Ezulwini River Lodge

River Lodge is situated in the Big 5 Balule Nature Reserve (named after the local RemBalule tribe's name for the Olifants River), 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 Olifants 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.

You will stop in this wilderness of absolute beauty to experience an intimately romantic, uniquely African ambiance as you enjoy a sundowner with spectacular views of a glowing red sunset over the Drakensberg Mountains. Continue the night drive under a canopy of sparkling stars, with powerful spotlights probing the dark for the secretive nocturnal creatures.

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 luxury 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.

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