Locality The original 198-year lease over 11 000 hectares of untouched wilderness has now been extended to close on 16,000 ha for the creation of a Big 5 Game Reserve incorporating the northernmost portion of Lake Jozini and bordered to the east by the towering Lubombo Mountains. Five hours drive from Gauteng and three from Durban, Royal Jozini is conveniently accessible to its primary markets. It is also within easy reach of Maputo, Richard's Bay, Ponta do Ouro, Mkuzi, the Elephant Coast and is under an hour’s drive from Swaziland’s new Sikhuphe International Airport which is due to open in 2010. The Big 6 Not only will Royal Jozini be home to the Big 5 (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and rhino), the sixth element of the reserve comes in the form of the fearsome Tiger Fish! Lake Jozini is the southernmost point in Africa where these freshwater fighting fish occur naturally. The first game animals, including a substantial donation of game from the South African Government, will be introduced in the second half of 2008. Our architectural team has taken a dynamic approach in creating a range of modularised lodge designs that can be simply, yet effectively, tailored to meet your individual requirements and the specific features of each site. 'The overruling intention is to respond to the site in such a way that the built form and natural environment blend as one – working with nature rather than against it'. The design of each lodge will be influenced by its surroundings and colour palettes and materials will be naturally influenced, taken from the elements. Wooden walkways shaded by the forest, large viewing decks and rim-flow pools offering respite from the heat of the day and, at evening, allowing for quiet contemplation while still entertaining the soul with Royal Jozini’s magnificent scenery. The concept incorporates a central living and entertainment area harmoniously positioned on the site to minimise environmental impact while maximising the views and linked to each freestanding bedroom or suite by a series of wooden walkways weaving through the trees. Lodge sizes vary from 150m² to a decadent 600m². The maximum number of bedrooms per lodge is limited to five (10 beds). The built spaces making up each lodge will be separated will be connected loosely with covered decks and lofted walkways. Once the individual components of the design have been determined they will be weaved together with unobtrusive walkways and decks to achieve a final layout that best reflects the natural surround. Each component of the structure will be designed and connected in such a manner that the natural characteristics of the bush are carried through into the building.