Balule Nature Reserve is a part of the Kruger National Park biosphere (an open conserved area of some 7,000,000 acres or 23,000 km²), alongside the Olifants River. It is in the mixed woodland ecozone, one of several ecozones in the lowveld, the ecozone with the greatest variety of fauna and flora. The topography is undulating, with seasonal rivers draining the area. The region is of granitic origin, with quartz and dolerite intrusions and outcrops. The main camp is situated 410m above sea level. There is an abundant bird life in the various indigenous trees, wild animals like wildebeest, warthogs, and zebra that come close to and some times venture into the camp. At various water holes situated one can experience close proximity Elephant, Lion, Buffalo, Leopard and other game species as they come to quench their thirst. The biodiversity of the lowveld region is staggering, supporting more than 2,000 plant species including over 380 recognized tree species, of which 200 attain tree size in the area (50% of all trees found in Southern Africa). There are more than 235 different species of grass, approximately 150 mammal and 500 bird species. There are also 33 species of amphibians, 49 fish, and 114 reptiles occurring in the area. Riverine vegetation - Cutting across all the other ecozones, there is a narrow band of evergreen vegetation, which needs a continuous water supply all year round, i.e. reeds, sedge, water lilies, phreatophyte trees. This ecozone harbours many birds in the trees and water and also supports hippo, crocodile, fish, turtles, and other amphibious and aquatic animals.