Average Expert Rating
Rating Breakdown
Write a User ReviewImportant Member of a Vast Unfenced Ecosystem
That said,
Read more
Balule is a less cohesive entity than most of the other reserves bordering Kruger, since it is divided up into around half a dozen smaller conservancies. Each of these is further subdivided into a mosaic of small properties, some less than 1km2/0.4mi2 in area. This is noticeable firstly in the number of artificial constructions (such as buildings, telephone lines, fences) that litter the countryside. Secondly, in the complex cross-traversing arrangements that limit where game drives from any given lodge can go. This quibble aside, lodges in Balule tend to be far cheaper than their counterparts in the likes of Sabi Sand and MalaMala. And the wildlife viewing is generally excellent, especially if you stay at a lodge whose traversing rights include part of the Olifants River.
Affordable Big Five Viewing
Balule shares an unfenced border with the world-renowned Kruger National Park, which is part of one of Africa’s largest ecosystems. For top-quality wildlife viewing in South Africa, you can’t beat the private reserves. They all offer similar packages, inclusive of accommodation in luxury bush lodges, excellent meals and guided game drives in open vehicles focused on the Big Five. It’s a great formula, but it comes at a steep price. Balule is one of the more affordable private game reserves. I wouldn’t say it’s on a par with better-known Sabi Sands, Timbavati and MalaMala, but it is a great alternative if you are budget-conscious. Balule is divided into a cluster of smaller properties offering each other traversing rights. I felt the reserve was quite busy with game drive vehicles and there was some pressure to leave sightings quickly to make room for other vehicles (the maximum number of vehicles on a sighting is three). Having said that, the game viewing is excellent, and we had good sightings of lions, buffalo, giraffes and wild dogs.