Background Facts and Figures
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BACKGROUND, FACTS AND FIGURES:
Ezulwini Game Lodges are owned by the Saad family, and are situated in the Private Balule Nature Reserve (approximately 40,000 hectares), part of the unfenced Greater Kruger National Park, which is an open conserved area of some 3,000,000 hectares or 30,000 km², an area larger than Switzerland, Israel or Wales. Ezulwini traverses approximately 7,500 hectares of this western central region.
Ezulwini is home to the Big 7, (Lion, Leopard. Elephant, Buffalo, Rhino, Hippo and Crocodile) - approximately 150 mammal and 460 bird species occur - one of the best spots in South Africa for bird watching!
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Ezulwini Game Lodges are located in the mixed woodland eco-zone which is the eco-zone with the greatest variety of fauna and flora. Fine examples of trees (several ancient specimens), mountain bushveld, grass and bush savannah may be seen.
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The biodiversity of the region is extensive, supporting more than 2 000 plant species including over 380 recognized tree species, (this represents 50% of all trees found in Southern Africa). There are more than 235 different species of grass. This is a sweet-veld region supporting a high concentration and diversity of fauna.
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There are also 33 species of amphibians, 49 fish, and 114 reptiles occurring in the area.
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The topography is undulating, with seasonal rivers draining the area. The region is of granitic origin, with quartz and dolerite intrusions and outcrops.
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Riverine Forest - cutting across all the other eco-zones, there is a narrow band of evergreen vegetation, which needs a continuous water supply, i.e. reeds, sedge, water lilies, phreatophyte trees. This eco-zone harbours many birds in the trees and water and also supports hippo, crocodile, fish, turtles, and other amphibious and aquatic animals. The famous Olifants River which flows through Ezulwini is a fine example of this.
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Billy's Lodge is situated 400m above sea level and River Lodge 350m above sea level. Paradise Camp lies at an altitude of 500m., with one of the finest views of the vast Kruger Park Lowveld.
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Rainfall occurs in the summer months, the days are hot and the nights warm, with average daily maximum temperatures of 30ºC/86ºF, (can be as high as 45ºC/113ºF) in the shade. Winters are dry, the days are warm and the nights cold, with average daily minimum (night) temperatures of 8ºC/47ºF, (can be as low as 0ºC/32ºF). The average daily maximum temperature is 23ºC/73ºF in the winter.