the ultimate safari.

Set deep in the heart of the riverine forest and overlooking the mighty Olifants River, lies a secret paradise – Ezulwini River Lodge. This luxury lodge is a utopia for bird-lovers because of it’s diverse eco-system and contrasting vegetation types. There are four standard rooms and four luxury suites with private plunge pools, all with expansive views of the Balule. A massive entertainment area with a lounge, bar and swimming pool housed under a traditional thatched roof building provides the perfect hideaway for guests to relax.

Top 5 Reasons to Book a Safari at Ezulwini Game Lodges:

1. Wine Tasting in a Stone Cellar

Billy’s Lodge has a secret wine cellar stocked with a variety of wines, all of which have been handselected. The cellar is designed in such a way to resemble a cave. Lauren can arrange a wine pairing evening coupled with a casual talk about the history of the Balule Reserve.

2. The Elevated Wooden Skywalk

There is a wooden skywalk at Billy’s Lodge which leads from the main lodge and fans out into an expansive viewing deck area. The fairytale of a skywalk takes pride of place at the lodge and is the ideal viewing place to watch elephant herds trundle underneath the platform.

3. Elephants Drinking from the Pool

Nothing beats a “back to basics” experience when an elephant drinks from the private plunge pool on your deck while staying at River Lodge. Watching these gentle herbivores come up close to your suite is not something you see everyday. Game viewing from the comfort of your deck while cocooned in luxury – it doesn’t get any better than this!

4. Friendly Staff and Game Rangers

Flexible, accommodating, friendly and knowledgeable are all keywords used to describe the staff at both lodges. Their warmth contributes to the overall atmosphere of the Ezulwini Game Lodges.

Read our the Ezulwini TripAdvisor reviews and see what previous guests have to say.

5. Incredible Game Viewing

Plains game, predators, birdlife and large mammals – the Balule is teeming with activity. Elephant and buffalo herds clamber down to the riverbeds and waterholes in front of the lodges to smother themselves in mud. Hippos and crocs climb between land and water. Plains game litter the banks of the river and the Olifants West mega-pride of lions are seen on a regular basis while out on game drives. Game drives take place twice a day – in the morning and at night. This allows ample opportunity to enjoy sightings of diurnal and nocturnal creatures.