Balule Private Nature Reserve
Overview
South Africa Parks
Philip lives in South Africa and has authored many guidebooks to African destinations, including the Rough Guide to Game Parks of South Africa.
A patchwork of private properties that combined into one nature reserve in the 1990s, Balule now shares an open border with the world-renowned Kruger National Park and is part of the same ecosystem. All major safari animals are present, and game drives are conducted in open safari-vehicles, which can go off-road to get the best possible experience.
Pros & Cons
Wildlife
Balule offers an authentic wildlife experience. All safari animals are present and are able to wander between the property and neighboring Kruger. A large concentration of giraffe, waterbuck and wildebeest attracts predators in great numbers. Large herds of buffalo and elephant often roam the area.
Scenery
The main habitats in the parks are savannah woodland and grassland. Scenic highlights are the perennial Olifants River, which runs through the center of the park, and the Drakensberg escarpment, which forms a dramatic background.
Weather & Climate
In Balule, summer is from October to April – these months are characterized by rain, humidity and heat. Winter, on the other hand, between May and September, tends to be pleasant with milder conditions and little rainfall. At this time of year, the mercury drops at night, so you may need an extra blanket on your bed.
Best Time to Visit
Wildlife watching is at its best in Balule throughout the Dry season (May to September) with conditions peaking in September, as the days warm up. This is also the low season for tourism, except during school holidays when many locals head to the parks. Vegetation is green and lush in the Wet season (from October to April), but this makes spotting animals more difficult.
Want to Visit Balule NR?
Safari Tours to Balule NR
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![6-Day Tremisana/Tent Kruger Park Safari]()
6-Day Tremisana/Tent Kruger Park Safari
$791 to $816 pp (USD)
South Africa: Shared tour (max 9 people per vehicle)
Mid-range LodgeYou Visit: Johannesburg (Start), Balule NR (Greater Kruger), Olifants River, Kruger NP, Moholoholo (Wildlife Sanctuary), Blyde River Canyon (Panorama Route), Johannesburg (End)
Viva Safaris
5.0/5 – 148 Reviews
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![4-Day Safari to Kruger Park & Private Safari Lodge]()
4-Day Safari to Kruger Park & Private Safari Lodge
$1,007 to $1,112 pp (USD)
South Africa: Shared tour (max 6 people per vehicle)
Mid-range Lodge & BungalowYou Visit: Johannesburg (Start), Kruger NP, Balule NR (Greater Kruger), Johannesburg (End)
Wildlife Safaris
4.9/5 – 200 Reviews
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4-Day Kruger Park Treehouse Safari
$741 to $816 pp (USD)
South Africa: Shared tour (max 8 people per vehicle)
Mid-range LodgeYou Visit: Johannesburg (Start), Balule NR (Greater Kruger), Greater Kruger, Johannesburg (End)
MoAfrika Tours
5.0/5 – 88 Reviews
