Aims & Philosophies

To purchase land for conservation and to assist in the preservation of endangered and exceptional habitats. (Balule was in fact started by Laurence Saad of Ezulwini. He was the founder member, who convened the first meeting and named the reserve).

To promote eco-tourism, uplift the local population and the sustainable utilization of local products, so as to benefit the environment and all of the people dependent on it.

To preserve the cultural heritage of the local people.

To practice environmentally friendly policies.

To conduct Environmental Impact Assessments, before embarking on any project.

To adopt a policy of non-interference with nature (consider the disastrous results of culling, burning of the Savannah and fencing in areas, as was done in the past).

To interfere with nature only to restore the status quo before man's intervention (restoring biological diversity and reversing extirpation, by introduction of game which previously occurred; prevention of man-made erosion; removal of exotic plants; restoration of seep lines.) The more natural the system, the better it works (ask your ranger to explain the interdependent relationship between knobthorn trees and giraffe, or the symbiotic relationship between fig trees and wasps!).

Elephants enjoying the dam

Paradise Whydah

To live in harmony with nature and the planet's natural evolutionary pace, minimizing our impact on the environment. To limit ourselves to the sustainable utilization of the earth's resources, so as not to deplete or damage the resource, but only harvesting the yield, (e.g. fire-wood, water, fish, and game.) Waste should be classified according to degradable (which should be used for compost) and non-degradable (which should be recycled).

To coexist with and consider your fellow man (e.g. noise, trespassing and littering can cause serious disturbance to your neighbours.)

10.

To engender a spirit of cooperation, so that the objectives of Balule, in the expanding and smooth running of the reserve, are attained.

DREAM DESTINATIONS

Ezulwini is one of only two members of the elite "Dream Destinations" of Balule.

Stringent criteria of club membership:

1. Must be established for more than 10 years, with a proven conservation record.

2. Own and conserve Olifants River frontage.

3. Land size must owned must exceed 1,000 acres.

4. Traversing area must exceed 10,000 acres.

5. Must have a social responsibility programme.

6. There must be one ultra luxury lodge.

7. The lodge must adhere to very strict environmental and professional criteria