Although Laurence Saad’s dream began much earlier, Ezulwini Game Lodges, within the Olifants West Nature Reserve, was established in 1984.

Born in 1955, in a small town outside Johannesburg, Laurence spent his growing-up years with parents Alick & Margaret, and older brother Billy.  The family would travel into the Kruger National Park on their annual family trips to spot iconic African wildlife.  The boys looked forward to these yearly trips.  They enjoyed them so much that they created a play-pretend routine to keep the safari going year-round.  Cindy, the family cat, played the lion, a hand-me-down tricycle replaced the Land Rover, and clippings from the neighbors’ hedges served as characteristic Kruger foliage.

Laurence and wife Tess carried on the tradition and continued to holiday in the Kruger Park.  They had a common dream of one day owning their piece of it.  The Saad’s eventually bought their parcel of land in the rural Lowveld region.  Unfortunately, this parcel, like many others, had been utilized for hunting in previous years.  Most of the landholdings were fenced off and overgrazed.  The wildlife which once freely roamed the area was inevitably blocked in.  The Saad family, however, had a different vision for stewardship of their new land. 

A Paradise Gained

His dream within reach, Laurence convened the first “reserve” meeting at the old Billy’s Lodge braai area. He named the reserve after the indigenous name of the river (Balule) that flows through Olifants West and chose the “buffalo” as its logo (his favorite animal as well as the impetus for him to start the reserve). Joining forces with other conservation-minded landowners in the area, they established the Balule Nature Reserve.  In addition, they removed fences, implemented sustainable land management strategies, and re-established migration routes. Over time, the Olifants West Nature Reserve’s rich biodiversity was restored and its diverse wildlife returned to the area.  Noting its thriving environment, South African authorities formally incorporated the reserve into the Greater Kruger National Park in 2005.

More recently, the OWNR became an independent private nature reserve, ceding ties with the Balule, in order to maintain its aims & philosophies.  Ezulwini Game Lodges now sits on 7,500 hectares (or approx. 18,533 acres) of diverse, unhindered land, which not only boasts the Big 7 but has one of the highest densities of wildlife in the region.  Ezulwini was aptly named the Zulu word for ‘Place of Paradise.’ A Family Legacy As a family-owned business, this played an important part in the Saad legacy and as such, Billy’s Lodge, originally the main camp, was renamed after Billy’s passing in 1998.  Thereafter, River Lodge was purchased in 2002 in the hopes of expanding the Ezulwini ethos to preserve and protect the environment & its natural resources. Equally important, Laurence & Tess’s daughter Lauren, along with her husband Giles, now oversees the day-to-day operation of both lodges.  Not only are they dedicated to the success of the lodges, but they are passionate about conservation & sustainability. Lauren & Giles also love sharing their wealth of knowledge of the bush with their own daughter Bella.  Perhaps one day she too will take over the reigns, and hopefully follow in her family’s footsteps.“I find religion in the miracle of nature: raindrops falling on a pool of water, the way branches bow and leaves hang, the delicate curve of a blade of grass, the gracefulness of a bird in flight.  Look all around you and see religion in the trees and flowers, in the combination of colors, in the birth of animals and blossoms in the Spring, all fashioned by our Creator, the Great Architect.  I worship daily in this church of nature, where I find God everywhere I look.” – Billy Saad

Ezulwini (Zulu for paradise) offers beautiful luxury safari lodges of outstanding quality at very reasonable prices.  Experience superb service and traditional cuisine in exceptional, panoramic, African settings either overlooking vast open plains or the mighty Olifants River.  Indigenous African fauna and flora enhance your visit to this timeless continent.  Each of our lodges has its own unique character and charm, providing you with an authentic, atmosphere-filled, African adventure.  Our friendly and attentive staff ensure your stay with us is enjoyable and memorable. Relaxation comes easily when surrounded by the restful allure of unspoilt nature in our ecologically oriented lodges. Here the emphasis is on warm hospitality, familiarity, and attention to detail.  Be enthralled by the unexpected around every corner of the African bush and dazzled by its millions of stars overhead; creating enduring memories.

You may have arrived as guests but you will leave as family.

Our Luxury Safari Lodges

Ezulwini Billy’s Lodge

Located on the banks of a seasonal river and flood plain, this private safari lodge features unparalleled views of plains game, and gorgeous Knobthorns, Leadwoods and Marula trees indigenous to the western savannah region of Ezulwini.

Ezulwini River Lodge

This intimate safari lodge is located in a lush Riverine Forest, on the banks of the mighty Olifants River. This region is home to hippos, crocodiles, elephants and other massive Riverine trees. River Lodge is the perfect venue for any avid bird watcher.

Included In Our Chalets & Ultra-Luxury Suites

Our Standard Chalets Include:

220V, 50Hz electrical supply, plus bedside USB ports and European plug point, Potable & filtered drinking water,  Bar fridge (stocked to guests preference upon check-in) plus tea & coffee station, Hairdryer & refillable bathroom amenities (shampoo/conditioner, body wash & lotion), Elegant mosquito nets (available for sofa beds upon request), Overhead fans & air-conditioners, Private deck/patio with views of the African bush (with exception of Ndlovu – poolside view),  Wireless Internet.

