Balule Private Nature Reserve

Hunting atrocities at Balule

Please be aware that Balule not only offers hunting, but has been involved in a number of controversies, including the killing of a young elephant by two (apparently drunk) tourists - 13 shots, 15 minutes of crying torture for the animal:

https://conservationaction.co.za/media-articles/young-balule-elephant-shot-13-times-before-horrified-visitors/
https://africageographic.com/stories/illegal-collared-elephant-hunt-greater-kruger-warden-convicted/
https://twnews.us/us-news/this-l-a-hunter-killed-an-elephant-now-he-s-a-peta-target-in-bid-to-end-trophy-hunting

It was the best trip ever !!!!

I was traveling solo from Mexico and I book for Balule Private Game Reserve and Ilana was so nice with me sending all info via what’s she is so nice, she have me all tips i needed for the safari, thanks so much! Balule game reserve is an amazing place to stay, all the staff is amazing humans with so much knowledge about their gob and make me feel safe and at home ! Miss you guy ! Food was delicious, the tent was incredible and the bed was amazing, I felt so connected to nature and animales, it was one of the top moments in my life thanks to you !!!
Georgina from Mexico

Luxury among the Widerness

We stayed at the Pondoro Game Lodge in Balule Nature Reserve for a couple of days - and we can absolutely recommend it.

A typical day at Pondoro used to start at 6 am in the morning with the morning safari drive. Safaris were on a open jeep with a guide / driver and a tracker. Our guide and tracker (Rulani and Andries) were absolutely wonderful. Rulani always gave us a brief description of the animals we sighted - which was very helpful for us city people. Both were very friendly and absolutely motivated to provide us the best safari experience. We still remember the time when Andries went out on foot in search of lions, and after half an hour we saw a family of lions heading our way with Andries following them calmly with a stick in hand. We managed to see not only the Big 5, but also zebras, giraffes, hippos, etc.

Robbie and Lize maintain the lodge as a family home and you are always made to feel very welcome. Returning from the morning safari (around 9 am), there is a luscious breakfast waiting for you. It is indeed an exhilarating experience having breakfast out in the open, with the sound of a stream flowing nearby, where different animals often drop by for a drink. After breakfast, you are free to relax, roam around a bit and explore. The cottages are beautifully designed with modern amenities such as air conditioners, fully equipped bathrooms; and a bit of wilderness such as showers and a jacuzzi out in the open. So you might be taking a shower when an elephant decides to drop by for a visit :)

For a more detailed review, please refer to our blog: http://travel-pics-tips.blogspot.ch/2015/08/south-african-wilderness.html

Your own private Kruger Park!

We stayed for 3 nights and did one gamedrive. The setting of Amukela lodge is very nice, and good value for money. Meals were good, atmosphere relaxed and personal. The waterholes were visited by impala, jackal, vervet monkeys, civet, elephants (2 big ones) and in the evening we heard the lions! Owner/managed with friendly and helpful staff.

So peaceful and serene. We saw plenty of animals in a short space of time. Really excited to be there.

Disappointing

Very dry landscape, very little wildlife. Some lions, leopards and wild dogs. Almost no herbivores. I do not recommend reserving at the end of the dry season for this reason.

Amazing lion sightings (very cloes to the car!), we saw pride of lions a couple of times. Lots of rhinos (we saw 6 of them in one day!!), in general great safari destination,

So much fun!!!

We got lucky as the reserve was not crowded and the guides both funny and competent

Because it was small we were able to see so many animals and the guides alerted others so that everyone could have a chance to see them. We also went on a bush walk and saw loads of hippo. And on the bush braii a hyena sat by the fire. Fabulous thank you