Our Ultra-Luxury Suites Include:

220V, 50Hz electrical supply, plus bedside USB ports and European plug point,  Potable & filtered drinking water,  Bar fridge (stocked to guests preference upon check-in) plus tea & coffee station, Complimentary Sherry,  Hairdryer & refillable bathroom amenities (shampoo/conditioner, body wash & lotion), Refillable bathroom amenities (shampoo/conditioner, body wash & lotion) plus baths salts & bubble bath for soaker tub, Quality bathrobes for your use during your stay with us,  Elegant mosquito nets (available for sofa beds upon request), Overhead fans & air-conditioners, Private deck/patio with chairs, swings and/or loungers with views of the African plains, Private plunge pools and outdoor/indoor showers, Wireless Internet

Welcome To Ezulwini River Lodge

Ezulwini River Lodge is situated in a lush Riverine Forest, on the banks of the mighty Olifants River, home to hippos, crocodiles, elephants, primates and the perfect venue for any avid bird watcher.

This intimate lodge incorporates organic African architecture and materials in its many entertainment areas that include an indoor bar & lounge plus a cozy dining room with a newly added tasting room for our wine enthusiasts.  Additionally, a beautiful outdoor lounge & swimming pool under a thatched roof  beckons those of our guests who enjoy being surrounded by nature to just laze about & rejuvenate.

For the more adventurous, guests may also explore our lodge grounds via an elevated sky walk & expansive sky deck set within riverine vegetation, overlooking the mighty Olifants River.  What’s more, a thatched tower offers views of the open plains and the chance to watch antelope graze & baboons forage.  Lastly, ideally situated less than 2kms from the main lodge, is Paradise Camp, an elevated open-air platform affords guests a phenomenal 360 degree views of the Greater Kruger National Park.

At Ezulwini Game Lodges, our hospitable and outgoing staff will ensure your stay at River Lodge is enjoyable and memorable.  Ezulwini prides itself on being able to offer an exceptional African setting, indigenous fauna and flora as well as unique character and charm, to provide you with an authentic African experience.  Authentic cuisine by our talented chefs coupled with skilled & knowledgeable guides will enhance your safari experience and leave you with lasting memories.

There are many room types to choose from at Ezulwini River Lodge.  On offer are 4 stunning ultra-luxury suites, including the Matumi Honeymoon Suite, with plunge pools & river views, as well as one family room with private pool.  Moreover, four well-appointed standard chalets afford guests a more budget friendly alternative.  As well, extra patrons can be accommodated on sleeper couches in both the suites and chalets, however please enquire on availability and additional rates.  Lastly, please note that our rooms & suites can only lodge 3 adults and/or 2 adults & 2 children.

Our Standard Chalets Include:

220V, 50Hz electrical supply, plus bedside USB ports and European plug point. Potable & filtered drinking water.  Bar fridge (stocked to guests preference upon check-in) plus tea & coffee station. Hairdryer & refillable bathroom amenities (shampoo/conditioner, body wash & lotion).  Elegant mosquito nets (available for sofa beds upon request). Overhead fans & air-conditioners.  Private deck/patio with views of the African bush. Wireless Internet

Our Ultra-Luxury Suites & Family Room Include:

220V, 50Hz electrical supply, plus bedside USB ports and European plug point.  Potable & filtered drinking water.  Bar fridge (stocked to guests preference upon check-in) plus tea & coffee station.  Complimentary Sherry. Hairdryer & refillable bathroom amenities (shampoo/conditioner, body wash & lotion). Refillable bathroom amenities (shampoo/conditioner, body wash & lotion) plus baths salts & bubble bath for soaker tub. Quality bathrobes for your use during your stay with us.  Elegant mosquito nets (available for sofa beds upon request). Overhead fans & air-conditioners.  Private deck/patio with chairs, and/or swings and pool loungers with views of the Olifants River and/or riverine vegetation.  Private plunge pools and outdoor/indoor showers (please note there is no outdoor shower in the Family Room).  Wireless Internet

CONSERVATION LEVIES

Balule Nature Reserve Entrance Fee of R90 per vehicle and R220 per

person per stay or if departing and re-entering the reserve for day

excursions etc each time, payable in cash or credit card (MasterCard

and Visa only) payable direct at the Olifants West Gate.

Includes

• Accommodation, all meals, house wines, South African beers,
• mineral water, sodas/soft drinks, morning and afternoon/
• evening game drives, wireless internet, wine tasting in the
• cellar, complimentary transfers between Ezulwini River Lodge
• and Ezulwini Billy’s Lodge when staying at both lodges

EXCLUDES

Any imported or premium wines (including Champagne),

imported beers, spirits or cocktails, airport and other

transfers, curio shop purchases, massage or laundry services,

Balule Nature Reserve Entrance Fee of R90 per vehicle and

R220 per person per stay or if departing and re-entering the

reserve for day excursions etc each time , staff gratuities, all

items of a personal nature, any item not described above.

TRANSFERS

Ezulwini Billy’s Lodge R300 per person each way – this is from/to the Olifants West Gate, Balule Nature Reserve for guests using the ORTambo Shuttle. Ezulwini River Lodge R320 per person each way – this is from/to the Olifants West Gate, Balule Nature Reserve for guests using the ORTambo Shuttle. Rates are quoted in South African Rands. Rates are subject to change without prior notice. Rates include government taxes where applicable. If taxes increase, we reserve the right to increase the rate accordingly. We reserve the right to review rates at any given point without notice. Conservation levies and Gate Fees are subject to change without prior notice in the event of the Private Nature Reserves amending or adding levies due to budgetary needs